Development Manager
/Organization:
Vancouver Writers Fest
Deadline:
Until filled
Organization Description:
The Vancouver Writers Fest (VWF) connects people to exceptional books, ideas, and dialogue through year-round programming that ignites a passion for words and the world around us. Our activities include our flagship, annual literary Festival, one of the largest and most prestigious in North America. Tens of thousands of readers visit the cultural hub of Granville Island and venues around Vancouver to connect with local and international authors during this week-long event. We also offer many special author events and youth education programming throughout the year.
Mission:
We connect people to exceptional books, ideas and dialogue through year-round programming that ignites a passion for words and the world around us.
Vision:
A world in which the transformative power of books and ideas is the foundation of an empathetic, inspired and just society.
Website:
Job Description:
The Vancouver Writers Fest seeks an experienced Development Manager to lead and manage a comprehensive fundraising program in support of the Vancouver Writers Fest’s programming and mission.
Reporting to the Managing Director, the Development Manager is a relationship builder with experience in developing and leading individual donor campaigns, corporate sponsorships, private sector foundation support, and membership programs. The Development Manager works with senior leadership on public sector grant writing and reporting.
The successful candidate will be a highly motivated self-starter, and a team player who enjoys a collaborative, fast-paced, and creative work environment.
Work Environment:
• The candidate will work primarily at the Granville Island office, with potential flexibility for some remote/work from home days
• This is a full-time position, 37.5 hours per week
• Occasional work outside of office hours and during Festival season will be required
Responsibilities:
Specific responsibilities include:
• Develops and implements the annual Fund Development Plan
• Develops and manages individual donor, corporate sponsorship and private sector foundation cultivation and solicitation
• Collaborates with Marketing on growing and maintaining key sponsorship support for the Festival and Festival events
• Manages annual, monthly, and major gift campaigns, as well as a membership acquisition and renewal program
• Works with senior leadership on public sector funding grant writing and reporting
• Supervises the Development Coordinator
• Researches and identifies prospective individual, corporate and foundation supporters, and public sector funders
• Builds, maintains and stewards relationships with key supporters, funders, donors, and other stakeholders
• Supports and works closely with the Board Fundraising Committee on fundraising initiatives
• Manages annual fundraising events and oversees event volunteers and contractors
• Manages the fundraising database (Sumac) to ensure accurate data entry, and generates reports and information to support fundraising
• Collaborates with Marketing on fundraising materials and prospect identification opportunities at Festival events
• Hires and oversees all development interns
• In collaboration with senior leadership, helps raise the VWF profile and awareness of the impact of VWF’s work and role in the community
Qualifications:
• Minimum three to five years’ experience working in a fund development role with a nonprofit, charitable organization
• Experience working in the arts sector an asset
• Demonstrated capacity to meet fundraising goals and objectives
• Proven ability to cultivate and manage relationships with key supporters and stakeholders
• Grantwriting experience
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communications skills, and superior organizational skills
• Strategic thinker and strong attention to detail
• Demonstrated good judgement, high level of discretion, and commitment to ethical and sound fundraising practices
• Passion for the arts and literature
• Ability to keep current on fundraising best practices and social and cultural trends within the nonprofit sector
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, and familiarity with contact management and fundraising databases
• Experience working in Adobe InDesign an asset
How to Apply:
Please submit your cover letter and resume to info@writersfest.bc.ca as a single PDF document with the email subject line “Development Manager Application – [Your Name]”.
The Development Manager position will remain open until filled.
The Vancouver Writers Fest strives to create a welcoming and accessible space for everyone to engage with ideas that can transform our world. We are an equal opportunity employer, and committed to supporting an inclusive, diverse, and accessible environment. We recognize and value the diverse experiences that each member of our team brings, and we encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups, and anyone who is excited about joining our team.
If you experience any accessibility barriers in applying for this position, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@writersfest.bc.ca to discuss how we can better support you.
We thank all those who apply. Only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Remuneration:
$68,000 to $75,000. VWF offers a competitive benefits package and an RRSP matching program.
