Director, Philanthropy  

Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) – Toronto, ON | Permanent, Full-time

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Status: Permanent Full-time

Do you build visionary donor partnerships and see philanthropy as a way to open more doors to music, learning, and belonging?

Join us to grow a community of supporters whose philanthropy advances the TSO’s mission and long-term sustainability.

The Role

The Director, Philanthropy provides senior leadership for major and leadership-level giving—cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors who make bold investments in the TSO. You’ll lead a high-performing team, manage a strategic portfolio, and drive significant contributed revenue through relationship-based fundraising.

About the TSO

For more than a century, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) has been a cornerstone of Canadian culture, steadfast in its commitment to musical excellence and to the vibrant communities we serve. Through acclaimed concerts, recordings, and tours, the TSO enriches audiences while reflecting the diversity of Toronto—one of the world’s most multicultural cities. Music Director Gustavo Gimeno brings artistic vision and a sense of adventure to the 93-musician orchestra. Engaging audiences of all ages, the TSO leads a myriad of education, health-and-well-being, and community-access programs, including the tuition-free Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra, cultivating the next generation of Canadian artists.

What you’ll do

• Provide strategic leadership for the Major Gifts program, including philanthropic gifts of $20,000+, the Music Director’s Circle, Board Giving, and Planned Giving, provide oversight of Corporate Partnerships and Trusts & Foundations, with the scope of responsibility evolving as the program grows.
  
  

• Deliver annual revenue targets and grow the pipeline with clear KPIs and progression metrics.

• Manage a personal portfolio of 75–100 major gift donors and prospects. Lead all stages of the donor lifecycle — identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship — with a focus on building long-term, values-aligned philanthropic relationships.

• Partner with volunteer leaders and senior staff on fundraising initiatives

• Lead the team: coach, set goals, oversee budgets and reporting, and uphold best practices in data, stewardship, and compliance.

What you’ll bring

• ~10+ years in major gifts with a record of securing $100K+ gifts and leading in complex, campaign-oriented environments.

• Sophisticated portfolio strategy, pipeline management, and financial acumen; confident with revenue targets and forecasting.

• Exceptional relationship, communication, and presentation skills; comfortable engaging donors, executives, and volunteers.

• High professional standards, discretion, and donor-centred judgment. Experience in arts/culture or complex nonprofits is a strong asset.

Why the TSO

Be part of an organization that believes music connects, heals, and inspires—and that philanthropy is how we broaden that impact. You’ll have the platform, partners, and profile to build enduring philanthropic relationships that truly matter.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: $120,000–$140,000 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 below to submit your cover letter and résumé, or go to https://www.tso.ca/footer-links/employment  and apply through the “Apply Now” button. Submissions are accepted until February 11, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

https://tso.applytojobs.ca/development/44449

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

Our Commitment

The TSO is committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the City of Toronto and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. We are also committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process; if you require accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

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.