Major Gifts Manager — Arts Fundraising & Donor Relationships

tso.ca; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telus-Health Employee Family Access

Company paid pension contributions

3 weeks vacation prorated

Complimentary tickets to TSO concerts

Hybrid work environment

Job summary

Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) in Toronto, ON, seeks a Manager of Major Gifts to lead a donor portfolio of 100–125, partnering with the Director, Philanthropy and senior artistic leaders. You will design artistically grounded donor experiences and steward each cycle from qualification to gift stewardship.

The role demands 5–8 years in major gifts, proven success closing five- to six-figure gifts, and the ability to engage the CEO, Music Director, and Board.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of progressive fundraising experience, with a substantive track record in major gifts at the $25,000+ level.
• Demonstrated success identifying, cultivating, and closing five- and six-figure gifts.
• Working knowledge of moves management and donor-cycle methodology.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with high-net-worth donors and senior volunteers.
• Experience in performing arts, cultural, or complex not-for-profit environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all stages of the donor cycle - qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship - across the portfolio.
• Personally close five- and six-figure gifts and hold full accountability for annual revenue targets.
• Design individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies aligned with donor interests and artistic priorities.
• Identify and qualify new major gift prospects through portfolio review, referrals, and donor events.
• Engage senior staff and volunteer leaders in donor cultivation and solicitation with briefings and materials.
• Prepare high-quality donor materials, including proposals, gift agreements, briefing notes, and stewardship reports.
• Be a strong, regular presence at performances and donor events to deepen donor relationships.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Donor cycle management

Prospect research

Job description

Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) in Toronto, ON, seeks a Manager of Major Gifts to lead a donor portfolio of 100–125, partnering with the Director, Philanthropy and senior artistic leaders. You will design artistically grounded donor experiences and steward each cycle from qualification to gift stewardship.

The role demands 5–8 years in major gifts, proven success closing five- to six-figure gifts, and the ability to engage the CEO, Music Director, and Board.