Job Posting: Development and Communications Manager

Background

Driftwood Theatre is driven by a vision of theatre for everyone in Ontario. For over 25 years we have been sharing our annual Bard’s Bus Tour of outdoor summer theatre with communities across the province. Though the plays of William Shakespeare have been central to our work, we are increasingly committed to nurturing, developing and sharing new work by geographically, economically and culturally diverse Ontario-based artists who are interested in exploring the dialogue between the urban and rural communities in our great province. 

During this moment of pause, Driftwood Theatre is taking the opportunity to reimagine and reinvigorate its commitment to theatre for everyone and is taking steps to ensure long-term growth and stability.

We’re looking for a Development and Communications Manager to work with us to build a foundation for Driftwood’s future success as we look beyond the current pandemic.

Driftwood Theatre is committed to reflecting Canada’s rich diversity in all aspects of our work We encourage and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and will prioritize applicants who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, Women, Gender minorities, 2SLGBTQ+, d/Deaf, Disabled/People with Disabilities, and/or Neurodiverse.

Development and Communications Manager – Position Summary

Reporting to the Artistic Director, the Development and Communications Manager manages the daily activities of the Theatre’s development and communications projects, building connections with our many supporters while promoting the theatre’s vision and work to the public.

Development

• Evaluate and audit the Theatre’s donor and funder database, fundraising activities and events
• Research, identify and build relationships with foundations, sponsors and funding organizations; engage with program officers, effectively and persuasively present Driftwood’s case for support; build and submit applications, proposals, supporting documents and reports in collaboration with the Artistic Director
• Create and execute a strategy for growing base of annual individual donors; manage and execute annual giving campaign
• Steward and manage all donor, sponsor and partner relationships and benefits
• Create and execute a fundraising event strategy for the Theatre

Communication

• Create strategic content for a range of audiences with a goal of broadening the Theatre’s reach and establishing our voice through a variety of platforms
  • Printed materials: brochures, appeals, newsletters
  • Digital presence: social media platforms, emails, website
• Track and analyze engagement metrics to meet targeted goals and refine messaging for increased effectiveness
• Initiate new marketing endeavours that elevate the presence, mission and accomplishments of the Theatre
• Identify key audiences for the Theatre and design targeted communications to reach these segments
• Supervise and manage seasonal Development and Communications staff

 Governance

• Prepares and submits reports for all Board meetings
• Attends all Board meetings
• Work with the board and its committees to support the theatre’s activities

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Detail oriented, self-motivated and comfortable working in a small, collaborative team environment
• Experience in and understanding of non-profit performing arts organizations
• Comfortable picking up the phone or meeting face-to-face (or electronically, until it is safe) to pitch our organization with passion and credibility
• Excellent public speaker: able to compellingly communicate passion about the organization to a variety of audiences
• Strong writing and editing skills: ability to communicate clearly, persuasively and effectively
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Proficiency in all MS Office and Google Suite Applications
• Design skills and facility with Adobe Photoshop, inDesign, WordPress an asset
• Facility with Customer Relations Management CRM) applications and online e-marketing tools an asset; the ability to learn new computer programs.
• CFRE (certified fundraising executive) designation an asset

Salary/Job Details

• This is a full-time (30hrs/wk), contract position with some flexibility in the schedule
• Salary range: $35,000 – $40,000 + 4% vacation for the duration of the contract (12 months)
• All Driftwood staff work from home, participating in regular meetings online and/or in-person (when it is safe to do so)
• Driftwood is committed to a five-day work week, however this position may require evening and weekend work, and occasional travel. Time off in lieu of payment will be given for overtime.

To Apply

Please send, as a single PDF file, a letter of interest, resume and three references by email to Artistic Director, Jeremy Smith at jsmith(at)driftwoodtheatre(dot)com.

Application Deadline

May 26, 2021