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The Royal Conservatory

Senior Manager, Donor Engagement


Posted On: November 24, 2023
Closing On: December 22, 2023

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Effective: As soon as possible
Employment Type: fulltime
Level: senior
Salary Range: $85,000 - $95,000 per annum


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?

The Senior Manager, Donor Engagement is responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating programs and events that recognize and steward The Royal Conservatory’s existing donors and sponsors, and help to engage and cultivate prospective supporters. Through a suite of events, communications and personal interactions, the Senior Manager will nurture strong and long-lasting relationships between the RCM and its supporters and stakeholders.

The Senior Manager, Donor Engagement is personally responsible for engagement activities, and provides direct support to the Development team, senior staff, and volunteers, to ensure consistent and outstanding service throughout the organization. Activities include the planning and execution of donor recognition and cultivation events; the creation of customized cultivation, stewardship and engagement strategies for major gift donors and prospects; the provision of donor recognition benefits; and the organization of special donor groups and societies. The Senior Manager, Donor Engagement develops and nurtures relationships with donors, prospects, senior staff, and volunteers to further the mission and vision of The Royal Conservatory and the strategic direction of the Development team.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

  • Ensures all donors receive timely and appropriate stewardship for their giving, supporting the goals and initiatives of The Conservatory and the Development team.
  • Collaborates with the Senior Director, Major Gifts and Stewardship to develop a comprehensive, donor-centric stewardship plan, encompassing Major Gifts, Annual Giving and Planned Giving, that demonstrates dedication to personalized donor recognition and adheres to the highest standards and best practices of donor engagement and accountability.
  • Plans and executes donor recognition and cultivation events such as receptions, dedications, tours and plaque/signage unveilings in collaboration with the Manager, Fundraising & Stewardship Events and senior Development staff.
  • Strategizes with Development staff and institutional leaders on personalized cultivation and stewardship plans for specific donors and prospects.
  • Documents, implements, and maintains stewardship and recognition guidelines, programs, and systems for donors primarily in the $10,000–$1 million+ range.
  • Contributes, along with the Senior Stewardship Officer and Development Services staff, to the production of informative and engaging stewardship reports.
  • Collaborates on the administration of the scholarship program and stewardship of scholarship supporters and the administration of stewardship and cultivation activities for Performing Arts.
  • Collaborates with the Senior Stewardship Officer, ensuring they are achieving objectives in alignment with Development department goals.
  • Assists Development staff with designing, implementing and delivering recognition and benefits for other specific donor groups and societies.

What We’re Looking For

  • Highly developed experience in the field of stewardship, donor relations and/or major gifts.
  • Experience working with donors, leadership volunteers and senior staff.
  • Excellent listening, communication, writing and presentation skills.
  • Strong relationship building skills, excellent analytical, research and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Ability to take initiative to manage multiple projects, resources and initiatives in a deadline driven environment with changing priorities.
  • Ability to think strategically and creatively solve problems.
  • Sound judgement, tact, diplomacy, integrity, professionalism and confidentiality are essential.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Raiser’s Edge is required.

Additional Information

  • Standard work week, as well as occasional early morning, evening and weekend work as required.
  • A typical day requires long periods sitting in front of a computer.
  • Events require long periods of standing.
  • Direct Reports: One (1) – Senior Stewardship Officer

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.