Major Events & Sponsorship Officer

The Power Plant
Application Deadline: August 31, 2022

The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery at Harbourfront Centre is Canada’s leading public gallery devoted exclusively to the art of our time and is recognized as an important centre for contemporary art in North America. Since 1987, The Power Plant’s mission has been to create an open culture and community for people to be face-to-face with thought-provoking contemporary art and ideas. We have a culturally diverse workforce and audience whose lives and communities we seek to enrich through encouraging exploration of self and society. More than a gallery, The Power Plant is a community hub that caters to adults, youth, and children through broad and unique programming. To learn more about us, please visit thepowerplant.org.

We are currently seeking a dynamic, super-organized and driven Major Events & Sponsorship Officer who possesses passion and creativity to plan and execute high-quality events, as well as great interpersonal and relationship-building skills to cultivate and foster sponsor partnerships.

Position Title: Major Events & Sponsorship Officer
Reporting to: Head of Development
Type of Employment: Contract, October 2022 to end of June 2023
Hours of Work: 35 hours per week
Location: Toronto

Summary of Function

As part of the Development team, the Major Events & Sponsorship Manager will be responsible for the planning and execution of all event related activities at The Power Plant including, the annual Power Ball and other signature fundraising events to be held throughout the year, as well as exhibition openings and previews, rentals, donor cultivation, aspects of member and recognition events. This position will also be responsible for sponsorship prospecting, stewardship and fulfillment, including hospitality events associated with sponsors of special events and exhibitions.

Duties

Plan, lead and oversee the production of all Power Plant events (exhibition openings, major fundraising, sponsorship hosting, donor hosting, business and member events), serving as gallery’s lead contact for events coordination/logistics.
Schedule and prioritize work, organizing workflow in accordance to agreed deadlines.
Source, negotiate and manage relationships with external vendors and suppliers for all events at the gallery. Book/arrange rental services, equipment, liquor and food permits and catering as needed and in advance of events.
Oversee events set-ups and strike downs and assist as needed. Be present during events where applicable in order to troubleshoot any arising issues.
Oversee volunteers for all special events, ensuring they are briefed about their roles and fulfill their duties.
Oversee and serve as the lead staff contact for Power Ball, The Power Plant’s annual fundraiser. This includes developing a plan and critical path for this event in agreement with the gallery’s Director, sponsor prospecting, budget forecasting, roles & tasks assignment communication, supporting ticket selling committee, overseeing all related financials including invoices, ticket sales and reconciliations, and preparing reporting updates and summaries.
Ensure thank you packages and tax/business receipts are sent to all donors/sponsors in a timely manner.
Monitor, update and manage events’ budgets and reconcile on a regular basis for invoicing and for charge backs.
In consultation with the Head of Development and TPP’s Director, research and identify sponsorship opportunities and appropriate prospects and solicit support (cash and in-kind) for exhibitions, programming and fundraising events.
With the approval of the Head of Development, prepare proposals, sponsorship packages and contractual agreements.
Manage relationships with new and existing sponsors and manage sponsor fulfillment.
In consultation with The Power Plant’s Donor Programs Officer, oversee all logistical tasks for Power Plant membership events (licenses, permits, catering and staffing).
In consultation with The Power Plant’s Head of Development, develop strategy for gallery rentals, as well as manage all rental events from liaising with clients, to coordinating all pertinent requirements with other departments at the gallery and at Harbourfront Centre.
As needed, perform special projects and other duties of a similar nature or level as directed by the Director of the gallery or by the Head of Development.

Requirements

Minimum of 3 years of demonstrable experience planning and executing fundraising and special events.
Proven experience working with volunteers. Tact and poise to deal with highly motivated, well-connected and opinionated volunteers is required.
Clear understanding of financial priorities and budgets associated with special events.
Strong organizational and planning skills and meticulous attention to details.
Ability to multi-task, work well under pressure with composure and grace and meet tight deadlines.
Excellent verbal and written communications, interpersonal skills to deal tactfully with a variety of people, artists and external groups and agencies.
Strong computer proficiency (Microsoft Office, Excel, Word, Film maker Pro). Familiarity with fundraising software is considered an asset.
A creative thinker with the ability to execute ideas to fruition, from concept to implementation.
Flexibility to work during events that take place outside of regular work hours.
Understanding of contemporary art; normally acquired through a university degree in an area such as visual arts is desirable.
Prior experience at an arts organization in the not-for-profit sector is considered an asset.
Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. All international applicants must have a valid employment Visa authorizing their ability to work in Canada for the duration of the contract.
This role is based in Toronto. A hybrid work-model is currently in place, however the candidate must be able to work on site at the gallery as needed, and when a return-to-the-office directive is communicated.
The Power Plant recognizes its heightened duty to protect employees from health and safety risks during the current pandemic. As such, an offer of employment shall be conditional on proof of full COVID-19 vaccination with a vaccine series approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization.

Our Values

Open
We’re friendly, welcoming and inclusive, with an experimental attitude that thrives on collaboration.

Brave
To achieve our bold ambition we empower and support imaginative risk and we always try to learn from our mistakes.

Rigorous
We are committed to excellence in all we do, ensuring every visitor encounter is safe, memorable and enriching.

Kind
We value and respect each other and all our visitors, celebrating difference and striving to realise potential.

How To Apply

The Power Plant is committed to diversity an inclusiveness. We encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Acceptable applications must include a current resume and a cover letter indicating why you wish to join the team, how you meet the essential criteria for this role, and your salary expectation.

Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply by contacting jobs@harbourfrontcentre.com by no later than August 31, 2022. Please quote TPP Major Events & Sponsorship Officer in the subject line of your application.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. Suitable accommodations will be available upon request during the hiring process.