Director of Major Gifts

Canadian Opera Company; Toronto; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canadian Opera Company seeks a Director of Major Gifts to lead and innovate in major fundraising. In this pivotal role, you will develop strategic plans, manage top-tier donor relationships, and collaborate with senior leadership to ensure sustainable growth. Join a renowned organization celebrating 75 years and making a significant impact on the Canadian arts community.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in major individual gift fundraising.
• Experience in large campaigns and complex environments.
• Knowledge of Toronto social and philanthropic scenery preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic plans for major gifts fundraising.
• Manage a portfolio of 75-100 major gift donors.
• Lead and mentor a team of frontline fundraisers.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Canadian Opera Company is now accepting applications for the position of Director of Major Gifts.

The Canadian Opera Company (COC) is the largest opera producer in Canada and one of the largest in North America, recognized at home and internationally for its artistic excellence and innovation. With the COC celebrating 75 years of Canadian opera, including two decades in its award-winning performance home, The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the company has embarked on a major creative revitalization that places more inclusive programming, new creative partnerships, and expanded community reach at the forefront of the COC’s ambitious goals.

The incoming Director of Major Gifts would play a crucial role in securing the visionary donors whose investment in COC programs and company initiatives today will form the foundation of Canadian opera’s future.

SUMMARY

The Director of Major Gifts reports to the Chief Development Officer and provides strategic leadership and direction for the major gifts and planned giving programs. This role is critical to the growth of individual philanthropy and directly supports the long-term sustainability of the Canadian Opera Company. The Director maintains a focused portfolio of top-tier donors and leads a team of frontline fundraisers. The Director is part of a senior team of fundraisers covering major gifts, institutional giving, development operations and special events.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Develop strategic plans; initiate, analyze, monitor, and evaluate outcomes for the major gifts; (Golden Circle ($12,500+), President’s Council ($2,250+), artist sponsorships ($10,000+), and planned giving.
• Develop and maintain a portfolio of 75-100 major gift donors to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward
• Proven ability to close 5 to 7-figure gifts.
• Play a lead role in partnering with COC senior staff, trustees, and volunteer leaders on peer fundraising initiatives,
• including working with members of the Fundraising Committee and its subcommittees.
• Assist the Chief Development Officer and General Director on a future major campaign for the COC to identify and solicit operational and endowment gifts to secure the future of the organization.
• Provide oversight of the major gifts and planned giving revenue and expense budgets, data and records management and stewardship programs.
• Accountability for fundraising KPIs
• Work closely with the Director of Development Operations to ensure effective coordination between annual giving and major gifts, as well as assist with strategy development to build pipelines and increase revenue for annual operations.
• Manage staffing, training, and performance evaluations for 3 direct reports (Senior Major Gift and Planned Giving Officer, Major Gift Officer, Discovery Officer

• Provide essential leadership and guidance for all gift officers to maximize productivity; set performance standards, evaluate performance, and implement professional development activities for ongoing mentorship.
• Attend opera performances and events locally and, when appropriate, nationally and internationally, in support of cultivation/fundraising activities.
• Attendance at COC opera performances is mandatory.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree required;
• 10+ years of experience in major individual gift fundraising and proven success in cultivating and soliciting prospects capable of gifts at the $100K+ level.
• Experience fundraising within large campaigns and in a sophisticated and complex environment.
• Demonstrated leadership and the ability to successfully manage teams and work collaboratively across a large organization.
• Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising with the ability to successfully participate in all aspects of the gift cycle.

SKILLS

• Superior interpersonal and communications skills with a diverse group of constituents, both internal and external to the institution.
• Superior writing and data analysis skills.
• Demonstrated independent, mature judgment.
• Ability to be discreet and maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to consistently maintain a professional image and demeanor.
• Strong problem-solving skills combined with a collaborative approach.
• Ability to successfully prioritize and manage multiple projects and deadlines.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and able to learn and use various database and planning software.
• Must be able to travel between 227 Front Street East and the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts and, on occasion, be able to travel to local, regional, or international events.
• Experience in a producing arts organization preferred.
• Knowledge of the Toronto social and philanthropic environment preferred.
• Interest in opera/classical music is beneficial.

Applications will be accepted until July 13, 2025

ABOUT THE CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY

Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. General Director David C. Ferguson joined the company in 2024, forming a leadership team alongside Music Director Johannes Debus. The COC enjoys a loyal audience, including a dedicated base of subscribers, and has an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. Its diverse repertoire includes new commissions and productions, local and international collaborations with leading opera companies and festivals, and attracts the world’s foremost Canadian and international artists. The company is an incubator for the future of the art form, nurturing Canada’s new wave of opera performers and creators with customized training and support. The COC’s purpose-built opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, is hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world. For more information, visit coc.ca.

OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY

The COC deeply values equity and diversity across all levels of the organization and believes in fostering an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that fully supports our team’s personal and collective success. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects our community, our city, and our country and, in turn, the COC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and abilities who share and embrace these values of anti-racism and inclusion.

The COC is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in all parts of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

The Canadian Opera Company thanks all applicants in advance, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or agencies please.