Akin Projects
Job Posting: Development Officer
Deadline: August 31, 2020
JOB TITLE: Development Officer, Akin Projects
REPORTS TO: Fundraising Subcommittee, Akin Board of Directors
DURATION: 1 year contract, ability to work remotely and flexible schedule.
COMPENSATION: $21/hour, 21 hours per week
Akin is a Toronto-based, artist-run social enterprise (consisting of sister organizations Akin Projects & Akin Collective) located on Ancestral Wendat territory and the territory of the Anishinaabe and the Haudenosaunee, providing affordable studio space to nearly 250 artists in its 8 locations and programs roughly 40 arts-based events per year across the city. Akin is run by artists, and is dedicated to providing a working environment that maintains a friendly and inspiring atmosphere where people can work on creative endeavours and entrepreneurial undertakings of all kinds. Akin builds community through monthly art critiques, workshops, open studio events, gallery tours, exhibitions, as well as various other art projects.
For more information about Akin, please visit: www.akin.art
SUMMARY OF FUNCTION:
Reporting to the Fundraising subcommittee, this position works alongside Akin Co-Directors and the Fundraising subcommittee of the Board of Directors to support fundraising efforts and revenue generation across Akin Programs. Current and future initiatives include Akin Membership, grants and government funding, fundraising events, special campaigns and general undesignated donations.
Activities within this portfolio include (but are not limited to): drafting and preparing correspondence, leading grant writing and fundraising proposals, processing donations, coordinating stewardship activities and events including large annual fundraiser, tracking fundraising efforts and reconciling results with Akin financial reporting, and tracking expenses. The Development Officer must liaise effectively with internal colleagues, volunteers and donors on a regular basis.
We recognize that the current ongoing Covid-19 crisis can present unique challenges, difficulties and working barriers. We are flexible and empathetic to this, and part of the interview process will be discussing what an ideal work environment and set up would look like for candidates.
PROCESS:
Adapting the Toronto Arts Council’s Equity Priority Group Policy, applicants who self-identify as belonging to one (or more) of Toronto Arts Council’s Equity Priority Groups (Persons of Colour, Deaf Persons, Persons with Disabilities and Persons Living with Mental Illness, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQIAP) will all be prioritized. We encourage applications from these communities and will endeavour to accommodate job applicants with a disability during the hiring process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code guidelines and other applicable legislation.
Akin Projects has committed to at least 50% BIPOC representation at the Board and staff levels and has an ongoing commitment to anti-oppressive practices, equity and inclusion and an effort to engage diverse communities and artists in our organization and across our programs. This work includes Anti-Oppression training and the development of a revised Code of Conduct and needs assessment strategies.Akin is actively prioritizing self-identifying applicants from Black and Indigenous communities.
DUTIES:
Performs duties in accordance with department systems and Akin policies and procedures including security, administration, human resources and workplace health and safety.
Philanthropy (50%):
In collaboration with Akin leadership and Board volunteers, identifies and explores new fundraising channels and prospects including individual, corporation and foundation support.
As directed, supports the solicitation and stewardship of fundraising efforts by assisting with the preparation of proposals, reports, solicitation packages, membership materials, and general correspondence. Maintains accurate and complete records such as action tracking, gift details, grant deadlines, pledge payments, and related materials.
Seeks support through grants, including the identification of available grants, proposal writing and submission, as well as the creation of necessary reports for granting bodies.
Responds to fundraising-related inquiries, prepares personalized correspondence to donors, and ensures appropriate materials are included with mailings.
Facilitates and supports the launch of Akin’s broader membership program, from membership announcements to securing membership payments and ensuring access to benefits.
Maintains relationships with donors, partners, sponsors and stakeholders, working with Akin leadership and the Board to develop and prompt for regular updates and stewardship touchpoints.
Under the direction of the Co-Directors and Board Fundraising Committee, coordinates fundraising events, including speakers, invitations, RSVP lists, sourcing in-kind support and expense reconciliation. Develops event reports used to evaluate event success and future planning.
Provides regular updates to the Fundraising subcommittee of the Akin Board of Directors. Prepares and attends meetings, coordinating meeting materials. Prepares and distributes meeting minutes. Prepares Committee assignments and follows up with Committee members on assigned tasks.
Works with Akin staff and the Board to ensure philanthropic impact stories and messaging are clear in Akin marketing materials and communications, where appropriate.
Administration (40%):
Ensures donations are processed and tracked. Prepares the appropriate correspondence and outreach for donations received. Ensures donors are awarded appropriate recognition/benefits for gift(s)
Once Akin’s membership program is launched: tracks new members and membership renewals, from receiving payment to acknowledging the gift and delivering membership materials and benefits. Tracks renewals and follows up with expiring and lapsed members to prompt renewals, as required.
Provides general administrative support such as recording of minutes, follow-up on action items, document preparation, coordinating special mailings, filing, sending of courier packages, faxing, photocopying, etc. Performs other duties as required.
Financial Reporting (10%):
RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES:
1-2 years of fundraising experience in a Development environment.
Demonstrated experience coordinating and tracking fundraising efforts, including campaigns, membership and fundraising events.
Experience drafting and coordinating e-blasts, membership collateral, and other donor communications.
Experience working with Boards and/or a volunteer committee, following up with prospective members, preparing prospect reports, and coordinating meeting activities.
Well-developed administrative, analytical and organizational skills.
Well-developed interpersonal and public relations skills to interface with major donors, volunteers and staff.
Experience supporting the planning of donor and member events.
Knowledge of and ability to maintain professional standards.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in applicable computer programs and donor databases such as MailChimp, the Google suite, Keyboarding skills.
Knowledge of the visual arts an asset.
EFFORT:
Ensure all information is kept confidential
Handles multiple projects concurrently
Continual attention to detail with accuracy
Some pressure related to meeting deadlines
WORKING CONDITIONS:
To Apply:
Please email your résumé with any applicable web links (in PDF format) to laura@akincollective.com with the subject heading: ATTN: Development Officer.
Akin is actively prioritizing self-identifying applicants from Black and Indigenous communities.
Application Accessibility Support
Applicants who require additional resources, support or time to apply can request as such. Please request this assistance at least one week in advance of the submission deadline. To do so, or for additional information, please contact michael@akincollective.com.
Application deadline: 11:59 pm, August 31, 2020
Position start date: September 2020 (flexible)
