Description
Manager, Major Gifts
Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) - Toronto, ON | Permanent, Full-time

Reports to: Director, Philanthropy

Status: Permanent Full-time

The Manager, Major Gifts is a frontline fundraiser responsible for managing a portfolio of donors and prospects capable of giving $25,000 or more annually, securing significant five- and six-figure gifts that advance the Toronto Symphony Orchestra's artistic mission, support its programming, and deepen its relationships with the donors who make extraordinary music possible. Reporting to the Director, Philanthropy, the role is focused on growing the pipeline of supporters;, and builds and stewards trusted, long-term donor relationships that drive sustainable revenue and connect a community of philanthropists to the future of one of Canada's most beloved cultural institutions.

What you'll do
• Secure five- and six-figure gifts from a portfolio of approximately 100 -125 major donors and prospects with capacity to give $25,000 or more leading all stages of the donor cycle.

• Hold full accountability for annual revenue targets, with a strong cadence of qualifying visits, meaningful actions, solicitations, and donor stewardship moments.

• Achieve annual goals for identification, cultivation and solicitation of prospects to increase total giving, retain and upgrade donors, and expand major gifts.

• Lead all stages of the donor cycle - qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship - for new, upgraded, renewed, and multi-year commitments.
• Build and sustain authentic, long-term relationships with donors and prospects through in-person visits, performances, and personalized engagement.

• Identify and qualify new major gift prospects through portfolio review, referrals, prospect research, and donor events with the goal of building long-term relationships with the TSO.
• Collaborate with peers in Individual Giving, Partnerships, and Legacy Giving to identify and convert cross-portfolio opportunities.
• Prepare high-quality donor materials, including proposals, gift agreements, briefing notes, and stewardship reports.

• Design individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies that align donor interests with TSO priorities.

• Partner with Artistic, Education & Community, Marketing & Communications, and the broader Development team to identify donor-aligned funding opportunities and design compelling value propositions.

• Utilizes Tessitura to document donor meetings, interactions, and correspondence, demonstrating the highest standards of accuracy, timeliness, thoroughness, and confidentiality.
• Participate and collaborate in portfolio meetings and donor strategy discussions
• Maintains best practices and demonstrates a spirit of collaboration with the team in achieving departmental goals.
• Assist with Major Gifts administrative functions and ad hoc projects to support team objectives and new initiatives.
• Maintain a current view of the market - tracking trends in philanthropy and bring an entrepreneurial, opportunity-spotting mindset to growing the portfolio.
• Maintain a strong on-site presence at TSO performances and donor events, using these moments to deepen donor relationships, host prospects, and represent the TSO.

What you'll bring
• Minimum 5 - 8 years progressive experience in fundraising with a substantive track record in major gifts at the $25,000+ level.

• Demonstrated success of identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and closing five- and six-figure gifts with experience advancing prospects towards larger, multi-year commitments.

• Working knowledge of moves management and donor-cycle methodology, with the ability to develop and execute individualized donor strategies across a complex portfolio.

• Demonstrated experience in creating solicitation materials, including proposals, gift agreements and preparing donor communications for senior leadership and volunteers

• Experience in prospect research and qualification; working with database systems and reporting to support the achievement of fund development targets, experience with Tessitura would be an asset

• An eye for detail, excellent communication skills, a high level of initiative and curiosity as well as a pro-active attitude in seeking out new fundraising opportunities.

• Problem-solver and creative thinker with the ability to handle multiple projects, establish priorities, pivot strategy quickly, and perform under tight deadlines

• Experience in the performing arts, cultural, educational, or complex not-for-profit environment strongly preferred; familiarity with the Toronto philanthropic community an asset.

• Partners with senior executives and Board members in advancing and closing major gifts.

• High level of professionalism, discretion, and ethical judgment, including the ability to manage confidential donor information.

• Commitment to ethical fundraising practices and knowledge of Canadian charitable giving regulations

• Post-secondary degree or equivalent professional experience.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $80,000-$90,000 CAD (commensurate with experience).

Benefits: 100% company paid benefits including Telus-Health Employee Family Assistance program (provided after successful completion of the first three (3) months of employment); Company paid pension contributions provided after the completion of one year of employment; 3 weeks vacation prorated during the first year, complimentary tickets to TSO concerts and a hybrid work environment.

How to Apply

Please use the link to submit your cover letter and résumé.

Submissions are accepted until August 10 , 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

TSO thanks all candidates for their interest, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Work Environment / Physical Demands

This role involves extended periods of computer and desk work with regular breaks, frequent phone and in-person interactions, occasional lifting of materials for events, and concert/event attendance that may involve standing for extended periods. The position operates in a hybrid office environment and may require occasional travel for donor visits or professional development.

Compensation

$80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year