Development Officer

COMPANY OVERVIEW
Neptune Theatre is located on sacred land that has been the site of human activity since time immemorial. We are in Mi’kma’ki, the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq, and we acknowledge them as the past, present, and future caretakers of this land. 

As artists, we are grateful to work and build community here. As stewards of culture, we are in the process of learning more about how our company can improve our relations with Indigenous People and uphold the values of collaboration and inclusivity in all that we do. 

Neptune Theatre is Atlantic Canada’s premier destination for live, professional theatre. Our roots are deep in this region, proudly producing theatre in Halifax for 63 seasons. Our values are grounded in the belief that the power of live theatre can transform and connect. With a mindful and inclusive approach, we are committed to bringing stories that represent the history and diversity of our region and its people to life on our stages. 

JOB DESCRIPTION 
Reporting to the Director of Development and Partnerships, the Development Officer (Grants & Foundations, Corporate Partnerships & Key Relationships) will manage and broaden a portfolio of granting organizations, foundations, corporate partners and other partners through effective proposal writing, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities. Working closely with the Senior Management Team, the Development Officer (Grants & Foundations, Corporate Partnerships & Key Relationships) is responsible for developing tailored strategies to deepen existing and prospective relationships to support the excellence and sustainability of Neptune Theatre and the Neptune Theatre School. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 
As an integral member of Neptune’s Development team, the Development Officer (Grants & Foundations, Corporate Partnerships & Key Relationships) will:

  • Contribute to the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of major fundraising activities with a focus on corporate and foundation appeals, and cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of corporate and key partners.
  • Identify, build, and sustain relationships with prospects, grantors, donors, and partners.
  • Prepare and deliver high-quality proposals, presentations, and other communications materials.
  • Provide donor stewardship through impact reporting, tours, hosting meetings, and fulfilling stewardship plans as set forth for Neptune donors.
  • Contribute to broader fundraising initiatives, including donor appeals, campaigns, and development projects.
  • Commit to continued learning and growth.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

  • Strong organizational skills and acute attention to detail.
  • Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written skills.
  • Resourceful and flexible with an ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
  • Comfortable with networking and has a natural ability to build meaningful relationships; confident and eager to engage the community, donors, grantors, partners, and colleagues.
  • Excellent understanding of the issues surrounding confidentiality and a high level of integrity.
  • Experience with customer relationship management tools and databases.
  • Understanding of the arts and live theatre.
  • Dedication and openness to continuous learning.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

  • A combination of a minimum of five years of education and experience in the non-profit fundraising environment.
  • Demonstrated strengths in written and verbal communications.

SALARY

This position offers an annual salary of $45,000 - $50,000 (based on experience) and includes three weeks vacation along with a health and dental benefit plan.

TO APPLY

Qualified applicants are encouraged to email their resume by March 30, 2026 to work@neptunetheatre.com. The subject line of emails should be “Development Officer”, only selected applicants will be contacted.

Statement of Intention
Neptune Theatre seeks to promote equity, inclusion, and access; we factor this into every decision we make. We encourage applications from individuals of all genders, ethnicities, abilities, and identities, and will give scheduling priority to those who self-identify as IBPOC, LGBTQ2S+, d/Deaf, living with disabilities, and/or facing other systemic challenges in our industry. Applicants should be aware that Neptune does not tolerate any form of harassment or discrimination of its employees, patrons, partners and volunteers, or any persons visiting or spending time on its premises. We are committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities at any stage of the hiring process.


Posted:
March 12, 2026

Deadline:
March 30, 2026

Location:
Halifax, NS

Career Level:
Experienced

Compensation:
$45,000 - $50,000 annually

Type:
Full-Time

At Ronald McDonald House Maritimes, the work is deeply human. Every day, families facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives find comfort, stability, and support through programs designed to keep them together and close to the medical care their children need.

They are seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Philanthropy to lead fundraising strategy and inspire a high-performing team to achieve ambitious revenue goals that directly support families across the Maritimes.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and working closely with the senior leadership team, the Director of Philanthropy will play a central role in driving sustainable fundraising growth. They will lead the organizational fundraising strategy, including annual giving & events, major gifts (individual, corporate & foundation), planned giving, and McDonald’s initiatives, while also managing a personal portfolio of major donors.

This role is ideal for someone who combines strategic thinking with relationship-building and thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

About Ronald McDonald House Maritimes

Ronald McDonald House Maritimes helps families with ill or injured children stay together and near the medical care they need. Programs include the new 36-room Ronald McDonald House in Halifax and Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in Halifax and Moncton, supporting more than 1,200 families across the region each year.

As part of a globally recognized non-profit organization, Ronald McDonald House Maritimes has strong national and global resources that will lend an incredible peer network to the incoming Director of Philanthropy.

The culture at Ronald McDonald House Maritimes is collaborative, mission-driven, and rooted in shared impact.

Why This Role Matters:

The Director of Philanthropy provides strategic and operational leadership for the organization’s fundraising function, with accountability for sustainable revenue growth, donor engagement and stewardship, and team performance.

Key priorities for the role include:

  • Strengthening and organizing fundraising streams to support long-term sustainability.
  • Leading a development team of four under one unified vision and structure.
  • Growing annual fundraising revenue toward ambitious targets.
  • Building clarity and accountability across donor portfolios.
  • Contributing to organizational strategy and future planning.

The ideal candidate brings credibility through personal fundraising results, confidence through leadership experience, and humility through collaboration.

Your Core Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership:

  • Develop and execute both short-term and long-term fundraising strategies aligned with organizational goals.
  • Assess and optimize revenue streams, including major gifts, annual giving, and planned giving.
  • Establish metrics, reporting, and performance frameworks to drive results.
  • Partner with the CEO, senior leadership team, and Board volunteers to advance philanthropic priorities.

Fundraising & Relationship Development:

  • Manage and grow a portfolio of major donors.
  • Support leadership and Board engagement in cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation activities.
  • Strengthen both moves management and donor pipeline management practices.
  • Identify new opportunities for revenue growth and community partnerships.

Team Leadership & Development:

  • Lead, coach, and support a multidisciplinary fundraising team.
  • Clarify roles, ownership, and accountability across portfolios.
  • Foster a collaborative, supportive culture focused on shared outcomes.
  • Build team confidence, capability, and professional development.

What Will Set You Up for Success:
The ideal candidate will:

  • Be a confident and credible fundraising leader with strong relationship-building skills.
  • Demonstrate personal fundraising achievement and production success.
  • Balance strategy and people leadership eff ectively.
  • Bring clarity, structure, and direction to complex environments.
  • Be collaborative, transparent, and comfortable working with senior leaders
  • Have the energy, professionalism, and presence to represent the organization in the community.
  • Be motivated by mission-driven impact and helping families.

Qualifications:

  • Minimum 5–7 years of progressive fundraising experience.
  • Leadership or management experience leading teams toward measurable goals.
  • Proven success in securing 5-6 figure gifts and building donor relationships.
  • Strong strategic planning, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Post-secondary education or equivalent professional experience.
  • Capital campaign experience is considered an asset.

Benefits
Work Environment & Compensation:

  • Hybrid work model (minimum three days per week in the office, following a successful onboarding and transition period)
  • Competitive salary, commensurate with experience, between $95,000 and $110,000.
  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health, wellness, and retirement programs
  • Health & dental benefits
  • Matching RRSP program
  • Wellness program, including a $500 wellness fund
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Meaningful work with tangible community impact

Why Join Ronald McDonald House Maritimes:

This is a pivotal moment for Ronald McDonald House Maritimes. With the opening of a new, expanded facility, the organization is entering its next chapter — one focused on building sustainable growth and expanding impact across the region. There is strong momentum, a trusted reputation within the community, and a clear vision for the future.

At Ronald McDonald House Maritimes, you will be part of a mission that is truly helping families stay close to the care their children need, while surrounded by the support of a home away from home.

The organization is stable, respected, and positioned for growth with access to national and global resources while maintaining a strong local culture. The incoming Director will play a central role in shaping the future of philanthropy and impact across the region.

About the Hiring Process:

This opportunity is part of an ongoing partnership between Kittiwake and The Warrington Group, who are supporting Ronald McDonald House Maritimes with a thoughtful, values-led hiring process.

We believe a thoughtful hiring process leads to the right fit for both the candidate and the organization. Our process includes the following steps:

  1. Virtual Pre-Screen: A virtual conversation with Mackenzie Darbyshire and Jen Warrington (Kittiwake/The Warrington Group) to learn more about your experience, interests, and alignment with the foundation.
  2. In-Person Interview (1st Round): Selected candidates will be invited to an in-person interview with leaders from Ronald McDonald House Maritimes, focused on skills, experience, and values alignment.
  3. In-Person Interview (2nd Round): Successful first-round candidates will be invited to an in-person interview to further solidify overall fit and values alignment.
  4. Offer Presented to Candidate: This will include appropriate background checks and professional references.

To Apply:
Please visit our website to learn more and apply:

https://kittiwakeco.zohorecruit.ca/jobs/Careers/5321000000169005/Director-of-Philanthropy?source=CareerSite