Director of Philanthropy – Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF)

We acknowledge the land on which we gather, Moh’kinsstis, is the ancestral territory of the Siksikaitsitapi—the Blackfoot people—comprising the Siksika, Kainai, and Piikani Nations, as well as Treaty 7 signatories, the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Îyâxe Nakoda Bearspaw, Chiniki, and Wesley First Nations. This land is also the home of Métis Nation Region 3.

We acknowledge that there has been art, music, dance, storytelling, and ceremony on this land since time immemorial and it is in the spirit of this land and its people that we do our work.

Job Summary:

We are excited to announce that we are gearing up for our 25th annual Calgary International Film Festival. The Director of Philanthropy is CIFF’s lead individual fundraiser and is responsible for generating and executing a strategy that builds support across all areas of individual giving: individual gift initiatives, special events, and membership. Specific areas of focus include furthering a culture of philanthropy at CIFF, Board of Directors support and building and maintaining donor relationships. The Director of Philanthropy sits on the CIFF leadership team. This position is responsible for management of all philanthropic activities, including gift solicitation processing and acknowledgement, supporter/donor analysis, membership program implementation, philanthropy communication strategies, and special events implementation.

This is a permanent, year round position beginning May 1 (start date is negotiable to be earlier, only under exceptional circumstances would a later start date be considered). 

Day to Day Responsibilities:

• Create, maintain, and manage an annual individual giving strategic plan and associated budget
• Directly solicit funds for CIFF
• Meet individually with current and prospective donors to build meaningful relationships, determine philanthropic interests, and secure major gifts from donors.
• Work with the Executive Director, Artistic Director, and External Stakeholders Committee to optimize their roles in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting donors
• Strategize, create, manage, and execute fundraising events, in collaboration with staff
• Maintain and grow CIFF’s membership programs, such as Film Circle, and oversee all benefits fulfillment
• Build strategies to connect with organizations and individuals and encourage participation in fundraising and community-building efforts.
• Plan and conduct CIFF’s periodic capital campaigns to advance CIFF’s strategic goals.
• Provide strategic planning goals and leadership for philanthropic endeavors, as well as participating in the strategic planning of the organization overall
• Work closely with the Board of Directors and External Stakeholders Committee, providing leadership of fundraising initiatives and tactics
• Work closely with Engagement Manager, who oversees corporate giving, to ensure consistency and optimization of relationships and leads
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of gifts and acknowledgments
• Provide accurate reporting systems, consistent processes and procedures
• Maintain up-to-date donor records/profiles and prospect research
• Generate and oversee day-to-day management of departmental budget: providing detailed reports of contributed income, forecasting weekly and monthly income
• Work with the Marketing Department to provide regular updates for supporter publications, annual reports, and other donor acknowledgement collateral
• Prepare briefing documents, presentations, gift agreements, and other materials as required

Job Qualifications:

The successful candidate will have demonstrated the following in their cover letter and resume:

Must Haves:

• A minimum five years of experience in a similar management role, or in a role demonstrating increasing level of skills and responsibility, preferably in an arts organization
• Strong background and experience in client solicitation, follow up, and management through
• Membership programs and/or fundraising experiences
• Demonstrated talent for managing a large portfolio of relationships in a timely manner
• At least five years of experience with individual development including annual and capital campaign fundraising events
• Experience with planned giving and capital campaigns a plus
• Demonstrated superior leadership, management, and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize, problem-solve, and multitask
• Bachelor’s Degree and/or Master’s Degree preferred in arts management, non-profit development, or a relevant discipline
• Experience selecting and implementing a new CRM a plus

During the interview, we’ll be looking for the following:

• A clear understanding of your philanthropic background, including examples of successful donor campaigns spearheaded and your approach to maximizing results 
• Your experience in leading a team and acting as a project manager, either informally or formally, and how you drive success while maintaining a positive work environment
• How to you ensure success in fast paced environments with multiple competing priorities
• How you approach strategic development and your capacity for developing clear giving plans that align with that those strategies 

Approximate Hours of Work

An approximation of hours per week is below, dependent on operational needs and business flow. It is understood that shift work, weekend work, and work on statutory holidays may or will be required.

• This role is full time (1.0 FTE)

Why CIFF?

• Excellent opportunity to build experience and contacts within the Arts community
• Attendance to CIFF screenings for free
• Clear compensation growth plan 
• Our competitive time off and flexible workplace policies
• Flexible health benefits
• A group of team members committed to building a unique and memorable festival experience for new and seasoned patrons alike!

TO APPLY

Simply upload your cover letter and resume. Use this link to apply. We’ll be contacting everyone who applies to let them know their resume has been received. The Hiring Manager will reach out to those they deem most qualified to begin the interview process. We thank everyone who applies.

OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

CIFF is committed to creating an employment opportunity that begins with respect, dignity and equity We welcome individuals to apply for all backgrounds including: of any race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, ability, citizenship, creed, sex, sexuality, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, same sex partnership, age, marital status, family status, immigration status, receipt of public assistance, history of mental health issues, health status, political affiliation, learning difference, level of literacy, accent, first language, body type, physical appearance and abilities, stature or socio-economic status. Further, we acknowledge that we are on a continuing journey of learning and unlearning. Our path to breaking down systemic barriers has begun but we by no means have arrived. We are open to feedback and continuous dialogue on how we can make the hiring process equitable for all.

Compensation: $75,000