Prospect Researcher - The National Ballet of Canada
About The National Ballet of Canada
The National Ballet of Canada is one of the most exciting, innovative arts institutions in Canada, and among the top ballet companies in the world. Since its establishment in 1951, The National Ballet of Canada is celebrated for its remarkable dancers and diverse repertoire of traditional full-length classic ballets and cutting-edge contemporary work by world-renowned choreographers and designers. Our Education and Community Engagement programmes are designed to cultivate an interest in the arts and promote dance to youth and broader communities.
Executing world-class, unforgettable performances and challenging our audiences is at the core of what we do, none of which would be possible without a talented and passionate team of employees. We persist to create an environment that encourages our artists and employees to realize the fullest extent of their talents in an inclusive workplace.
About the Position
Reporting to the Associate Director, Individual and Legacy Giving, the Prospect Researcher is an essential and valued member of The National Ballet of Canada’s Development team, providing in-depth prospect research that will significantly shape and support the organization’s ambitious fundraising goals. This critical role is tasked with identifying and analyzing prospective donors, delivering insights that will inform the cultivation and solicitation strategy. By building and refining a robust pipeline of potential supporters, the Prospect Researcher will play a key role in advancing the Ballet’s readiness for Ballet BOLD, a transformative, multi-year campaign aimed at securing substantial growth and long-term financial resilience. This position requires a proactive, analytical thinker with an understanding of wealth indicators and fundraising dynamics, who can skillfully identify new opportunities and help drive successful donor engagement across all phases of the donor cycle.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Analysis - 60%
The National Ballet of Canada is one of the most exciting, innovative arts institutions in Canada, and among the top ballet companies in the world. Since its establishment in 1951, The National Ballet of Canada is celebrated for its remarkable dancers and diverse repertoire of traditional full-length classic ballets and cutting-edge contemporary work by world-renowned choreographers and designers. Our Education and Community Engagement programmes are designed to cultivate an interest in the arts and promote dance to youth and broader communities.
Executing world-class, unforgettable performances and challenging our audiences is at the core of what we do, none of which would be possible without a talented and passionate team of employees. We persist to create an environment that encourages our artists and employees to realize the fullest extent of their talents in an inclusive workplace.
About the Position
Reporting to the Associate Director, Individual and Legacy Giving, the Prospect Researcher is an essential and valued member of The National Ballet of Canada’s Development team, providing in-depth prospect research that will significantly shape and support the organization’s ambitious fundraising goals. This critical role is tasked with identifying and analyzing prospective donors, delivering insights that will inform the cultivation and solicitation strategy. By building and refining a robust pipeline of potential supporters, the Prospect Researcher will play a key role in advancing the Ballet’s readiness for Ballet BOLD, a transformative, multi-year campaign aimed at securing substantial growth and long-term financial resilience. This position requires a proactive, analytical thinker with an understanding of wealth indicators and fundraising dynamics, who can skillfully identify new opportunities and help drive successful donor engagement across all phases of the donor cycle.
Key Responsibilities
Research & Analysis - 60%
- Prospect Research Preparation: Develop detailed prospect research materials to support the fundraising strategies of the Development team.
- Targeted Research: Conduct searches using e-databases, and social media to gather relevant, high-quality information.
- Wealth Indicators & Financial Analysis: Identify and interpret key wealth indicators, such as stock transactions, real estate values, and corporate holdings, to assess capacity and potential giving levels.
- Analysis and Judgment: Utilize independent judgment in selecting pertinent information from reliable sources to align with funding priorities.
- Concise Reporting: Produce comprehensive yet concise research reports and documentation that inform and support prospect strategies.
- Fundraising Cycle Knowledge: Apply your understanding of the donor cycle (identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship) to recommend tailored strategies based on prospect research insights.
- Prospect Strategy Input: Offer recommendations and insights to inform strategic decision-making on donor engagement based on research findings and analysis.
- Prospect Identification: Develop and implement methodologies to proactively identify new major gift donors through data analysis.
- Affiliation Discovery: Uncover connections to the ballet and new opportunities for donor engagement, helping to deepen relationships with current and potential supporters.
- Pipeline Development: Proactively contribute to the pipeline development efforts to maintain a strong prospect base.
- News Monitoring: Keep abreast of relevant news to identify opportunities to build relationships with new prospects or enhance existing connections.
- Portfolio Analysis: Conduct regular portfolio reviews and analyses with members of the Development Team to ensure strategic prospect management.
- Capacity Ratings: Develop and assign capacity ratings based on Linkage, Ability, and Interest, while considering factors like life stage and other wealth indicators to optimize prospect insights.
- Database & Tracking: Ensure data integrity by following best practices for prospect management processes, including database updates, tracking, and reporting.
- Best in Class: Stay informed on best practices in prospect research.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in prospect research, fundraising, or a related field.
- Minimum 3 years of experience in prospect research, with expertise in search strategies and research methodologies.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze and synthesize financial data, wealth indicators, and prospect information.
- Strong knowledge of fundraising techniques and strategies within the moves management cycle.
- Proficiency in research databases, and social media for prospecting.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and prioritize effectively.
- Familiarity with prospect research software, CRM databases (Tessitura), and best practices in pipeline development and prospect management.
- Experience in arts, culture, or non-profit sectors is a plus.
- Salary range: $60,000 - $70,000 per annum, commensurate with experience
- Complimentary season tickets to performances at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
- Comprehensive Health & Dental and Paramedics Benefits package, including a Health Spending Account
- Company-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan
- Counselling services and wellbeing resources through our Employee Assistance Program
- Summer Fridays off in July
- Primarily work out of main office, The Walter Carsen Centre, located at 470 Queens Quay West, Toronto
- Occasional work out of the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, located at 145 Queen Street West, Toronto
- Hybrid work environment; minimum three (3) days a week in office and remotely from home two (2) days a week, subject to change
This job is from CharityVillage
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