Who We Are:
Based in Stratford, Ontario, the Stratford Festival is one of the world’s foremost repertory theatre companies. It operates year-round, presenting a season of about a dozen plays each year between the months of April and November, a rich stream of digital content and hundreds of events designed to deepen understanding of the plays. For every person a theatregoer sees on our stages, we have seven people working behind the scenes, some of the world’s most dedicated and experienced arts workers.

The Stratford Festival is committed to ongoing work to support equity, inclusion, anti-racism and anti-oppression in all areas of our work. These areas include play selection, casting, marketing and public relations efforts, education programs, production, design, recruitment of staff and volunteers, and the composition of the Board of Directors.

Why You Should Apply:

• Creative work environment
• Paid operational shutdown in December, with flexibility of days being used at alternative times during the year
• Group Insurance Benefits
• Employer matched RRSP
• Employee Assistance Program to encourage work-life balance and strong mental health
• Complimentary & discounted ticket offers and events
• Employee discounts on merchandise and event space
• Being a part of the magic of live theatre!

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

This full-time 8 month contract posting is for an existing vacancy located in Stratford, Ontario and will begin as soon as possible. This position requires the candidate to work onsite, with remote available when required. Regular work hours for this position are Monday to Friday, but may require the candidate to work holiday and weekend hours as scheduled.

Job Type: Full-time 8 month contract

Hourly Rate: $33.31- $43.63

Shared Values:

• Inclusion: contribute to an environment where everyone is welcome, valued and respected; consistently demonstrate an open-mindedness and intellectual curiosity that promote and celebrate the diversity of perspectives.
• Innovation: put experience and knowledge into creative problem-solving and the continuous improvement of the organization.
• Rigor: show integrity in behaviour, attention to detail in work and commitment to excellence and professional evolution
• Caring: be empathetic, understanding and attentive to others
• Connection: establish and maintain trusting relationships that are respectful and constructive

Who Should Apply:
We welcome applicants of every identity, and encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, Deaf, disabled and 2SLGBTQ+ folks. We are committed to accommodating people with disabilities throughout the recruitment process and beyond. If you require accommodation (including, but not limited to, an accessible interview site, alternative format documents, ASL Interpreter or Assistive Technology) during the recruitment and selection process, please let our recruitment team know.

No candidate will meet every desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we’d love to learn more about you!

If you would like to contribute your own remarkable talents to North America’s largest not-for-profit theatre, we’d like to hear from you.