Philanthropy Officer

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The Canadian Opera Company invites applications for the position of Philanthropy Officer.

The Canadian Opera Company (COC) is the largest opera producer in Canada and one of the largest in North America, recognized at home and internationally for its artistic excellence and innovation. After more than 75 years of Canadian opera, including two decades in its award-winning home, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the COC is in a period of creative revitalization, with more inclusive programming, new creative partnerships, and expanded community reach at the forefront of its goals.

Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy, the Philanthropy Officer builds meaningful relationships with donors and encourages increased philanthropic investment in the company's work.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Philanthropy Officer cultivates, solicits, and stewards a portfolio of mid-level and major donors and prospects capable of making significant contributions to the COC. As a frontline fundraiser, the Philanthropy Officer works closely with colleagues, senior staff, and volunteer leaders to grow the base of major support. The role contributes directly to annual revenue goals and to building a strong pipeline for future campaign and endowment support.

OVERVIEW
Donor portfolio management

• Manage a portfolio of mid-level and major donors and prospects, from identification and qualification through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop documented cultivation plans and tailored proposals for top prospects, aligned with donor interests and organizational priorities.

Donor engagement and solicitation

• Conduct meetings, communications, and personalized outreach with donors.
• Execute mid-level and major gift solicitations aligned with donor interests and organizational priorities.
• Meet annual fundraising targets through strategic outreach and stewardship.

Strategic collaboration

• Work with the Director of Philanthropy, senior leadership, and volunteer leaders to prioritize prospects, align engagement strategies, and carry out joint solicitations.
• Prepare proposals, briefing materials, and stewardship reports to support cultivation activities and fundraising events across the Development team.
• Support cultivation events and performances designed to deepen donor engagement.

Reporting and portfolio tracking

• Maintain accurate donor records and contact reports in Tessitura and other internal systems.
• Track portfolio performance and revenue projections.
  

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree.
• 3 to 5 years of experience in fundraising or relationship management, with demonstrated success securing gifts; major gifts experience preferred.
• Experience managing donor portfolios and achieving revenue targets.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a donor-centered approach.
• Core competencies: major gift fundraising, relationship management, strategic thinking, portfolio management, negotiation, organization, and collaboration.
• Ability to engage effectively with donors, board members, and senior executives.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills; able to manage multiple relationships and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative, team-oriented, and solutions-based.
• Competence with donor database systems (experience with Tessitura preferred) and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Experience in a cultural, performing arts, or nonprofit setting is an asset.
• Passion for the performing arts and commitment to the COC's mission.
• A valid Social Insurance Number and legal entitlement to work in Canada under relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hybrid work environment, with time in the office and time working from home.
• A flexible schedule that includes evenings and weekends.
• Travel between 227 Front St. E. and the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts; occasional travel within the GTA and beyond for donor meetings and events.
• Prolonged periods of sitting in the office and extensive daily computer use.
• Ability to manage high-stress situations and interact with others calmly and effectively.

APPLICATIONS
Please submit your application by November 30, 2026.

ABOUT THE CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY

Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. General Director Ian Derrer joined the company in 2026, forming a leadership team alongside Artistic Director Roberto Mauro and Music Director Johannes Debus. The COC enjoys a loyal audience, including a dedicated base of subscribers, and has an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. Its diverse repertoire includes new commissions and productions, local and international collaborations with leading opera companies and festivals, and attracts the world’s foremost Canadian and international artists. The company is an incubator for the future of the art form, nurturing Canada’s new wave of opera performers and creators with customized training and support. The COC’s purpose-built opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, is hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world.

As Canada's largest opera company, the COC deeply values equity and diversity across all levels of the organization and believes in fostering an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that fully supports our team’s personal and collective success. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects our community, our city, and our country and, in turn, the COC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and abilities who share and embrace these values of anti-racism and inclusion.

The COC is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in all parts of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

The COC thanks all applicants in advance; only those considered for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or agencies please.