Development Assistant - 1 Year Maternity Leave
Job Information
Founded in 1919, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) is the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada, and the largest cultural organization in Western Canada with an annual operating budget of over $13 million. The Orchestra performs 140 concerts annually in its home, the Orpheum Theatre, as well as numerous venues throughout the Lower Mainland. It also delivers extensive music education reaching 50,000 young people annually. Bramwell Tovey is the Music Director.
The Development Department seeks an experienced Development Assistant to provide exceptional administrative assistance, and in so doing contribute to its success in support of the VSO.
• Support the activities of the Vice-President, Chief Development Officer, and other Development staff members as assigned.
• Perform various administrative/clerical responsibilities that support and advance the work of the Development team and the Symphony Lovers’ Ball Committee.
• Draft and update a variety of documents, including letters to donors, reports, and Board material.
• Schedule meetings with donors and prospects, as well as internal fundraising-related meetings. Prepare as appropriate for those meetings.
• Provide some desktop publishing/graphic design needs for the Department, including production of the donor newsletter.
• Provide excellent service to donors.
• Maintain the shared monthly Development calendar.
• When necessary, field incoming calls of enquiry about VSO fundraising activities, respond to inquiries, and/or forward calls to appropriate staff members.
• Maintain donor contact activity on the Development Office database system, Tessitura.
• Assist with donor stewardship, including the coordination of two Open Rehearsals for donors, and attend events as required.
• Source suppliers and quotes, make purchases as directed.
• On occasion, assist with processing of donor gifts, pledges, and receipts, as well as lottery processing.
• Occasional reception and phone coverage.
• Contributes to a strong, effective, and respected team that is proactive and goal-oriented.
• Other duties as assigned.
• A minimum of three years administrative assistance experience.
• Advanced user level computer skills with proficiency in the Microsoft Office.
• Excellent typing skills.
• Desktop Publishing skills – advanced user knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite 4.
• Knowledge of fundraising software and databases, as well as experience in a fundraising environment an asset.
• Event Planning experience a plus.
• Polite, adaptable, professional manner with superior communication skills, both orally (in person and by telephone) and in writing.
• Demonstrate initiative in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and discretion in handling confidential materials and interacting with management staff, visitors and donors.
• Organized, resourceful, detail-oriented, reliable, punctual, and able to multi-task with minimal supervision in a fast-paced environment.
• Sense of humour.
Email cover letter and resume, in either PDF or Word format, to employment@vancouversymphony.ca
by Monday, August 15, 2011. Please indicate “Development Assistant Search” in the subject line.
We thank all applicants for their interest in working at the Vancouver Symphony, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra
601 Smithe Street
Vancouver, BC V6B 5G1
