Purpose
The role of the Senior Development Officer (SDO) is to create a sense of community among donors who
share the love of dance. By working with individual donors, corporate sponsors and donor communities,
the SDO will build bridges among people—dance fans or not—who aspire to make a difference in the
lives of others. At Alberta Ballet, we just happen to do that through dance.
Reporting to the Director, Major Gifts and Sponsorship, and working alongside our Patron Services team,
the successful SDO candidate will have a strong background forming new relationships, prospecting for
contributions, and making asks.
Key Deliverables
• As a Senior Development Officer, you’ll be responsible for developing a comprehensive knowledge of
the ballet’s strategic plan and funding priorities. Working alongside the Director of major gifts and
sponsorships, you’ll present the case of the organization to gain support from individuals and
corporations.
• In collaboration with the Director, develop short- and long-term plans for corporate sponsorship and
individual giving opportunities
• In collaboration with the Director, develop and maintain an integrated donor relations program that
ensures donors are recognized and stewarded appropriately
• Secure donations in support of and aligned with institutional strategic initiatives
• Responsible for managing all types of gifts, including corporate, individual, gifts in kind, endowment
and legacy
• Develop prospect lists and qualify new donors
• Build and maintain effective relationships with key departments within the organization to ensure
appropriate involvement and consultation in securing gifts and sponsorships
• Prepare written materials including proposals, stewardship reports, presentations and other
materials as required
• Build individual and personal relationships with key donors or donor prospects
• Create opportunities, including small-scale hosting events, to bring key donors and donor prospects
together to support for Alberta Ballet’s mission and vision
• Prospect individuals within the current Alberta Ballet family of donors, single ticket patrons, parents,
and subscribers for opportunities to deepen their relationship with Alberta Ballet
• Connect donors and donor prospects with investment opportunities in support of a shared vision
• Bring alive the vision and mission of Alberta Ballet among individual community players, looking for
unique opportunities to position our value proposition to people who historically have not seen the
arts as an opportunity for social wellness
• Actively promote the benefit spectrum of arts and dance at philanthropic events acting as the core
ambassador for Alberta Ballet
• Give donors and donor prospects meaningful opportunities to share their time, enhance their
relationships, and to share their advice
• Give donors and donor prospects meaningful opportunities to ensure their dollars are spent having
an impact on the well-being of others in the community
Leadership / Key Relationships
• Reporting to the Senior Director, Major Gifts and Sponsorship, the Senior Development Officer is
responsible for developing key donor and sponsor relationships
• Work collaboratively with Patron Services team members to communicate issues and opportunities
among donor accounts
• Liaise with Board members to find opportunities to connect and leverage relationships and
ambassadorial skills
• Develop and maintain trustworthy, productive, problem-solving working relationships with colleagues
and staff.
Qualifications & Key Competencies
• University degree or related education
• Demonstrated experience in corporate, individual, and annual gift solicitation required
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in a relationship management field (donor relations, sales, real
estate, account management, etc.)
• Experience managing a prospect pipeline working with donors in identification, cultivation,
solicitation, and stewardship phases
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to produce compelling communication tools for use in solicitation, including gift proposals,
presentations, and collateral materials
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a
team
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects or priorities simultaneously
• Self-motivated, proactive, energetic and goal oriented
• Excellent computer skills including Microsoft Office applications
• Knowledge of CRM fundraising software an asset
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing community engagement plans with diverse individuals.
• Proven track record in closing financial deals with minimal fear of rejection or making the ask
• Must possess own vehicle and valid driver’s license with a willingness to travel regularly
• Successful candidates will be required to complete a police background check as a condition of
employment
Compensation will include competitive base salary, employee savings plan, enhanced benefits
program, wellness spending allowance, vacation, paid sick days, and staff complimentary tickets for
performances
Summary
Alberta Ballet is committed to an inclusive workplace culture. This includes valuing diversity in our workforce,
providing a safe work environment and fostering a culture of belonging. We believe a workplace with equal
opportunity employment fosters creativity and strengthens connections to the communities we serve.
Please submit your cover letter and resume through our career site:
www.albertaballet.com/career
