Manager, Patron Programs

Royal Ontario Museum; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural institution in Toronto is seeking a Manager for Patron Programs to cultivate donor relationships and oversee engagement strategies. This full-time position involves collaborating with various teams to enhance donor acquisition and stewardship while managing ongoing patron initiatives. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in donor engagement and a passion for arts and culture.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience with donor engagement plans.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Direct experience with membership activities.
• Passion for arts and culture.

Responsibilities

• Implement strategies for donor acquisitions and renewals.
• Manage patron programs and communications.
• Collaborate with marketing for donor outreach.
• Oversee volunteer committees for fundraising.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Project management

Strong organization

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Tools

Donor management software (RE)

Databases

Spreadsheets

Job description

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants.

Are you passionate about culture, arts, natural history, and science? Are you keen on how these elements aesthetically come together to tell the many stories of humanity? Join our team at ROM and consider a fulfilling career as Manager, Patron Programs.

ROM Governors is a strategic partner to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM). We are passionate about advancing ROM’s mission through inspired philanthropic and sponsorship relations and are committed to being the country’s top cultural foundation through a strong record of building highly engaged, impactful donor and community relationships.

WHO WE NEED

ROM Governors is proud to steward five distinguished Patrons Programs: the Discovery Patrons Circle, Young Patrons Circle, Royal Patrons Circle, ROM’s Women Initiative, and the Royal Exhibitions Circle. We are seeking a motivated, highly organized, and nimble Manager, Patron Programs to join the ROM Governors Team.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager, Patron Programs will cultivate and steward a strong pipeline of current and prospective annual and mid‑level donors, developing and implementing powerful strategies to attract and engage individuals in philanthropic giving to ROM. From introducing individuals to philanthropy and securing support at various giving levels to fostering relationships through stewardship and events, the Manager acts as an ambassador for ROM, building meaningful connections, celebrating shared values, and demonstrating the impact of philanthropy on the Museum’s mission. The Manager also plays a key role in advancing ROM Governors’ annual revenue goals by cultivating meaningful donor relationships and supporting the development of both annual and multi‑year donor engagement strategies.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement strategies to secure patron acquisitions, renewals and upgrades, with an eye to building the pipeline for donor migration into mid‑ and high‑level giving.
• Manage patron programs from development to delivery, including donor communications, stewardship and recognition fulfillment, and the planning and approval of programming content, with the support of other Development staff.
• Maintain a seamless Patron renewal process, including drafting communications, calling and emailing members, and tracking actions and gifts properly using RE.
• Collaborate with Governors Marketing and Communications teams to create compelling materials for donor and prospect outreach and acquisition.
• Work with Governors Operations team to ensure all relevant data is entered and up‑to‑date in the database and that financial information is accurate, including revenue reports and projections, along with all related expenses.
• Liaise with colleagues across the Museum, including curators and others, to help plan and deliver engaging donor stewardship opportunities.
• Work with Relationship Managers by supporting the solicitation and stewardship of donors with overlap in Patrons.
• Work in a highly collaborative way to ensure the broad Governors Team is aware of key opportunities for donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Oversee dedicated volunteer committees to strengthen fundraising efforts and ensure donor engagement through related programs.
• Develop and/or coordinate meeting content and materials, and committee assignments. Work with and support the committee to ensure volunteers are motivated, mission‑aligned and successful in their fundraising efforts.
• Attend Patron events and act as an ambassador for ROM and Patron Programs.
• Participate in additional events managed by other ROM Governors departments, as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY COMPETENCIES

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience with demonstrated success developing and implementing personalized donor engagement plans.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a talent for engaging with donors in an authentic and compelling way.
• Direct or related experience with membership activities including renewal cycles, upgrade and acquisition strategies.
• Strong project management skills.
• Passion for the arts, culture, and nature, with an ability to inspire others to share that passion.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail, ensuring that donors receive timely and personalized communication.
• Excellent problem‑solving skills, business acumen, strategic aptitude, and sound judgment.
• Ability to efficiently organize and manage a diverse range of assignments while meeting multiple deadlines, along with thorough attention to all details and consistent follow‑through.
• Resourcefulness and independence, while remaining comfortable working within the framework of a team‑oriented environment.
• Competence in a variety of computer applications, including databases, spreadsheets, and word processing programs.
• Experience using donor management fundraising software or CRM; RE or RE NXT familiarity preferred.
• Knowledge of, and experience with, the Toronto philanthropic community desired.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and with discretion.

RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports to: Associate Vice President, Philanthropy and supports the portfolio’s revenue program leaders.
• Internal: Works closely with the Philanthropy team and collaborates with all departments of the ROM Governors; liaises with key stakeholders within the Museum.
• Committees: Volunteer Committees associated with revenue programs as required.
• External: Donors and prospects.

SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• START DATE: ASAP
• STATUS: Permanent (Full‑time)
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: ROM Governors
• SALARY: $70,000 – $100,000 per annum
• SCHEDULE: 35 hours per week
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: six (6) months
• LOCATION: Toronto, ON
• OPEN DATE: November 28, 2025
• CLOSE DATE: Open Until Filled

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

At ROM, we consider equity, diversity, and inclusion foundational to our institutional success. We seek to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the city and province in which we are located and welcome all qualified and experienced candidates to apply, regardless of their gender, age, sex, race, religion, ethnicity, ability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT

ROM Governors is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodations are available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) to applicants invited to an interview.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. The selected candidate will be required to participate in a comprehensive Background Check.