Senior Director, Advancement

Alliance for Arts and Culture; British Columbia; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading arts organization as the Senior Director, Advancement, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of arts funding in Vancouver. You will create and implement innovative fundraising strategies, foster relationships with key stakeholders, and lead a passionate team dedicated to the transformative power of art. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits as part of our commitment to support a thriving cultural community in British Columbia.

Benefits

Comprehensive Benefits & Pension Plan

Qualifications

• 10+ years of philanthropy and fundraising experience.
• Strong connections to the local arts funding landscape.
• Proven success in securing transformative gifts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy.
• Expand major gifts and corporate partnerships.
• Provide leadership to the Development team.

Skills

Storytelling

Relationship Building

Strategic Mindset

Fundraising Strategies

Philanthropy Experience

Education

10+ years in fundraising

7+ years in leadership role

Tools

Fundraising CRMs

Job description

Founded in 1931, the Vancouver Art Gallery is one of North America’s most innovative visual arts institutions. We are dedicated to showcasing the transformative power of art through thought-provoking exhibitions, dynamic public programs and meaningful engagement with diverse communities. Our focus extends to contemporary and historical art from British Columbia and around the world, with a special commitment to Indigenous and Asia Pacific artists. As a charitable organization, we depend on the generosity of donors who share our belief that art has the power to shape society.

Are you a visionary fundraising leader with a deep passion for the arts? The Vancouver Art Gallery is seeking a Senior Director, Advancement to cultivate and grow our community of supporters as we embark on an exciting new chapter—building a world-class cultural hub that will inspire future generations of artists and art lovers alike.

Responsibilities:

As our Senior Director, Advancement, you will:
• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that aligns with the Gallery’s artistic vision and long-term sustainability.
• Lead and expand major gifts, corporate partnerships and legacy giving programs, ensuring robust support for exhibitions, educational initiatives and capital projects.
• Build and foster deep relationships with donors, art patrons, cultural influencers and corporate partners who share our passion for the arts.
• Oversee fundraising campaigns, exclusive donor events and sponsorship opportunities that engage the community and celebrate artistic excellence.
• Manage a personal portfolio of 50 to 75 philanthropic relationships from cultivation to stewardship
• Provide inspired leadership to the Development team, ensuring alignment with the Gallery’s strategic and artistic objectives.
• Champion equity, diversity and inclusion in all philanthropic activities, embedding Indigenous ways of being into our fundraising approach.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of philanthropy and fundraising experience, with 7+ years in a senior leadership role—preferably within the arts, culture or museum sector.
• Proven success in securing transformational gifts, capital campaign contributions and arts-focused corporate sponsorships.
• Deep knowledge of and strong connections to the local and national arts funding landscape.
• Exceptional storytelling and relationship-building skills, with the ability to convey the emotional and cultural impact of the arts to donors and patrons.
• Proficiency in fundraising CRMs (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and donor data analysis.
• A creative, strategic and results-driven mindset with a deep commitment to the transformative power of art.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced arts environment, working closely with the Board of Trustees and senior leadership team.

How to Apply:

Are you ready to inspire the future of the arts in Vancouver? Please apply directly with Gerard Search (link provided). Additional questions can be directed to Chris Arnet at [e-mail] . Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to make a lasting impact on the cultural fabric of our city!

Remuneration:

$150,000 - $175,000 per year + Comprehensive Benefits & Pension Plan

Organization: Out On Screen
Deadline: Jun. 30, 2025

Organization: The Art Department Tsawassen
Deadline: Jul. 15, 2025

Organization: Pathways Program (c/o Arts BC)
Deadline: Jun. 26, 2025

Organization: City of Burnaby- Shadbolt in your Community
Deadline: Aug. 15, 2025

Organization: Langley Arts Council
Deadline: Jun. 30, 2025

Organization: Arts Club Theatre Company
Deadline: Jun. 30, 2025

Organization: Victoria Symphony
Deadline: Jul. 30, 2025

Organization: Arts Club Theatre Company
Deadline: Jun. 18, 2025

To see more postings, see the full list at the right.

The BC Alliance for Arts + Culture is honoured to work on the traditional, unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, and 240 other Indigenous communities across BC.