Vice President, Advancement, Arts Commons

The Opportunity

Arts Commons is seeking a strategic fundraiser and expert relationship builder as their next VP, Advancement. An engaged community leader passionate about the arts, the VP will lead the development team and fundraising activities for the largest performing arts centre in Western Canada.

Reporting to the President & CEO, and a critical member of the Leadership Team, the VP will work collaboratively with colleagues, growing fundraising efforts in support of the organization’s activities and initiatives in parallel to the Arts Commons Transformation project, the largest cultural infrastructure project in Canadian history.

This is a unique opportunity to join an innovative and creative organization bringing arts to the forefront of civic life in Canada’s fastest-growing city. Building on the largest known philanthropic gift to the performing arts in Canadian history from Dave Werklund and family, the VP will contribute to strengthening the local arts ecosystem, building partnerships and raising funds that support increasing access to high quality cultural experiences.

Overseeing and providing leadership to all contributed revenue-generating ventures, the VP will ensure that annual, campaign, and longer-term goals are achieved. As a strong coach and mentor, the VP will inspire a high-performing team of four to greater heights, working closely with campaign consultants, including KCI.

The VP, Advancement will lead all major and principal gift activities, while strengthening Arts Commons’ relationship with government, business, and industry, focused on stewardship and engagement efforts that grow the community of supporters.

This role will work from Arts Commons, 205 8th Avenue SE, Calgary, Alberta and includes evening and weekend work. Occasional travel is required, a valid passport and willingness to travel is necessary.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

• Serve as a member of the leadership team. Actively and collaboratively participate in decisions pertaining to strategic initiatives, operating model, and operational execution.
• Act in the best interests of Arts Commons, modelling the values of Arts Commons in all aspects of the role.
• Serve as principal fundraising strategist, accountable for overall performance of all annual fundraising programs and ventures.
• Provide strategic and tactical direction for annual operating and lifecycle campaigns (private and public sectors), guiding volunteers and staff to advance development of long-term donor relationships, ensuring compliance with policies, and achieving goals of Arts Commons.
• Responsible for successful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts. Manage and maintain a portfolio of donors, supporting the President & CEO, and campaign consultants in their fundraising efforts.
• Engage and support senior volunteers, leveraging relationships for the organization.
• Act as primary contact and relationship manager with all levels of government (politicians and bureaucrats).
• Work closely with the President & CEO, and VP & COO on development and execution of an annual budget strategy that includes ambitious fundraising goals.
• In collaboration with other VPs, identify institutional priorities that align with public and private funding streams.
• Work in partnership with Brand and Audience Development to ensure integrated activities that enhance Arts Commons’ brand and promote a positive fundraising climate.
• Work in partnership with Resident Companies in fundraising efforts, as required.
• Adhere to the Donor Bill of Rights and Association of Fundraising Professionals’ Code of Ethical Principles and Standards of Professional Practice.
• Oversee development, monitoring and administration of the Development Office.
• Provide direct leadership to team of four; coach, mentor and inspire them to meet individual and team goals and targets.
• Cultivate a high-performing, team-oriented environment and culture that values staff input and builds trust through consultation and transparency.
• Recruit, train, and retain top talent to increase capacity, performance, and fundraising results.
• Oversee development, monitoring and administration of the Development Office’s plans, budgets, policies, systems and procedures.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of 7+ years progressive and proven leadership in senior fundraising roles.
• Successful experience soliciting and securing 6-figure gifts and above.
• Experienced relationship builder, able to develop strong connections with a variety of audiences and organizational priorities.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques relevant to fundraising and campaigns, and a successful record of stewarding relationships with sponsors and donors.
• Proven team leader with experience coaching and mentoring high-performing fundraisers.
• Knowledge and passion for the arts, and clear understanding of its value to the community.
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills necessary to prioritize and accomplish concurrent assignments.
• Strong work ethic and positive team attitude.
• Sound analytical abilities and good decision-making skills; ability to recognize when others need to be involved in activities or decisions.
• Curiosity and enthusiasm for meeting and working with a wide range of constituents.
• Experience with fundraising and donor management systems, e.g. Tessitura.

For More Information

KCI is conducting this search on behalf of Arts Commons. For more information contact Jill Anderson/Ellie Rusonik at artscommons@kcitalent.com.

Inquiries and applications will be held in confidence. To apply, send a resume and letter of interest to artscommons@kcitalent.com.

Submission Deadline: March 17, 2025

View the full Executive Brief at: www.kcitalent.com
Learn more about Arts Commons at: www.artscommons.ca

As part of Arts Commons’ commitment to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA), we work to remove barriers in collaboration with a broad range of voices. Removing these barriers begins with the hiring process. To that end, we are committed to recruiting, hiring, training, and promoting qualified people of all backgrounds, and providing accessible employment practices. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process, and applicants are asked to make their accommodation needs known to the Search Consultants.

It is the unique contributions of all our people at Arts Commons that drive our success. We are committed to providing an environment free of harassment and discrimination for everyone, and we will continue to work to ensure that our teams reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

This position is open to all Canadian citizens, permanent residents and those legally able to work in Canada. Other individuals may be considered, per immigration laws, and such candidates should include their status when applying for the position.

The annual salary range for this position is $150,000 – $185,000. Comprehensive benefits are provided, including an employer RRSP match of 5% of base pay.

Arts Commons
205 – 8th Avenue SE
Calgary, AB T2G 0K9