Director of Development
/Organization:
Victoria Symphony
Deadline:
Jul. 30, 2025
Organization Description:
With a mission “to inspire, educate, and captivate our community through the transformative power of music,” the Victoria Symphony (VS) is one of British Columbia’s largest performing arts organizations. At the core of VS operations is our commitment to our orchestra: 44 outstanding professional musicians who share their expertise not only on stage with our audiences, but in the community as teachers at the University of Victoria, the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and in private studios. Over 95% of our expenses go to paying local employees, artists, and businesses. The success of VS is tightly connected to our ongoing and valued collaborations with other major artistic partners in the local arts community. Our mutually beneficial relationships with groups like Pacific Opera Victoria, Ballet Victoria, Dance Victoria, Vox Humana Chamber Choir, The Victoria Children’s Choir, the Victoria Philharmonic Choir, the Victoria Choral Society, and the Greater Victoria Youth Orchestra put us at the very centre of Victoria’s cultural community.
Website:
Job Description:
The Victoria Symphony (VS) is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven Director of Development (DOD) to lead its fundraising program into an exciting new chapter. Reporting to the CEO and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the DOD will drive the creation and execution of a multi-year development strategy aligned with the Symphony’s artistic goals and future aspirations, including potential capital initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to shape the philanthropic future of one of Canada’s leading regional orchestras.
The DOD also serves as the key liaison to the Foundation for the Victoria Symphony (FVS), overseeing stewardship, planned giving, and donor records integration between VS and the Foundation.
Responsibilities:
Fund Development Strategy & Implementation
• Develop and implement a comprehensive, multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with the Symphony’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Oversee all areas of contributed revenue: major gifts, individual giving, corporate sponsorship, foundation support, planned giving, and fundraising events.
• Build and manage a robust major gift portfolio, while also guiding pipeline development for mid-level and emerging donors. Ensure balanced attention to stewardship and new donor cultivation.
• Lead the organization’s readiness, planning, and implementation of a future capital campaign.
• Monitor and evaluate all fundraising activities to ensure targets are met and opportunities for growth are identified.
• Foster a culture of philanthropy across the organization and within the Board.
Team & Volunteer Management
• Direct and support the Development team, currently including a Senior Development Manager, a Development Officer, and a Development Coordinator.
• In consultation with the CEO, recruit, hire, and supervise fund development staff.
• Partner with the Board and fundraising committees to deepen board engagement, build a culture of philanthropy, and align volunteer leadership with fundraising strategy.
Collaboration & Cross-Organizational Integration
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to develop donor-centric messaging and campaign materials.
• Work closely with the Finance team to ensure accuracy of revenue and expense reporting and CRA compliance.
• Participate in monthly financial reconciliation meetings for the VS and Foundation for the Victoria Symphony.
Donor Relations & Stewardship
• Maintain and build relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
• Oversee the design and execution of stewardship activities that recognize and engage donors.
• Lead the development of compelling fundraising messaging and donor communications, in collaboration with Marketing, ensuring clarity, consistency, and mission alignment across channels.
• Coordinate all donor communications, impact reporting, and personalized recognition efforts.
Event Planning & Donor Engagement
• Oversee planning and execution of special events, including fundraising and donor stewardship events.
• Develop strategies for events to increase visibility, deepen engagement, and maximize ROI.
• Act as a representative of the Symphony in the community and with key stakeholders.
Foundation for the Victoria Symphony (FVS)
• Provide operational and administrative support to the FVS, including Board meeting preparation, stewardship of Tribute Circle members, and integration of donor data.
• Ensure CRA compliance for all donor transactions and support annual audit processes.
• Coordinate logistics for planned giving and donor cultivation events.
Data Management & Reporting
• Ensure effective use of Tessitura and other systems for donor segmentation, prospect tracking, and performance and revenue reporting.
• Promote data accuracy and process improvement across the team.
• Define and track KPIs across fundraising channels. Provide regular, data-informed updates to senior leadership and the board to assess progress and drive continuous improvement.
Qualifications:
• Minimum 5 years of senior fundraising leadership experience, ideally in the arts or non-profit sector.
• Proven success in major gift identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and campaign planning.
• Knowledge of federal and provincial legislation related to fundraising and CRA regulations.
• Experience with CRM systems; Tessitura familiarity is an asset.
• Knowledge of ethical fundraising practices and adherence to the AFP Code of Ethics.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational, budgeting, and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Experience developing marketing and donor materials; proficiency in social media is an asset.
• Proven ability to adhere to deadlines.
• CFRE designation is an asset.
Personal Attributes
• Mission-driven with a strong commitment to the performing arts.
• Collaborative and diplomatic leader who inspires others.
• Strategic thinker who is also action-oriented and organized.
• Ethical and respectful, upholding donor trust and transparency.
• Innovative, solutions-focused, and resilient in a dynamic environment.
How to Apply:
Applications will be accepted until July 30, 2025. The Victoria Symphony anticipates a start date in September 2025.
Interested applicants are asked to submit a letter of interest and a current resume to:
hr@victoriasymphony.ca
Please include your name and “RE: Application for Director of Development” in the subject line.
We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Remuneration:
Compensation for this role is expected to be in the range of $95,000 to $110,000 CAD annually, with the possibility of exceeding this range for an exceptional candidate or based on performance and organizational growth.
Contact Name: Matthew White
Contact Email: admin@victoriasymphony.ca
Contact Phone: (250) 385-9771
