Director of Philanthropy

About Us

The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (AGNS) is an intersection of creative expression, the society it represents and the landscape in which it lives. It plays a vital role in community, giving people space to explore who they are, what they believe, and how they live. It inspires us to think, to question, and to grow.
 

Our mission at the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia is to present the most vital and engaging contemporary art from around the world. We want to embrace tradition and the past by applying a contemporary viewpoint that addresses relevant issues, challenges perspectives, and intrigues audiences. During this exciting and transformational time, we are looking for a Director of Philanthropy who will flourish in a time of change while managing, growing, and nurturing a team of dedicated development professionals.

About Our Opportunity

The Director of Philanthropy plays a leadership role as convener, ambassador, and champion, building long term relationships with key stakeholders and supporters, elevating the importance of culture to community to realize the Gallery’s mission, capital, and operational goals.
 

Reporting to the Director and CEO and as a member of the senior leadership team, you will be a passionate and visible leader with responsibility for all aspects of the Gallery’s fundraising and philanthropic programs, playing a strategic leadership role in driving fundraising activities, expanding a network of donors, stewarding relationships, and increasing support from individual and institutional contributors. You will provide strong leadership, guidance, and support to an efficient and talented development team.
 

Working closely with the Director and CEO, the Board of Governors, Board Committees, staff volunteers and campaign leadership, you will lead the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gifts and donations to realize the Gallery’s annual and capital fundraising goals. As an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, you will also contribute to the Gallery’s organization-wide mandate, goals, and objectives and will be a champion for the AGNS. This position will also be crucial in the support it provides to the CEO as well as donors and stakeholders of the gallery.

Qualifications and Experience

The successful candidate, you hold an undergraduate degree in a related field as well as several years of progressively responsible fundraising leadership experience with demonstrated success in developing and executing on strategic fundraising programs including major gifts, capital campaigns and events.
 

In addition to the above, you will also have:

• Demonstrated ability to develop successful philanthropic strategies that include diverse revenue streams; proven ability to develop new revenue opportunities.
• The ability to lead the implementation of philanthropic strategies through effective management of high performing teams. 
• Superior interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively to build and foster solid relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, donors, funders, and governmental bodies.
• Strong project management skills and have a track record of success identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gifts.
• Inspirational leadership qualities with proven experience developing and leading high-performing teams as well as managing and motivating a network of volunteer fundraisers.
• Superior EQ, gravitas, diplomacy, and exceptional communication skills with strong experience forging sustainable long-term relationships, partnerships, and philanthropic results.

Designation as a Certified Fund-Raising Executive is considered an asset as is experience in the cultural/arts sector and/or knowledge of local and national philanthropic communities that support the visual arts.

Benefits

Based on the employment status, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Pension, General Illness (Short and Long Term), Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. Click here to learn more about our various benefits offering and eligibility criteria.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, three (3) year term position based in Halifax with the option to renew the term.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career
• Engaging workplace: our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in, we have forward-thinking policies and strategies
• Countless career paths
• Department specific flexible working schedules