Donor Relations Officer - MLSE Foundation

mlse; Toronto; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

MLSE Foundation is seeking a Donor Relations Officer to manage and advance a major gifts pipeline, supporting annual goals and donor lifecycle activities. The role involves cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and collaboration with senior leadership to strengthen donor engagement across Ontario.

The position emphasizes end-to-end donor strategy, cross-portfolio fundraising, proposal development, and accurate CRM data management in Salesforce to drive philanthropic growth and impact.

Job description

Powered by Passion. United by Purpose. Build for Impact.

At Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership (MLSE), we exist to deliver the ultimate fan experience by lifting trophies, spirits, and communities - united as one.

We're more than a workplace. We are a team of passionate people, boldly building the future of sport and entertainment, together. We believe in the power of play, the strength of collaboration, and the energy that comes from showing up with purpose.

From the ice to the pitch, the hardwood to the digital arena, we're proud to be the driving force behind the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), the Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Argonauts (CFL) and development teams with the Toronto Marlies (AHL), Raptors 905 (NBA G League), Toronto FC II (MLS NEXT Pro League) and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club, the Toronto Raptors Esports franchise in the NBA 2K League.

We bring these teams - and world-class entertainment - to life at our iconic venues, including Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field, Coca-Cola Coliseum, Ford Performance Centre, BMO Training Ground, and OVO Athletic Centre. Off the field, we serve up elevated dining at e11even, Real Sports, and our signature club spaces like Hot Stove Club, ScotiaClub, and Platinum Club.

Through MLSE Foundation and MLSE LaunchPad, we use the power of sport to help youth facing barriers reach their full potential. Since 2009, we've invested more than $45 million into Ontario communities -- and we're just getting started.

This is what it means to be One MLSE: a culture where everyone plays a role, everyone belongs, and everyone contributes to something bigger than themselves.

So, if you're ready to play with purpose, grow with passion, and win as one, we'd love to have you on our team.

** We know that great candidates come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Even if you do not meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply. Your unique perspective, transferable skills, and lived experience may be exactly what we're looking for. **

Job Description

About MLSE Foundation

MLSE Foundation believes in the power of sport to change lives. With the support of MLSE's teams and community partners, we invest in programming, capital projects, and p artnerships that expand opportunity for Y outh across Ontario. As MLSE Foundation deepens its major gifts work, this role plays a pivotal part in strengthening donor relationships and fueling long term philanthropic growth .

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Donor Relations Officer manages and advances a n annual major gifts pipeline of donors typically in the $25K-$100K range that support s the success of MLSE Foundation's Major Gifts and Foundations portfolios.

This role contributes directly to the overall ~$4.5M annual Major Gifts target , providing end-to-end donor lifecycle support from cultivation through solicitation and stewardship - to - end donor lifecycle support .

The Donor Relations Officer acts as a senior fundraising resource to the Director, Fund Development , supporting leadership ambassador activity, high value donor engagement, and cross portfolio major gift opportunities .

RESPONSIBILITIES

Major Gifts Portfolio Management

• Manage and advance a $1M portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, ensuring disciplined movement through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Conduct donor meetings, create customized cultivation plans, and collaborate with senior leaders on high value solicitations.
• Identify prospects for multi - year commitments aligned with organizational priorities .

C ross Portfolio Fundraising Support - Portfolio Fundraising Support

• Serve as a senior resource in preparing Leadership Ambassadors for donor meetings, briefings, and strategic follow-ups .
• Support cross portfolio opportunities by collaborating with colleagues in Community Engagement, Events, and Partnerships .
• Participate in developing donor strategies for fundraising milestones and priority funding opportunities.

Proposal Development & Donor Communications

• Lead and/or support the creation of high-quality proposals, cases for support, tailored donor packages, impact reports, and stewardship materials.
• Draft compelling donor correspondence, briefing notes, and reports.
• Ensure donor communications are timely , personalized, and aligned with MLSE Foundation's brand and voice.

Pipeline & CRM Leadership

• Lead disciplined pipeline management practices, including forecasting, weekly movement tracking, and portfolio reporting.
• Play a central role in CRM (Salesforce) implementation and optimization, ensuring consistent, accurate data entry.
• Manage donor and constituent data, ensuring accuracy, integrity, completeness, and ongoing database quality through regular reviews and updates.
• Support the adoption of prospect management standards and donor journey workflows .

Internal Collaboration & Stewardship Excellence

• Partner with Finance, Programs, Communications, and senior leadershi