Development Associate
/Job Title:
Development Associate
Organization:
PuSh International Performing Arts Festival
Deadline:
Aug. 28 2026
Organization Description:
The PuSh International Performing Arts Festival is Vancouver’s signature, mid-winter cultural event, taking place each January and February in theatres and venues across the city. PuSh presents groundbreaking, contemporary works of theatre, dance, music, and multimedia by acclaimed local, national, and international artists. Learn more at pushfestival.ca.
Website:
http://pushfestival.ca/about-the-festival/employment-opportunities/#development-associate
Job Description:
This is an exciting opportunity to support, strengthen and grow fund development initiatives at the PuSh International Performing Arts Festival, a signature cultural event in the city of Vancouver.
Reporting directly to the Interim Managing Director, the Development Associate is responsible for leading and ensuring the smooth operation, efficiency and growth of the private sector fundraising programs of the Society. This includes growing, maintaining and supporting delivery on fundraising targets for sponsorship, program ad sales (main program guide and Industry Series guide), planning and executing fundraising campaigns and events, managing and developing individual donor base year round and building and maintaining relationships with foundations. The successful candidate will collaborate with contractors and staff to build PuSh’s fundraising portfolio.
The Development Associate provides professional support to the Collaborative Leadership Team and Board of Directors and will perform the duties of the position to the best of their abilities and will at all times devote their effort to advancing the interest of the Society. This is a temporary, part-time contract that operates in accordance with the Association of Fundraising Professionals Code of Ethics and Donor Bill of Rights.
Responsibilities:
The Development Associate is responsible for planning, implementing, and leading private sector fundraising campaigns and initiatives. This includes all activities that generate revenue from:
Individual donors and members;
Corporate donors, sponsors and advertisers;
Foundations;
Special events.
This position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:
Work with the Leadership Team to monitor revenue targets for all programs, per the annual development plan and timeline.
Research and identify prospective supporters.
Actively solicit funds on behalf of the Society through presentations, proposals, mailings, email campaigns and personal solicitations.
Manage donor cultivation, stewardship, recognition and reporting activities.
Develop and maintain all fundraising collateral and tools, including final reports, corporate folders, tax receipts, thank you letters, web pages and other materials.
Coordinate and host donor/member/sponsor events.
Work with the Leadership Team to ensure that fundraising policies for the Society are up-to-date and effective.
Network on behalf of the Society to encourage support and interest.
Develop and maintain constituent management records.
Participate in the development of the Society’s Annual Impact Report.
Represent the Society at events and meetings as necessary.
Participate in Festival activities as necessary.
Attend regular staff and production meetings.
Support the efforts of the Society and other Society staff members and contractors as necessary.
Qualifications:
Attributes We Seek:
Interest in innovative approaches to fundraising that reflect changing practices, preferences, and demographics of diverse prospect spheres.
Thrives working collaboratively with the ability to work independently towards established goals.
Deep enthusiasm for the transformational potential of the arts.
A practical, calm, and creative problem-solver and strategic thinker, with the flexibility to react nimbly to the unexpected.
Results-oriented personality with a collegial approach and high level of integrity.
Strong attention to detail and high level of thoroughness.
Candidates Professional Experience:
Relevant experience fundraising within a not-for-profit environment, preferably in the arts.
Experience in managing a complex portfolio of prospects at various stages of relationship with an organization.
Experience in working with prospects, donors, and senior volunteers.
Proven track record in setting and reaching financial goals.
Excellent communication skills - written and verbal.
Post-secondary degree or diploma or equivalent education and experience.
Exceptional Candidates will have:
Proven history of strategic planning around fundraising.
Track record of successful fundraising event coordination.
Extensive experience in individual and corporate fund development.
Experience working with database software to track and manage donors - specifically, working with Spektrix is a key asset.
How to Apply:
Interested Candidates are encouraged to reach out to hr@pushfestival.ca if they have any questions about this position, or would like further information.
To apply, send a cover letter stating your interest in this posting along with a resume/cv outlining your professional experience. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled, with a priority application date of August 28, 2026.
KEY DATES (subject to change):
August 28, 2026 Posting Due Date – priority application date
August 31 - September 4, 2026 - Application review and interview process
(TBA on Zoom, TBA in-person if possible)
September 2026 Candidate begins (optimal start date)
Remuneration:
$20000 (up to 750 hours)
