Development Officer, Major Gifts

Job summary

Manage and grow a portfolio of major gift prospects by identifying, cultivating, and stewarding individuals, foundations, and corporations. Develop donor strategies, proposals, and impact reports while collaborating with marketing and program teams to support fundraising campaigns.

Job details

Company Description Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, founded in 1933, is a learning organization with a strong legacy of excellence in artistic and creative development. From its beginnings as a single drama course, it has grown into a global leader in arts, culture, and creativity across many disciplines. Located in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre offers a unique campus environment that inspires artists, leaders, and thinkers to unlock their creative potential and contribute meaningfully to society. Through cross-disciplinary learning, world-class performances, and public outreach, the Centre supports innovative work and community engagement. More information is available at www.banffcentre.ca. Role Description The Development Officer, Major Gifts is a full-time hybrid role based in Banff, AB, with the flexibility to work from home for part of the week. This position is responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individuals, foundations, and corporations. The role involves preparing donor strategies, proposals, impact reports, and tailored communications that align donor interests with Banff Centre’s programs and priorities. The Development Officer collaborates closely with colleagues across development, marketing, and program areas to support campaigns, special initiatives, and fundraising events. Regular responsibilities include maintaining accurate donor records, tracking moves management activities, and ensuring a high standard of donor experience and ethical fundraising practices. Qualifications Demonstrated experience in major gifts fundraising, donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, ideally within arts, culture, education, or nonprofit sectors. Strong relationship-building and communication skills, including the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, present compelling cases for support, and write persuasive donor materials. Proficiency in planning and managing donor pipelines, using CRM or donor databases, and tracking metrics to support data-informed fundraising decisions. Ability to collaborate in cross-functional teams, coordinate with program and marketing staff, and contribute to campaigns and special projects. Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the capacity to manage multiple priorities, meet fundraising targets, and work both on-site and remotely. High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handling confidential information and representing Banff Centre to external partners. Post-secondary education in fundraising, business, communications, arts administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Knowledge of Canadian philanthropic landscape, major gift best practices, and an interest in arts and creativity is considered an asset.

What you’ll do

Manage and grow a portfolio of major gift prospects by identifying, cultivating, and stewarding individuals, foundations, and corporations. Develop donor strategies, proposals, and impact reports while collaborating with marketing and program teams to support fundraising campaigns.

Requirements

Requires demonstrated experience in major gifts fundraising within the arts, culture, or nonprofit sectors and proficiency in using CRM databases. A post-secondary degree in fundraising, business, communications, or arts administration is required or an equivalent combination of experience.

Listed skills

• Time management · Preferred
• Relationship Building · Preferred
• Cross-Functional Collaboration · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Major Gifts Fundraising
• Donor Cultivation
• Donor Stewardship
• Relationship Building
• CRM Proficiency
• Donor Pipeline Management
• Proposal Writing
• Strategic Planning
• Cross-functional Collaboration
• Time Management
• Ethical Fundraising
• Stakeholder Engagement

Job areas

• Art & Design
• Marketing
• Management & Leadership
• Education
• Social Services