SENIOR PHILANTHROPY OFFICER, MAJOR GIFTS 

Permanent

Full-time

Development 

TIFF is a charitable, cultural organization dedicated to presenting the best of international and Canadian cinema and creating transformational experiences for film lovers and creators of all ages and backgrounds in our home – TIFF Lightbox. Our mission: To transform the way people see the world, through film. 

TIFF is committed to embracing diversity and treating all individuals with respect, dignity and fairness by removing physical, social and economic barriers to participation.  

We encourage you to reflect on the land that you are on, who the traditional keepers of the land are, what the treaty relationship is, or if it’s unceded territory. TIFF is located on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, the Wendat, and the Haudenosaunee. We are grateful to work on this land.

We are currently hiring for the position of:

SENIOR PHILANTHROPY OFFICER, MAJOR GIFTS 

The Senior Philanthropy Officer at TIFF holds a pivotal role, collaborating closely with the Director of Philanthropy to oversee TIFF’s major gifts portfolio. This involves managing donations of $25,000 and above from individual major donors, which are crucial for supporting TIFF’s year-round and Festival programming and operations. Additionally, the Senior Philanthropy Officer plays a key role in supporting Tribute Awards property development and sales, ensuring the success of this important fundraising initiative.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing customized solicitation, upgrade, and retention strategies to generate annual revenue from existing and new sources, including individuals, family foundations, and other major philanthropic sources. Moreover, the Senior Philanthropy Officer oversees the stewardship and recognition program for existing and new major gift donor relationships, ensuring sustained engagement and appreciation.

Working alongside the Director of Philanthropy, the Senior Philanthropy Officer contributes to the implementation of a sustainable planned giving program and campaign, which is vital for ensuring the long-term financial health of TIFF. They provide essential departmental support for Senior Management, TIFF Board, and Philanthropy Committee Members, assisting with budget processes, quarterly reporting, and monthly reconciliations. Furthermore, the Senior Philanthropy Officer manages the strategy and administration of American Friends of TIFF or any new organization, fostering international philanthropic partnerships.

As a department liaison for 4-6 internal teams, the Senior Philanthropy Officer manages requests and relevant activities that intersect with the Philanthropy Team’s objectives. They also offer support to the Patron and Noir program as needed, and may potentially take on a mentorship role for junior members of the Philanthropy Team. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Shall include but not be limited to: 

Revenue Generation

• Responsible for the management of a major gifts portfolio (60-80+ prospects), securing contributions of $25,000+ and raising 7-figures per annum
• Support the Director, Philanthropy, the Senior Management Team, and Sr. Volunteers, on a high-volume, comprehensive sales outreach process, including sales calls, meetings, proposal and contract development (incl. outreach for Tribute)
• Researches and pursues new individual and family foundation funding at the major gifts level, developing, and sustaining long term support of TIFF
• Maintains a thorough and accurate understanding of the organization’s strategic objectives, programs, benefits and funding priorities to effectively connect supporters to funding 
• Collaborates with other departments to develop creative funding opportunities and strategies
• Supports the Philanthropy, implementation, and roll-out of new Campaigns (major and dedicated, e.g. Every Story) 
• Works closely with the Director, Philanthropy, to devise specific strategies, goals, and timetables for successful solicitations.
• Creates compelling, personalized proposals and special solicitation correspondence for presentation to donors and prospects from individual donor and family foundation sources
• Provides key support for the Philanthropy and execution of fundraising events, including securing sponsorships and sales for the annual TIFF Tribute Awards fundraiser
• Continuously monitors status of current donors and identifies prospects for new gifts
• In collaboration with the Director, Philanthropy, sets annual meeting targets and revenue targets 
• Maintains donor records on Raiser’s Edge, with a focus on Moves Management 

Donor Relations

• Oversees the stewardship of existing and new individual Major Donor relationships by ensuring their awareness of, attendance, and participation in TIFF programs and events throughout the year—as well as the year-round impact of their investment
• Creates tailored impact reports based on impact-driven metrics and narratives as needed
• Establishes and maintains interpersonal relationships with TIFF supporters, senior volunteers and other stakeholders
• Ensures Tribute Awards partners, sponsors and donors are appropriately recognized according to respective agreements and benefits 

Administration

• Assists in setting, tracking and achieving fundraising goals for the Philanthropy team
• Reports on quarterly fundraising progress, provide information for board reports and assists Director, Philanthropy, in revenue projection for annual budget
• Working with the Philanthropy Team, supports the development of the Major Gifts and Tribute pipelines via the identification and assignment of prospects
• Supports management of the Philanthropy Committee meeting, including preparation of agenda and meeting materials and minutes
• Acts as Department Lead for various internal meetings and shares information back with the team

JOB GRADE & SALARY OR RATE OF PAY:

• Job Grade 4
• Job Grade Salary Range/Annually  ($65,000 – $99,000)

 TARGET CONTRACT DATES OR START DATE:

• June 1, 2024 or earlier

WORK LOCATION:

• Office Location: 350 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5
• Weekly in office requirements: 
  • Minimum 2 days (November to May)
  • Minimum 3 days (June to October) 
• Festival Office Requirements: Full Time during Festival

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in arts administration, fundraising, or related field preferred
• Minimum 5 years of fundraising experience as a donor manager, preferably in a complex institution like a hospital or educational institution
• University-level post-secondary education required
• Interest or background in film, arts, or culture preferred
• Exceptional communication: effective articulation of organization’s mission and impact, strong research and synthesis skills
• Relationship building: tactful and diplomatic interactions, confident troubleshooting, active listening, collaboration with internal teams
• Problem solving: strong prioritization and solution-oriented approach, with proven multitasking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in fast-paced environments
• Job-specific knowledge: understanding of major gift cycle, strategies, metrics, moves management
• Innovation and creativity: continuous process improvement, deep understanding of TIFF programs and priorities
• Project management: effective prioritization, superior organizational skills with attention to detail
• Ability to generate creative campaign approaches and strategies
• Quick learner, proactive, able to work independently and as part of a team
• Collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to advance projects and strategies
• Flexibility, nimbleness, positive attitude in response to change
• Experience with fundraising software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge) and project management tools (e.g., Trello) preferred
• Commitment to professional development, AFP Code of Conduct, and Donor Bill of Rights
• Flexible work schedule including some evenings and weekends
• Hybrid work environment with regular in-office hours when before and during Festival

HOW TO SUBMIT & APPLICATION DEADLINE:

• All applications must be submitted online through TIFF’s Career Centre.
• Please upload your cover letter and resumé as PDF(s), before the deadline of TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024. 

CLOSING:

We thank everyone who applies for their interest, but only candidates selected for an interview are contacted. 

Candidates must be legally able to work in Canada at this time. TIFF regrets that it is unable to sponsor employment Visas.

Please send any questions via email only to careers@tiff.net.

TIFF is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where employees feel valued and respected, and where every employee has the opportunity to realize their potential. As such, we welcome and encourage applicants who identify as racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities.

If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application process, please contact us in advance at careers@tiff.net. We strive to provide reasonable accommodations whenever requested.