Grant Writer
The Calgary Philharmonic celebrated 65 years as a pillar of Calgary’s vibrant arts community in 2020 and has grown to be one of Canada’s most celebrated live music ensembles. Led by Music Director Rune Bergmann, the orchestra presents classical standards, pop favourites, bold collaborations and cutting-edge new works, and attracts world-renowned guest artists and dynamic conductors each season. In addition to 66 orchestra musicians, the Calgary Phil is one of two major symphony orchestras in Canada with its own chorus of over 120 volunteer singers, which celebrates 60 years in 2023. In a typical season, the Calgary Phil welcomes over 100,000 visitors to the concert hall, connects with thousands of students through its educational programs, and reaches audiences worldwide through free and accessible digital programming.
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The Role
The Calgary Phil is seeking a skilled and experienced grant writer to join our team. The grant writer is responsible for developing and writing winning grant proposals designed to secure funding from public institutions, private foundations and corporations and other grant-making entities to support and implement all aspects of the Calgary Phil’s programs and initiatives. This individual researches and identifies grant opportunities, liaises with grant program officers, develops the case for support and reports back to funders.
The grant writer reports mainly to the director, development but collaborates closely with the president + CEO and the entire Calgary Philharmonic team. This individual must demonstrate the values of the Calgary Phil with emphasis on confidentiality, professionalism and strong ethical behaviour.
Responsibilities
Fundraising
- Conduct the full range of activities required to conceptualize, write, submit and manage grant proposals.
- Craft funding proposals in a clear and compelling manner.
- Stay informed about new research in orchestral music / the arts sector and communicate this research in grant proposals and updates to leadership, when relevant.
- Manage several projects at once including handling confidential information with complete discretion.
- Meet regularly with representatives from granting agencies / grant program officers to determine eligibility, review drafts and learn about new funding opportunities.
- Assist the president + CEO and director, development with government relations work, including advocating for funding increases.
- Maintain timeliness calendar for submission of letters of inquiry, proposals and reports.
- Liaise with each department to collect relevant financial and program information, attendance and audience details, publicity and marketing to create budgets and compelling collateral.
- Manage online CADAC database to update and report on annual statistics for all three levels of government.
- Comply with all grant reporting requirements.
- Provide stewardship to current supporters by providing regular updates and giving key stakeholders opportunities to engage with leadership and attend events.
- Research grant prospects for new support.
- Maintain giving records in database and digital files, including grant tracking and reporting.
- Assist with other fundraising initiatives as required.
Desired Qualifications:
- Post-secondary education in communications or research, or equivalent experience.
- Proven track record of successful grant writing.
- Demonstrated critical writing ability.
- Ability to gather and synthesize information and communicate in a compelling and succinct form.
- Strong grasp of development process and nature of foundation philanthropy.
- Knowledge of budgets as the relate to proposal and grant procurement.
- Familiarity with arts and culture funders.
- Dedication to quality control and ownership of job responsibilities.
- Ability to work well under pressure.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team.
- Proficient computer skills and in-depth knowledge of relevant software such as MS Office Suite (PowerPoint, Excel, and Word).
- Experience in a not-for-profit or performing arts organization is an asset.
- Knowledge of classical music and/or a sincere interest in arts and culture.
Additional Details
The salary range for this position is $50,000.00 to $60,000.00 annually dependent on related job experience.
Must be available to work beyond office hours including attendance at evening/weekend concerts and eventsthroughout the season.
The Calgary Phil is trialing a hybrid remote work program. Employees who are eligible for this program can work up to three days/week from an appropriate remote location.
As part of our full compensation package, Calgary Phil offers three weeks’ vacation, a comprehensive benefits package that includes RRSP contributions, health coverage, an employee assistance program, bonus days off, and other non-cash benefits.
Office location: Arts Commons (Floor 2, 205 8th Ave. SE)
Application Process
Deadline: June 14, 2023
Applications will be reviewed on a regular basis and suitable candidates may be contacted before the deadline.
Please send cover letter, resume, portfolio and salary expectations to Chris Petrik, Director, Developmenthr@calgaryphil.com with the subject line Grant Writer.
The Calgary Phil is committed to fostering an anti-racist, equitable, diverse and inclusive environment and, as such, encourages qualified candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds.
If you require an accommodation for the recruitment/interview process, please let us know so that we can work with you to assist with your needs.
We thank you for your interest in the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra.
Please note only successful candidates will be contacted.
