Job description

The Chief Development and Partnerships Officer will play a strategic role in diversifying revenue, strengthening donor relations, and positioning the School with government authorities. Working with the CEO, the executive committee, and internal teams, this person will contribute actively to achieving institutional objectives, implementing innovative processes, and fostering an inclusive and engaging work environment. With a strong vision, this person will champion the essential role of the live performing arts in society and actively contribute to their promotion.

Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the CEO and supported by their team (4 team members), the incumbent will be responsible for:

Develop, in collaboration with the CEO, the executive committee, the board of directors, and the development committee, a comprehensive and diversified philanthropic development strategy (annual, major, and planned giving, fundraising events, and private partnerships), and oversee its implementation;

Set private and public funding targets, establish success indicators aligned with the organizational strategy, and drive their achievement by continuously evaluating the performance of initiatives and adjusting actions as needed;

Take part in defining the major campaign plan and its execution in collaboration with the teams;

Foster an institutional culture of philanthropy by actively engaging leadership, faculty, alumni, governors, and the community around fundraising efforts;

Advise the CEO and the leadership team on issues related to philanthropic development, engagement, and philanthropic communications;

Contribute to the development and implementation of the School’s government relations plan, in partnership with the CEO and the operational team;

Implement a structured and personalized approach to soliciting, retaining, and engaging English- and French-speaking donors in order to build lasting, strategic relationships;

Work with the communications team to develop content tailored to solicitation, recognition, and stewardship initiatives, and encourage innovation through coordinated campaigns;

Develop, in collaboration with the French and English sections, impactful partnerships that contribute to NTS’s visibility and growth;

Oversee the development of partnerships and complementary training offerings (public courses, professional development workshops) as a lever for revenue and visibility for the School, relying on a dedicated resource within the team to coordinate these activities;

Ensure, in coordination with the finance department and internal and external stakeholders, rigorous and compliant management of funds, donations, sponsorships, and contractual agreements;

Actively participate in the work of the executive committee and contribute to strategic planning, institutional policies, and organizational priorities;

Report on project progress and philanthropic development at development committee meetings and, as needed, board of directors meetings;

Oversee or participate in the drafting and presentation of grant and sponsorship applications, accountability reports, and other funding proposals;

Conduct strategic monitoring to identify trends, funding opportunities, and new growth levers;

Actively participate in organizing various fundraising events in collaboration with the teams, and represent NTS at strategic events and on strategic platforms;

Work closely with other NTS teams, maintaining a cross-functional perspective;

Supervise the development team and external collaborators, manage the department’s budgets, and produce the necessary financial analyses;

Carry out any other duties related to the mandate, as requested by the CEO.

Desired Profile

The ideal candidate has mobilizing leadership, strong interpersonal skills, and a proven ability to build lasting partnerships. Strategic, curious, and proactive, they understand the issues related to public and private funding and know how to spot growth opportunities. They combine entrepreneurial vision, rigour, and creativity to propose innovative, action- and results-oriented approaches.

Autonomous, organized, and possessing sound judgment, they know how to manage several files at once while maintaining a high standard of quality. Their credibility, integrity, and business acumen inspire confidence in donors, partners, and stakeholders. Known for their ability to mobilize teams, board members, and colleagues around a shared vision, they actively contribute to promoting the School’s mission.

Required qualifications

Education

Undergraduate university degree in a relevant field (any combination of relevant experience and education will be considered).

Experience

Significant experience (7 years or more) in a leadership role in philanthropic development, including team management;
Experience in a leadership role in the planning, rollout, or execution of a major fundraising campaign.
In-depth knowledge of the philanthropic sector and its best practices. Knowledge of the cultural sector and government relations is an asset.
Proficiency with philanthropic management tools (e.g., DonorPerfect) and an understanding of the sector’s legal frameworks;
Strong command of professional communication practices and techniques (content strategy, philanthropic storytelling, public and media relations, branding, digital communications),
Bilingualism in French and English, both spoken and written.

Desired Qualities

Strategic skills in planning, campaign development, solicitation, and partnership management;
Ability to operate in a complex environment, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and achieve ambitious goals;
Collaborative leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, strong autonomy, and professional rigour;
A sense of innovation, with a creative mindset and the ability to contribute and propose new ideas;
Excellent interpersonal skills, strong political acumen, and the ability to build trusted relationships with a variety of stakeholders;
Committed, with a genuine interest in the mission.

Terms of Employment

Competitive salary, based on experience and profile.

A comprehensive and generous benefits package, including:

Four (4) weeks of vacation upon hire (excluding the holiday closure and certain days off according to the academic calendar);

Unlimited sick/personal leave bank and additional school holiday days off;

Comprehensive group insurance and access to a telemedicine service;

Competitive pension plan after one year of service.

Possibility of remote work in accordance with the organization’s policy;

Office located in the heart of the Plateau Mont-Royal, steps from Laurier metro station, with free parking available;

A dynamic community driven by a mission that is essential to supporting the future of the live performing arts.

How to apply?

All applications will be treated confidentially.

Anyone wishing to apply should submit their resume by email along with a cover letter. An acknowledgment of receipt will be sent once your email has been received.

By email: krobert@electi.ca and fanie@fnrecrutement.com

Subject line: Chief Development and Partnerships Officer

– National Theatre School of Canada (NTS)

Expected start date : as soon as possible

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Employment Equity Access Program

The National Theatre School of Canada (NTS) is committed to the principles of equity and inclusion. Women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and members of visible and ethnic minorities are encouraged to apply. It is the applicant’s responsibility to advise us, in a timely manner, of any specific needs for which accommodation measures must be made to ensure a fair and equitable evaluation. Information received in this regard will be treated confidentially.

About the School

For nearly 65 years, the National Theatre School of Canada (NTS) has been training the next generation of theatre artists. Through its wide range of programs and unique pedagogy, the School has been shaping the cultural landscape from coast to coast to coast. Backed by a renewed vision and an ambitious strategic plan for the years ahead, NTS is working to strengthen its position as the theatre training institution of choice nationwide, while finding innovative ways to attract the emerging artists who will walk its halls—and who will one day help shape our society.

The Monument-National, its landmark theatre that has welcomed diverse cultural and artistic communities since 1893, is also undergoing a transformation, bringing with it a host of opportunities and challenges.