HELP WANTED: DIRECTOR, PARTNERSHIPS ADVISOR AND ADVANCEMENTS

CONTRACT DESCRIPTION – DIRECTOR, PARTNERSHIPS ADVISOR AND ADVANCEMENTS

ABOUT POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE

The Polaris Music Prize is a not-for-profit organization that annually honours and rewards artists who produce Canadian music albums of distinction. A select panel of music critics judge and award the Prize without regard to musical genre or commercial popularity.

Mission: Polaris is dedicated to celebrating the art of music.  We bring together music lovers, artists and a dynamic jury to discover, discuss and award the best in Canadian music based on artistic merit.

Vision: Through our awards and programs we inspire music fans in Canada and across the world to champion important Canadian music

Core Purpose: We believe in the value of music as art.  It has the power to transform culture and shape identity.

Event Season: Polaris Music Prize hosts a series of signature events annually to announce and celebrate the nomination process and winners.

ROLE PORTFOLIO 

Charitable Status: Polaris Music Prize secured our charitable status in January of 2024. Following this, Polaris is looking for the Director, Partnerships Advisor and Advancement to research and create a comprehensive development strategy plan identifying new funding opportunities across all revenue streams including but not limited to sponsorships, major gifts and grants.

Strategic Plan: Polaris Music Prize is currently working to create a five year strategic plan working with an external contractor. The strategic plan will include a review of current revenue generating special projects including programming and product sales. The Director, Partnerships Advisor and Advancement will participate in the strategic plan development and provide expertise and guidance throughout execution.

Fund Development: The Director, Partnerships Advisor and Advancement will manage all fundraising activities across the organization for the 2024 Festival Season. Activities include sponsorships, grants, major gifts, and ticket sales. The Director will be responsible for reviewing all current partnerships, identifying new opportunities, solicitation, execution of partnerships, and donor stewardship.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Partnership Relations

• Develop and manage a portfolio of donors and prospects to achieve or exceed organizational fundraising goals, focusing on revenue generation opportunities
• Review, update, and oversee the execution and delivery of donor solicitation and stewardship tools
• Complete prospect research across all development revenue streams, including but not limited to sponsorship, major gifts, ticket sales and grants
• Manage the donor database and budget tracking
• Cultivate and maintain positive relationships with donors, leveraging existing connections and establishing new partnerships to optimize fundraising outcomes, increase participation levels, and enhance Polaris Music Prize visibility
• Develop partnership offerings and customized strategies that meet donor partnership objectives, while representing the goals of Polaris Music Prize
• Guide and support partnership execution to ensure brand alignment
• Liaison with Marketing social media cross-posting and partnership promotions
• Ensure the delivery of exceptional stewardship activities and reporting to all partners

Organizational Future Planning

• Review current development tools and strategies and identify new opportunities for revenue generation
• Consult on development related planning throughout the creation of a five year organization strategic plan
• Generate comprehensive reports on events and financial contributions, providing insights to inform future planning and decision-making

QUALIFICATIONS 

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills:

• Post-secondary education in a related field or additional coursework/certification in fundraising event management or related experience
• Experience working in the music industry considered a valuable asset
• Minimum 3-5 years of corporate partnership relations and event execution
• Budget management and supplier negotiation skills
• Demonstrated good judgment, flexibility and leadership skills
• Excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal and organizational skills
• Proven track record of partnership acquisition and retention
• Excellent project and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional diverse teams and prioritize tasks in a time-sensitive environment

COMPENSATION: The contractor will be paid $55,700 +HST. The contractor will work 30 hour weeks from May- December 31, 2024 with work hours to be agreed upon. The contractor will not be required to work out of the Polaris office. Applicants from across Canada are encouraged to apply.

HOW TO APPLY:

Your cover letter and application should be emailed to amber AT polarismusicprize.ca by May 7, 2024.

Independent contractors or agencies are welcome to apply.

Polaris Music Prize is committed to the principles of equity and encourages applicants from racialized people, Indigenous people, disabled people, queer and trans people, and women. If you require any form of accessibility throughout this application, please let us know by emailing amber AT polarismusicprize.ca