Manager, Major Gifts

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

Manager, Major Gifts

Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) – Toronto, ON | Permanent, Full-time

Reports to: Director, Philanthropy

Status: Permanent Full-time

Are you a match-maker who listens deeply, translates passion into philanthropy, and knows how to spread the love of music through every donor relationship you build?

Join us as a frontline major gifts fundraiser at the TSO - building a portfolio of believers and closing major gifts with the philanthropists who make extraordinary music and artistic experiences possible.

The Role

This is a major gifts role at the heart of an arts organization, which means the work happens at the intersection of donor relationships and artistic ambition. You'll own a portfolio of 100–125 donors and prospects, work alongside the Director, Philanthropy, and partner with our Music Director, Artistic team, and Board to design donor experiences that are artistically grounded and share the impact of philanthropic support. You'll lead every stage of the donor cycle, from qualification through stewardship.

About the TSO

For more than a century, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has been a cornerstone of Canadian culture, steadfast in its commitment to musical excellence and to the vibrant communities we serve. Through acclaimed concerts, recordings, and tours, the TSO enriches audiences while reflecting the diversity of Toronto—one of the world’s most multicultural cities. Music Director Gustavo Gimeno brings artistic vision and a sense of adventure to the 93‑musician orchestra. Engaging audiences of all ages, the TSO leads a myriad of education, health‑and‑well‑being, and community‑access programs, including the tuition‑free Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, cultivating the next generation of Canadian artists.

What you’ll do

• Lead all stages of the donor cycle - qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship - across the portfolio.
• Personally close five- and six- figure gifts - new, upgraded, renewed, and multi-year - and hold full accountability for annual revenue targets.
• Design individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies that align donor interests with the TSO's artistic priorities and the philanthropy program's goals.
• Identify and qualify new major gift prospects through portfolio review, referrals, prospect research, and donor events.
• Engage senior staff and volunteer leaders - including the CEO, Music Director, and Board members - in donor cultivation and solicitation, equipping them with briefings, materials, and strategic support.
• Prepare high‑quality donor materials, including proposals, gift agreements, briefing notes, and stewardship reports.
• Be a strong, regular presence at TSO performances and donor events - using these moments to deepen donor relationships and host prospects.

What you’ll bring

• 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, with experience advancing prospects toward larger and multi‑year commitments.
• Working knowledge of moves management and donor‑cycle methodology, with the ability to develop and execute individualized donor strategies across a complex portfolio.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the warmth, gravitas, and credibility to engage high-net‑worth donors and senior volunteers.
• Genuine interest in classical music and the arts; experience in performing arts, cultural, or complex not‑for‑profit environments strongly preferred. Familiarity with the Toronto philanthropic community is an asset.

Why the TSO

Be part of an organization that believes music connects, heals, and inspires — and that the right corporate partnerships can broaden that impact in meaningful ways. You'll have the platform, partners, and profile to build the kind of partnerships that matter — to your career, to the TSO, and to the city we serve.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $80,000–$95,000 CAD (commensurate with experience).

Benefits: 100% company paid benefits including Telus‑Health Employee Family Assistance program (provided after successful completion of the first three (3) months of employment); Company paid pension contributions provided after the completion of one year of employment; 3 weeks vacation prorated during the first year, complimentary tickets to TSO concerts and a hybrid work environment.

Our Commitment

The TSO is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the City of Toronto and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We are also committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process; if you require accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

This role involves extended periods of computer and desk work with regular breaks, frequent phone and in‑person interactions, occasional lifting of materials for events, and concert/event attendance that may involve standing for extended periods. The position operates in a hybrid office environment and may require occasional travel for donor visits or professional development.