Senior Development Officer, Individual Giving
Senior Development Officer, Individual Giving
About the TSO:
One of Canada’s most respected arts organizations, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has played a vital role in the city’s dynamic cultural life for almost 100 years. Music Director Gustavo Gimeno brings an expansive artistic vision, intellectual curiosity, and sense of adventure to programming the 93-musician Orchestra. The TSO is committed to serving local and national communities through vibrant performances,
extensive educational activities, and impactful community relationships. It has a notable recording and broadcast history and has been celebrated internationally during its many tours. Toronto’s iconic Roy Thomson Hall is the TSO’s home, drawing patrons from around the world. The Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s name remains synonymous with musical versatility and growth, and artistic distinction.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The successful candidate is committed to creating an exceptional donor experience for patrons supporting the TSO and to increasing mid-level individual giving revenue (currently valued at $1M and growing). Strong communication and interpersonal skills, as well as a keen attention to detail, are critical elements of the job. This role will lead and manage the mid-level individual giving program of the TSO – the Maestro’s Club – and play an integral role in the success of philanthropic fundraising at the TSO.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- SOLICITATION
● Acquire, renew, and upgrade mid-level donors ($2,250 – $20,000) by mail, email, phone, and in-person
● Lead solicitation activity, portfolio performance tracking, and portfolio prospect management meetings
● Implement strategies that focus on the acquisition of new mid-level donors and foster increased support of current donors to grow the portfolio
● Implement strategies that maintain the high retention rate of Maestro’s Club members (80%+)
● Write solicitation proposals, letters, and emails
● Support solicitation cycle of Maestro’s Club prospects and donors assigned to Development colleagues
- CULTIVATION & STEWARDSHIP
● Provide professional, prompt, and donor-centric service over the phone, by email, and in-person
● Initiate regular contact to build relationships with donors to deepen their commitment and explore propensity for increased support
● Cultivate and steward donors at events (both in-person and virtually), in the donor lounge at concerts, and coordinate one-on-one meetings as appropriate
● Manage the fulfillment of Maestro’s Club donor membership benefits and recognition including donor lounge access, member events, charitable receipts, and thank you letters
● Develop, create, and execute meaningful cultivation and member events in collaboration with the Senior Manager of Events (ie Virtual MC Lounge; Virtual/In-Person MC Salons, Dinners, Receptions; backstage meet & greets with orchestra musicians)
● Liaise with Marketing & Patron Services team regarding Maestro’s Club member ticket requests and ensure donor ticketing needs are fulfilled
● Collaborate with colleagues on donor and patron communications (stewardship emails, donor magazine, event invitations, etc)
● Act as a Development representative at TSO performances and other TSO events
- STAFF MANAGEMENT
● Manage one direct report, the Development Coordinator, Annual Fund
● Assist Coordinator with time, priority, and performance management to support departmental goals and objectives
● Mentor, coach, and provide professional development opportunities; conduct performance reviews
● Manage the concert staffing schedule for the Development team and keep up to date with new performances and events, ensuring all concerts and donor events are properly staffed
- PLANNING & MANAGEMENT
● Manage the portfolio’s communications calendar, expense budget, portfolio assignments, and acknowledgment process
● Manage the Maestro’s Club Ambassadors Committee towards a meaningful volunteer experience and productive service to the TSO
● Record the moves management of portfolio’s prospects and donors in the donor database
● Participate in planning, strategy, evaluation, and revenue forecasting of the mid-level individual giving program with the VP, Annual Fund & Development Operations
● Participate in inter-departmental meetings to ensure clear communication and to remain informed of institutional activities and priorities that can be shared with donors
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
- Five to seven years of fundraising experience in a non-profit organization
- Excellent interpersonal skills: demonstrated ability to develop and sustain resilient and dynamic relationships with donors, colleagues, and senior management
- Strong communicator: communicates professionally and comfortably with donors and staff in person, by phone, and in writing
- Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and problem-solve with a high degree of initiative and independence
- Excellent administrative skills and outstanding attention to detail
- High level of maturity, professional ethics, and personal integrity
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative team culture
- Understanding of fundraising policies, principles, and best practices
- Extensive computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft office software or G-Suite equivalents, and donor databases like Raiser’s Edge or Tessitura
- Arts experience preferred; Interest in and knowledge of orchestral music is an asset
Working Conditions/Physical Demands:
Flexibility in work hours and the ability to work some evenings and/or weekends during the TSO concert season is a requirement. The TSO is currently in a hybrid model of in-office and remote work. As the TSO continues to evaluate the situation, the balance of time in the office and remote work is guided by departmental needs determined by the VP.
How to Apply:
Qualified candidates should apply by submitting a cover letter and resume, to Esther Lee, Director of Human Resources at elee@tso.ca with the subject, “Senior Development Officer, Maestro’s Club” no later than February 28, 2022. The TSO thanks all applicants for their interest, and only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted online and/or by telephone.
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra is committed to having a workforce that is reflective of the diversity of the City of Toronto and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals, especially those who can provide different perspectives, and contribute to the further diversification of ideas. The TSO is committed to providing accommodations for persons with disabilities. If you require accommodation, the TSO will work with you to meet your needs.