The Interim Director, Major Gifts – GTA is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects, with a focus on individuals and foundations based in the Greater Toronto Area. This role involves developing and implementing comprehensive qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies to support the Stratford Festival’s fundraising goals. Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, the Interim Director collaborates with the Artistic Director, senior volunteers, and internal stakeholders to strengthen donor relationships and secure significant philanthropic support. This position also prepares proposals, presentations, stewardship reports, and grant requests, and contributes to the strategic advancement of the Inspiring Excellence campaign as it enters its public phase in 2026.
Responsibilities:
- Work closely with the Vice President, Advancement, Artistic Director, to maintain a portfolio of 50 individuals and foundations based in the GTA.
- Develop and implement comprehensive qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans for a select portfolio of major gift prospects (individuals and foundations), including the development of briefing materials, proposals and presentations as well as stewardship reports.
- Manage relationships with Board members and other senior volunteers related to donor and prospect engagement, as appropriate.
- Perform administrative tasks, including tracking inquiries, actively monitoring relationships, and accurately recording donations and working with the account receivable process to ensure the timely receipt of donor pledge payments.
- Conduct meetings as required with prospects and donors as part of regular stewardship.
- Be on site in Stratford during the opening week of the performance season in May if required.
- Participate and collaborate with other members of the Advancement team to support a strategic, comprehensive approach to generating major giving support for the Inspiring Excellence campaign which enters the public phase in 2026.
- Collaborate with other departments across the organization as require, such as: Marketing and Graphics, the Directors’ Office, Education, New Play Development, Langham Directors Workshop, Archives, Birmingham Conservatory, and other departments as appropriate.
- Collaborate with internal and Board-related committees as requested (Advancement Committee, GTA outreach committee, Gala, etc.).
- Develop proposals and reports for grant requests and other narrative-based writing.
- Adhere to the Stratford Festival Health & Safety Commitment and Procedures, and ensure that safe work practices and policies are supported and enforced within reporting structure.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Minimum Requirements:
- University undergraduate degree (four year program) or equivalent (i.e. BA, BSc, BComm, etc) in field related to business, communications, or fundraising, CFRE Preferred
- 8 to 10 years of related experience
- Demonstrated passion for the arts and an alignment with the Stratford Festival’s mission.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills that foster meaningful relationships with donors and prospects. Experience in soliciting prospective donors and proven success in forging relationships with major donors.
- Organizational skills that allow for the successful management of a portfolio of 50 current and prospective donors and funders.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to manage complex gifts.
- Ability to work well with key internal and external stakeholders.
- High professional standard with a strong work ethic coupled with tact and diplomacy.
- Understanding of multi-generational approaches to philanthropy.
Behavioural Competencies:
- Teamwork: readily work with others towards a shared goal, actively support teammates and recognize everyone’s contributions
- Adaptability / Agility: seamlessly adjust to changes in environment or situation; readily learn alternative approaches and methods
- Results oriented: diligently pursue a project to fruition and inspire others to do the same
- Initiative: proactively execute tasks and resolve issues with minimal guidance
- Time Management: efficiently allocate and use time to meet goals and deadlines, prioritize tasks as necessary
- Attention to Detail: meticulously review work and ensure accuracy and precision in all tasks
- Diplomacy: show discretion and tact in dealing with a variety of stakeholders
