Purpose: The Foundation Relations & Grants Officer maintains and strengthens relationships with community, private, and corporate foundations during a 12-month leave coverage commencing at the end of July. The role supports fundraising goals by stewarding existing funders, managing active grant files, identifying opportunities, and preparing proposals and reports. It also supports the School’s transition to a licensed Private Career College.

This role goes beyond grant writing. We are looking for a strong relationship builder and storyteller who will provide continuity and deepen engagement with existing funders and will scan for new prospects aligned with Alberta Ballet’s strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Relationship Building

• Maintain strong, positive relationships with foundation representatives, ensuring continuity during the leave coverage period.
• Learn and understand the interests, priorities, and reporting expectations from funders, and explore alignment with Alberta Ballet’s mission and funding needs.
• Support meetings, presentations, and events that keep foundation partners informed about Alberta Ballet’s work, impact, and priorities.
• Ensure foundation relationships are well documented so the portfolio can be smoothly transitioned at the end of the coverage period.

1. Grant and Community Investment Acquisition

• Prepare and submit compelling grant proposals and community investment requests tailored to each foundation’s guidelines and interests.
• Track and meet application deadlines, reporting requirements, and key milestones for all active and prospective funding opportunities.
• Maintain clear records of proposal status, funder requirements, and next steps.

1. Project Support – Alberta Ballet School Private Vocational College Licensing

• Serve as project lead for Alberta Ballet School’s application for formal Private Vocational College licensing Alberta Advanced Education, supporting the School’s transition from an exemption-based approach to a licensed Private Career College framework.
• Work closely with Alberta Ballet School staff to understand program requirements, gather required information, and coordinate the application process.
• Liaise with the appropriate Alberta Advanced Education contact(s) to track requirements, clarify next steps, and monitor the application’s progress.
• Prepare and organize application materials, including collecting data, documentation, and supporting information from internal and external stakeholders.
• Apply strong attention to detail and familiarity with government, regulatory, or institutional application processes to ensure materials are complete, accurate, and submitted on time.

1. Reporting and Stewardship

• Ensure timely and accurate reporting to foundations on the use and impact of their funds.
• Maintain detailed records of all interactions, proposals, reports, and agreements with foundations.
• Acknowledge and thank foundation partners in a timely and thoughtful manner.
• Provide regular updates to foundation partners so they feel informed, valued, and connected to Alberta Ballet’s work.

1. Collaboration and Teamwork

• Coordinate with internal teams to gather information, outcomes, stories, and data needed for proposals and reports.

• Support a clear handover of key relationships, files, deadlines, and project status at the end of the 12-month term.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.

• 5-7 years of experience in relationship stewardship, regulatory or institutional application processes, and coordination with funders, government bodies, regulators, or institutional partners

• Proven experience in fundraising, grant writing, and relationship management, preferably within the arts or nonprofit sector.

• Demonstrated success in securing funding support from foundations and corporate entities.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain strong relationships.

• Strong writing and presentation skills.

• Highly organized and detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

• Strong technical computer skills including Office365 platforms

• Passion for the arts

Working Conditions

• Office environment with occasional evening and weekend hours for meetings and events. Active involvement in live events and other ballet activities to support foundation engagement.
• Occasional travel within Alberta is required.

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 Community Programs provides classes and outreach activities throughout the province of Alberta. Our mission is to enrich communities across Alberta with the art, joy and wonder of dance, through exceptional performances and programs.

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.