Associate Director, Individual Giving
The Royal Conservatory (RCM) is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world, providing the definitive standard of excellence in curriculum design, assessment, performance training, and teacher certification. It is also a leader in the development of early childhood education programs and arts-based social programs, and presents a diverse range of concerts featuring the finest Canadian and international artists in its magnificent performance space, Koerner Hall. Please visit www.rcmusic.com for more information.
What is the Opportunity?
Reporting to the Senior Director, Major Gifts and Stewardship, the Associate Director, Individual Giving is responsible for building long-term relationships and increasing philanthropic support from donors and prospective supporters capable of making major gifts of $50,000 or greater.
The incumbent of this role works closely with senior volunteers and Royal Conservatory of Music (“RCM”) program leads to develop and implement plans and programs that effectively engage prospects and donors in meaningful interactions with the organization that will result in major gifts.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, management, and implementation of an ambitious, integrated major gifts program in support of scholarships at The Glenn Gould School. This includes working with senior staff and Scholarship Committee volunteers on solicitations for renewed and new scholarship support. Develop and implement plans for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship initiatives, events and collateral materials to build scholarship support for the school, based on sound analysis and strategy.
- Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, moving them successfully through the donor cycle. Effectively build relationships in this donor-facing role, in partnership with senior volunteers and program staff, as appropriate.
- Actively develop a prospect pipeline. Implement meaningful cultivation strategies that lead to a compelling introduction to The Conservatory and employ an effective follow-up strategy for each prospective donor. This includes, but is not limited to, research, liaison with senior volunteers, and strategic use of events.
- Liaise with other departments to remain current with priorities and plans. Identify, develop and articulate areas for philanthropic support to diversify and expand The Conservatory’s funding opportunities and donor base.
- Prepare and/or oversee the development of effective fundraising communications, including compelling proposals, meaningful letters, and strategic briefing notes.
- Actively monitor progress towards financial goals, taking necessary action to meet and exceed targets.
- Play an active role in assuring the excellence and effectiveness of The Conservatory’s donor stewardship plan.
- Diligently follow Development practices and protocols for recording prospect and donor interactions to enable robust, accurate and ongoing relationship management.
- Participate as a leader in the department, ensuring the highest standards in fundraising best practices are met, and the team dynamic is supported.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
What We’re Looking For
- 5–7 years’ experience in major gift and campaign fundraising, with comprehensive knowledge of fundraising principles, practices and techniques (management experience an asset).
- Proven track record of developing and implementing innovative and successful fundraising strategies.
- Superior communications skills (both written and verbal), including effective presentation skills and experience with proposal development.
- Superior management skills and the ability to lead, support and motivate staff and volunteers.
- Familiarity with the Canadian philanthropic environment, with knowledge of the Toronto arts and culture donor base.
- Experience in developing budgets and monitoring financial performance, and a drive to meet or exceed financial targets.
- Exceptional attention to detail; ability to develop, execute and follow through on complex plans and manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, and a positive attitude to work effectively and collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders such as volunteers, donors and colleagues.
- Diplomacy and confidentiality are required.
- Flexible and able to work under pressure in a fast paced and results-oriented environment.
- Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge and MS Office including Word, Excel and Outlook and high degree of comfort working with donor databases for tracking prospect activity.
- University degree or equivalent education and experience.
- Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) accreditation an asset.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends.
Salary Range
- $100,000 – $102,000 per annum
Additional Information
- Hybrid work arrangement in place, operating out of the development office as required.
- Standard office environment with extended periods of sitting and PC use.
- Occasionally required to work outside of regular office hours (i.e., to attend events).
How to Apply
Interested candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and current résumé online (please upload a single file combining both documents) at www.rcmusic.com/about-us/careers-royal-conservatory. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate has been identified.
The RCM is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the RCM’s Anti-Racism, Access and Equity Policy, accommodation will be provided at any stage of in the recruitment and selection process. Applicants are asked to make their accommodation needs known when they have been contacted for an interview.
The RCM thanks all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.