The Executive Director of the Alberta Ballet Foundation is a pivotal leadership position responsible for guiding the Foundation’s strategic direction, stewarding board relationships, and leading fundraising activities to advance Alberta Ballet’s long-term financial stability. This includes growing the Foundation’s endowment from $9M to $20M while also increasing sustainable operational donations for Alberta Ballet.

The Executive Director primary work is to cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, board members, company patrons, and community stakeholders, leveraging these networks to secure transformational gifts and strengthen philanthropic partnerships. They ensure transparent reporting to the Foundation Board and leads initiatives that enhance the Foundation’s impact on Alberta Ballet’s artistic and educational programs. This person oversees and supports the Major Gifts Officer for Alberta Ballet Company.

Key Responsibilities:

Board Engagement and Governance

• Engage and support Foundation board members in fundraising activities, providing guidance and tools to effectively leverage their contacts for securing large philanthropic gifts.
• Foster strong, collaborative relationships with Foundation board members and the Alberta Ballet Board’s Development Committee, ensuring active and meaningful participation.
• Prepare, manage, and deliver high-quality materials and reports for Foundation board and committee meetings.
• Provide timely, thorough, and professional reports to the Foundation board on fundraising activities, financial status, and strategic initiatives.

Fundraising Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with the Foundation's goals.
• Oversee all Foundation fundraising activities, including major gifts, planned giving, annual giving campaigns, corporate sponsorships, and special events.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key donors, sponsors, and partners.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to diversify and increase revenue streams.

Endowment Growth

• Develop and execute strategies to increase the Foundation's endowment from $9M to $20M.
• Engage major donors and prospects in endowment gifts, major operational gifts, and planned giving conversations that turn into donations.
• Ensure strong stewardship of endowment funds, honouring donor intent and adhering to best practices in investment and fund management.

Operational Philanthropy

• Support the Major Gifts Officer to secure major operational gifts through engagement with Alberta Ballet Company patrons, families of students in the Alberta Ballet School, and community supporters.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with donors to ensure continued and increased support.
• Create targeted fundraising campaigns and initiatives to drive operational giving.

Collaboration and Communication

• Partner closely with Alberta Ballet's executive team to align fundraising efforts with the organization's strategic goals.
• Communicate the Foundation's mission, needs, and impact with donors, board members, staff, and stakeholders.
• Represent the Foundation at community events, donor meetings, and public speaking engagements.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the Foundation's budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.

• Monitor fundraising performance, analyze data, and adjust strategies as needed to meet goals.

• Provide transparent and accurate financial reports to the board and stakeholders.

• 5-10 years experience in a Fund Development Leadership role, preferably at the Executive or Director level, preferably within the arts or nonprofit sector.

• Demonstrated success in managing boards, leading fundraising campaigns, and securing major gifts.

• Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute long-term plans.

• Passion for the arts and a commitment to the mission of Alberta Ballet.

Alberta Ballet's vision is to ignite creativity, inspire excellence and foster a lifelong love for dance through innovative performances, rigorous training and inclusive education, enriching the cultural fabric of our community and beyond.

Alberta Ballet's Corporate team provides support to both Alberta Ballet's School, Community Programs and Company Performances.

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.