Philanthropy Officer
About Crow's Theatre
For over 40 years, Crow’s Theatre has been a leading force in the Canadian theatre landscape, recognized for provocative, award-winning new work that premieres in Toronto and often tours nationally and internationally. Crow’s Theatre is distinguished as a preeminent cultural destination for its far-reaching imagination, ideas, exchange, diversity, and grassroots belief that the arts are essential to healthy and thriving communities.
Led by Artistic and General Director, Chris Abraham, and Executive Director, Sherrie Johnson, Crow’s Theatre is located at the corner of Carlaw Avenue and Dundas Street East in Toronto’s east end. Our home at Streetcar Crowsnest offers dynamic cultural programming across several venues: the Guloien Theatre (200 seats), Studio Theatre (90 seats), Nada Ristich Studio Gallery (80 seats), and the Lobby Bar.
About The Position
Crow’s Theatre is seeking a results-driven and donor-focused Philanthropy Officer to join our dynamic team. This full-time position is ideal for a fundraiser passionate about the performing arts and eager to play a pivotal role in expanding Crow’s Theatre’s donor pipeline and strengthening long-term sustainability.
Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy and working closely with the Philanthropy Manager and Philanthropy Services Associate, the Philanthropy Officer will be responsible for increasing the number of entry-level donors, improving renewal rates, and driving donor acquisition efforts to support annual giving growth. This role will focus on cultivating relationships with new and lapsed donors, moving them toward deeper engagement, and identifying strategies to increase key fundraising metrics.
As part of a small and collaborative team, the Philanthropy Officer will also help coordinate stewardship and cultivation events, including Patrons Circle evenings and the organization’s signature fundraising event. The ideal candidate will be a proactive and strategic fundraiser with a passion for growing donor participation and fostering a strong culture of philanthropy.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute strategies to increase entry-level donor participation, renewal rates, and acquisition numbers, strengthening Crow’s Theatre’s long-term donor pipeline.
- Manage and grow a portfolio of entry-level donors, ensuring consistent and meaningful engagement through personalized outreach, invitations, and updates.
- Work with the Philanthropy Services Associate to initiate prospect research and to identify, qualify, and cultivate new donors, building a robust donor pipeline.
- Plan and execute donor acquisition campaigns for annual giving, leveraging data insights and industry best practices to attract new donors.
- Implement and track key performance metrics related to donor retention, reactivation, and growth, adjusting strategies as needed.
- Collaborate with the Philanthropy team and other departments to support the integration of philanthropy into Crow’s Theatre’s broader audience engagement efforts, under the leadership of the Director of Philanthropy.
- Coordinate the planning and execution of stewardship and cultivation events throughout the season, including our Patrons Circle evenings and the signature fundraising event.
- Attend Crow’s Theatre’s performances to maintain a comprehensive understanding of programming to effectively engage with donors and prospects.
- Support additional projects and initiatives as directed by the Director of Philanthropy.
Qualifications
- Minimum 2 years of fundraising experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- A proven ability to grow engagement, improve retention rates, and drive acquisition efforts—whether with donors, customers, or audiences—through strategic relationship-building and outreach.
- Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to cultivate and steward donors at various giving levels.
- Knowledge of fundraising best practices and an interest in staying informed about philanthropy trends and developments.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a donor-centric approach.
- Proven ability to manage projects from inception to completion, prioritize tasks, and meet multiple deadlines effectively.
- Strong ability to communicate and collaborate in a team environment.
- Strategic, resourceful, and cost-conscious, with the ability to drive new initiatives and optimize existing programs and events to achieve revenue growth.
- A proactive self-starter who contributes innovative ideas and solutions.
- Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
- Previous experience working with a fundraising management software / CRM system.
- Experience in the arts and culture sector is preferred.
Compensation
This is a permanent full-time employment position with a salary commensurate with experience. The position includes participation in Crow’s extended health benefits package and pension plan. Standard 40 hours, with occasional evening and weekend availability expected, particularly during show runs.
Salary Range: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00
Application
To apply, please email your detailed resume and a cover letter, in PDF form, to hiring@crowstheatre.com. Please refer to “Philanthropy Officer” in subject line.
Interviews shall be conducted as soon as a qualified candidate applies and is selected. Applications will continue to be accepted until the position is filled.
Thank you to all applicants; only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Crow’s is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis. We are also committed to building a more equitable, inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage submissions from all qualified individuals regardless of gender, age, race, culture, nationality, family status, sexual orientation, and physical ability. If you require any accommodations during the hiring process, please email us confidentially
at sherrie@crowstheatre.com.