About Company
Hiring.zycto excels in connecting visionary leaders with organizations poised for significant social impact. We are committed to fostering environments where passion meets purpose, ensuring that non-profits thrive through exceptional talent acquisition. For a Director of External Relations, Hiring.zycto represents a gateway to pivotal roles within organizations dedicated to community enrichment and cultural preservation, like the esteemed Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre. Join us in strengthening the non-profit sector by finding your next challenging and rewarding opportunity. We champion careers that truly make a difference.
Job Description
Hiring.zycto is proud to partner with a revered cultural institution, the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre, in the search for an exceptional Director of External Relations – Non Profit. This pivotal leadership role demands a dynamic, results-driven professional dedicated to advancing the theatre’s mission through strategic fundraising, robust community engagement, and compelling communications. The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre, a national historic site, stands as a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural heritage in Toronto. We seek a visionary leader to amplify our voice, broaden our donor base, and cultivate lasting relationships that secure the theatre’s future vibrancy.
As the Director of External Relations, you will be instrumental in shaping the public perception and financial sustainability of this iconic venue. Your mandate will involve crafting and implementing comprehensive strategies for fundraising, stakeholder engagement, public relations, and partnership development. This role is more than just securing funds; it’s about weaving the theatre into the fabric of the community, fostering a sense of ownership and passion among its supporters. You will spearhead campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences, from individual patrons to corporate sponsors and governmental bodies, ensuring a stable and growing revenue stream critical for our programs, preservation efforts, and outreach initiatives.
The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of the non-profit landscape, coupled with a proven track record of fundraising success and adept relationship management. You will be a skilled communicator, capable of articulating the theatre’s artistic vision and community impact with eloquence and conviction. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the preservation of Canadian heritage and the enrichment of Toronto’s cultural scene. If you are passionate about the arts, adept at forging meaningful connections, and driven by the challenge of elevating a beloved institution, we encourage you to apply. Join a dedicated team committed to making a difference, where your leadership will directly translate into preserving history and inspiring future generations.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute comprehensive external relations, fundraising, and communications strategies aligned with organizational goals.
- Lead all aspects of fundraising, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, government grants, and planned giving programs.
- Cultivate and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, government officials, media, and community leaders.
- Oversee all public relations, marketing, and digital communications efforts to enhance the theatre's brand and public profile.
- Represent the theatre at key community events, industry functions, and fundraising activities.
- Identify, secure, and manage strategic partnerships that support the theatre's artistic and educational programming.
- Manage and mentor a small team of external relations professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
- Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring effective resource allocation and financial accountability.
- Monitor and report on fundraising progress and communication effectiveness, adjusting strategies as needed.
Required Skills
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in external relations, fundraising, or institutional advancement within the non-profit sector.
- Demonstrated success in securing significant funds from diverse revenue streams.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to develop and implement strategic plans and achieve measurable results.
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Proficiency in media relations and crisis communication.
- Leadership experience with the ability to inspire, motivate, and manage a team.
- Financial acumen, including budget management and forecasting.
- A deep understanding of the Canadian cultural landscape and non-profit regulations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in a relevant field such as Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Arts Management, or Business Administration.
- Experience working specifically within the arts, culture, or heritage sectors.
- Familiarity with CRM software and fundraising databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce).
- Demonstrated expertise in grant writing and proposal development.
- Bilingualism (English/French) is considered a strong asset.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance benefits.
- Generous paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays).
- Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
- The unique chance to work within a beautiful and historically significant cultural landmark.
- A collaborative and supportive work environment dedicated to cultural preservation and artistic excellence.
- Access to theatre performances and events.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application by clicking the link below. Please include a cover letter detailing your experience and vision for external relations in a non-profit setting, along with your resume. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.