Manager, Grants & Sponsorships
/ORGANIZATION:
Vancouver Opera
DEADLINE:
Open until filled
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
Vancouver Opera is the second-largest opera company in Canada. It is regarded worldwide for its fine mainstage productions, for its country-leading education programs—which have reached more than 1.6 million children and their families over more than 50 years—for its innovative and award-winning community programs, and for forging groundbreaking cross-cultural creative partnerships that have brought opera to new generations of Canadians in recent history.
WEBSITE:
http://vancouveropera.ca
JOB DESCRIPTION:
The Manager, Grants & Sponsorships plays a pivotal role in advancing Vancouver Opera’s mission by securing, renewing, and expanding funding from government, foundation, and corporate sources. This position requires a highly skilled writer and strategic thinker with deep experience in government relations, grant writing, and proposal development.
As a key member of the Development team, the Manager will lead the creation of persuasive, well-researched proposals and build strong, enduring relationships with government partners and funding bodies to help achieve ambitious annual revenue goals.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Administration
Manage a comprehensive calendar of deadlines to ensure timely preparation and submission of all government, foundation, and corporate grant applications in Tessitura using moves management.
Prepare, submit, and track required reports, outcomes, and evaluations for funders.
Maintain an accurate and up-to-date tracking system of submitted, pending, and awarded applications in CRM for internal and board reporting.
Collaborate with the Finance department to ensure alignment between financial projections, reporting requirements, and receipt of funds.
Ensure donor benefits and recognition commitments are fulfilled in coordination with Development and Marketing teams.
Maintain accurate and complete government and foundation records in CRM.
Prepare and manage grant-related budgets in consultation with the Director of Development.
Grant and Proposal Development
Lead the research, writing, and preparation of compelling, complex proposals tailored to the interests and priorities of each funder.
Develop strong internal relationships across all Vancouver Opera departments to fully understand program needs.
Create and maintain up-to-date resource materials, organizational information, and case language to support consistent, persuasive proposals.
Proactively identify new funding opportunities aligned with Vancouver Opera’s strategic priorities.
Government Relations
Serve as the primary liaison for government relations, nurturing and expanding partnerships with municipal, provincial, and federal funders.
Lead all aspects of government grant strategy, including renewal applications, advocacy, and relationship stewardship.
Monitor government policy developments and funding priorities to identify emerging opportunities and ensure alignment with public-sector goals.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with government officials, agencies, and peer organizations to enhance Vancouver Opera’s visibility and influence.
Foundations
Strengthen and expand relationships with public and private foundations.
Prepare high-quality applications, reports, and impact narratives that demonstrate measurable outcomes.
Proactively research new foundation prospects and build meaningful connections to increase future support.
Corporate Relations
Collaborate with the Development team to increase corporate revenue through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships.
Engage Board members in identifying and cultivating corporate prospects.
Develop sponsorship proposals for Vancouver Opera’s mainstage productions, community programs, and special events.
Events & Other Duties
Support donor and sponsorship events, including various donor dinners and the signature black-tie fundraising gala.
Provide on-site event support as required.
Support other projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Development.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Minimum 5 years of experience in grant writing, government relations, or fundraising within an arts, cultural, or non-profit organization.
Proven success in writing and securing significant grants from government agencies and major foundations.
Exceptional writing, editing, and analytical skills, with the ability to translate artistic vision and program goals into compelling proposals.
Strong understanding of public funding structures, arts policy, and government processes.
Excellent relationship-building skills with both internal stakeholders and external funders.
Experience with Tessitura or similar CRM/fundraising databases is an asset.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
HOW TO APPLY:
Vancouver Opera strives to provide meaningful employment opportunities that reflect the range of diverse communities in which we live and work. Our vision is a resilient organizational culture that is inclusive and diverse in all its aspects. Individual differences are not only accepted but strongly valued and encouraged. We recognize that our diversity—the many different and unique things we individually and collectively bring to work each day—contributes to building a stronger workplace and healthier communities.
VO welcomes and encourages applications from women, persons of colour, Indigenous persons, persons with diverse abilities, and members of other marginalized or under-represented groups. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
All interested applicants should submit their resume and cover letter to William Mugatroyd at wmurgatroyd@vancouveropera.ca. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
REMUNERATION:
$60,000–$70,000 per year, commensurate with experience, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
