Marketing & Development Associate

Company Overview

DRAYTON ENTERTAINMENT DESCRIPTION               

Drayton Entertainment is a registered, not-for-profit charitable organization and one of Canada's most successful professional theatre companies. We present the finest in live theatre for all ages at seven unique venues across Ontario: the Drayton Festival Theatre in Drayton, Huron Country Playhouse (Mainstage and South Huron Stage) in Grand Bend, King's Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene, St. Jacobs Country Playhouse and Hildebrand Schoolhouse Theatre in St. Jacobs, and the Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge. We also operate a Youth Academy in Waterloo.

Drayton Entertainment is committed to inclusion and diversity in hiring, and encourages all qualified candidates to apply without regard to age, disability, ethno-cultural identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other historically underrepresented and marginalized identities. 

Drayton Entertainment is committed to providing all workers with a barrier free work environment free of discrimination and harassment. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the employment selection process, please reach out directly to Natasha Hopf, Director of Human Resources, at natasha@draytonentertainment.com or 519-621-5511 ext.240 so that we may provide assistance.

DRAYTON ENTERTAINMENT YOUTH ACADEMY MISSION

The Drayton Entertainment offers arts education through the training hub of its state-of-the-art training facility. Its mission is to provide performing and technical arts training opportunities anchored in the Drayton Entertainment brand of live theatre excellence, facilitated by professional industry mentors. It is committed to generational change and aims to dismantle the financial, cultural and physical barriers that have traditionally existed in arts education.

Job Description

MARKETING & DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE, DRAYTON ENTERTAINMENT YOUTH ACADEMY

Reports to           General Manager, Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy 

Function            A creative, talented and well-organized individual with demonstrated experience in communications, advertising, and fundraising. The Marketing & Development Associate is responsible for promoting the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy’s brand and its programs to communicate specific messages that will increase enrolment, engagement and participation to elevate the Academy’s profile. The Marketing & Development Associate is responsible for managing strategic activities related to the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donations and sponsorships, ensuring supporters are inspired by the Academy’s vision, mission, and values.

Duties and Responsibilities may include multiple aspects of the following:

Marketing

• Support the development and execution of marketing and engagement strategies across digital, print, social media, and community channels.
• Assist with website updates, email campaigns, newsletters, social media content, and promotional materials.
• Create engaging storytelling and promotional campaigns that highlight programs, student achievements, and community impact.
• Coordinate the creation and distribution of marketing assets including posters, flyers, graphics, and media materials.
• Build relationships with schools, community organizations, media outlets, and arts partners to increase visibility and engagement.
• Represent the Academy at events, performances, and outreach initiatives within the community, speaking to the inherent importance and value of arts education and related experiences.

Development & Fundraising

• Research and support donor, sponsorship, grant, and partnership opportunities aligned with Academy goals.
• Assist with fundraising campaigns, donor engagement initiatives, sponsorship activations, and special events.
• Support grant writing, sponsorship proposals, fundraising appeals, and impact reporting.
• Maintain donor and fundraising records, acknowledgements, and stewardship activities.
• Contribute to community outreach, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, and organizational growth strategies.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Demonstrated enthusiasm for arts education and community engagement.
• Champion the mission, goals, and values of the Youth Academy, including our commitment to supporting broader generational change.
• College or University degree/diploma in Communications, Marketing, Arts Administration, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with attention to detail.
• Familiarity with social media platforms, website updates, and digital communications tools.
• Experience with Content Management Systems, email marketing platforms, or design software is considered an asset.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Previous experience in marketing, fundraising, events, or community engagement through employment, internships, volunteer work, or extracurricular involvement is considered an asset.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for events and programming activities.

Term: Full-time (37.5 hours/week); Immediate Start.

This is an in-person, onsite position based at the Drayton Entertainment Youth Academy in Waterloo, ON. This posting is for an existing vacant position.

Due to the nature of the organization, some evening and weekend work will be required. 

This position is eligible for participation in our Group Benefits Plan and Matching Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan after 1 year of employment.