Manager, Major Gifts

Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) – Toronto, ON | Permanent, Full-time Reports to: Chief Development OfficerStatus: Permanent Full-time

Are you a match-maker who listens deeply, translates passion into philanthropy, and knows how to spread the love of music through every donor relationship you build?

Join us as a frontline major gifts fundraiser at the TSO - building a portfolio of believers and closing major gifts with the philanthropists who make extraordinary music and artistic experiences possible.

The Role

This is a major gifts role at the heart of an arts organization, which means the work happens at the intersection of donor relationships and artistic ambition. You'll own a portfolio of 100–125 donors and prospects, work alongside the Director, Philanthropy, and partner with our Music Director, Artistic team, and Board to design donor experiences that are artistically grounded and share the impact of philanthropic support. You'll lead every stage of the donor cycle, from qualification through stewardship.

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

• Lead all stages of the donor cycle - qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship - across the portfolio.
• Personally close five- and six-figure gifts - new, upgraded, renewed, and multi-year - and hold full accountability for annual revenue targets.
• Design individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies that align donor interests with the TSO's artistic priorities and the philanthropy program's goals.
• Identify and qualify new major gift prospects through portfolio review, referrals, prospect research, and donor events.
• Engage senior staff and volunteer leaders - including the CEO, Music Director, and Board members - in donor cultivation and solicitation, equipping them with briefings, materials, and strategic support.
• Prepare high-quality donor materials, including proposals, gift agreements, briefing notes, and stewardship reports.
• Be a strong, regular presence at TSO performances and donor events - using these moments to deepen donor relationships and host prospects.

What you’ll bring

• 5–8 years of progressive fundraising experience, with a substantive track record in major gifts at the $25,000+ level.
• Demonstrated success identifying, cultivating, and closing five- and six-figure gifts, with experience advancing prospects toward larger and 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.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the warmth, gravitas, and credibility to engage high-net-worth donors and senior volunteers.
• Genuine interest in classical music and the arts; experience in performing arts, cultural, or complex not-for-profit environments strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with the Toronto philanthropic community is an asset.

Why the TSO

Be part of an organization that believes music connects, heals, and inspires — and that the right corporate partnerships can broaden that impact in meaningful ways. You'll have the platform, partners, and profile to build the kind of partnerships that matter