Senior Development Officer – Major Gifts

About the role

The Canadian Opera Company seeks a senior fundraiser who excels at discovering and securing new high‑capacity donors. This individual‑contributor position focuses on building a pipeline from scratch, while also mentoring a Development Officer and managing a modest portfolio of existing major‑gift donors.

Key responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors new to the COC using independent networks and prospect research.
• Design and execute cultivation strategies that introduce donors to the organization’s artistic mission through site visits, performances, and early touchpoints.
• Represent the COC in philanthropic, corporate, and social circles to raise the organization’s visibility among potential major donors.
• Manage a portfolio of major‑gift donors, guiding them through the full donor cycle from cultivation to stewardship.
• Provide day‑to‑day management, coaching, and portfolio guidance to the Development Officer, fostering their growth as a frontline fundraiser.

Required profile

• Progressive experience in major‑gifts fundraising with a proven record of acquiring new donors.
• Established network and credibility within the philanthropic, cultural, or business community.
• Experience mentoring or supervising another fundraiser, or clear readiness for people leadership.
• Strong relationship‑building and multi‑stage solicitation skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including proposal development for senior stakeholders.
• Familiarity with planned‑giving vehicles and ability to introduce blended‑giving conversations.
• Genuine passion for the performing arts and ability to speak credibly about the COC’s artistic mission.

Required skills

• Tessitura donor CRM system
• Donor CRM systems