Director, Annual Giving

The Royal Conservatory (RCM) is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world, providing the definitive standard of excellence in curriculum design, assessment, performance training, and teacher certification. Graduates from its two performance training programs, The Glenn Gould School and The Phil & Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, regularly perform on major international stages. The RCM is also a leader in the development of early childhood education programs and arts-based social programs, and presents a diverse range of concerts featuring the finest Canadian and international artists in its magnificent performance space, Koerner Hall. Please visit for more information.
What is the Opportunity?Reporting to the Managing Director, Development, the Director, Annual Giving provides strategic and operational leadership for The Royal Conservatory of Music’s annual giving program.
The Director translates the Managing Director, Development’s integrated fundraising strategy into an annual giving plan that aligns donor acquisition, participation, retention, upgrading and annual-program activity with RCM’s institutional fundraising objectives. The role leads the annual giving team and oversees the development and delivery of integrated annual giving strategies that engage RCM’s broad community and build a strong pipeline of future mid-level, major, principal and transformational gift donors.
Working in partnership with the Manager, Gift and Database Administration, and team members in Marketing and Communications, Donor Engagement, and Individual Giving, along with other internal stakeholders at RCM, the Director ensures annual giving activity is data-informed, donor-centred and aligned with institutional priorities and audience-engagement initiatives.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Develop and implement the annual giving strategy and annual operating plan in alignment with the Managing Director, Development’s integrated Development strategy, approved institutional priorities and revenue goals;
provide regular forecasts, strategic advice, and timely escalation of risks and opportunities.
Establish and execute annual giving strategy, annual revenue plans, donor-acquisition and retention targets, campaign calendar, budget and performance measures required to meet short- and long-term goals.
Provide leadership, coaching and performance management to the Manager, Annual Giving. Establish clear expectations, monitor results and support the Manager to meet and exceed revenue, participation and retention targets.
Oversee strategies to acquire, retain, renew and upgrade annual donors, generally at gift levels up to $25,000, and to identify donors and prospective supporters with the potential to advance into Individual Giving portfolios.
Establish and manage the operating relationship between Annual Giving and Individual Giving to ensure qualified donors and prospects are effectively identified, referred and advanced through the donor pathway.
Maintain a selective portfolio of annual donors and prospects, as assigned, including donors whose relationships are best sustained through the Annual Giving program.
Provide strategic leadership for annual giving programs and membership-based initiatives, as applicable. Ensure program models, benefits, revenue strategies and donor experiences are regularly assessed and adapted to support institutional priorities and changing donor needs.
In partnership with the Associate Director, Donor Engagement, provide leadership for the planned giving program. Ensure planned giving is integrated into annual giving strategy and donor communications, and that donors receive coordinated information, recognition and engagement opportunities.
Partner with the Manager, Gift and Database Administration to ensure effective use of donor data, segmentation, reporting, online giving infrastructure, revenue tracking and CRM practices to inform annual giving strategy and performance.
Partner with Marketing & Communications team to align annual giving strategy, donor acquisition and engagement activity with institution-wide audience engagement initiatives.
Work with Marketing & Communications team to develop compelling, integrated and brand-aligned annual giving campaigns and donor communications across print, digital, email, web, social and other appropriate channels.
Prepare clear and persuasive annual giving strategy documents, campaign briefs, donor communications and other materials required to advance annual giving goals.
Establish, monitor and report on annual giving revenue, donor participation, acquisition, retention, upgrade and return-on-investment performance. Use data and forecasts to identify risks and opportunities and adjust strategy as required.
Ensure diligent use of Development practices and protocols for recording donor information, revenue activity and donor movement in Raiser’s Edge to enable accurate reporting and relationship management.
Participate as a senior leader within the Development team, contributing to departmental strategy, a collaborative team culture and the highest standards of fundraising practice.
Perform other duties as required.
What We're Looking For
Minimum seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including demonstrated success leading annual giving, direct response, donor acquisition, retention and/or broad-based fundraising programs.
Proven ability to develop and implement integrated annual giving strategies that increase revenue, donor participation, retention and upgrading.
Demonstrated experience managing and coaching staff, with the ability to establish clear expectations, build capability and foster accountability.
Strong understanding of donor data, segmentation, digital fundraising, direct response, recurring giving and multi-channel campaign planning.
Exceptional writing and communications skills, with demonstrated experience developing compelling fundraising appeals, campaign briefs, donor communications and strategy documents.
Demonstrated ability to use revenue, donor and campaign performance data to inform strategy, forecasting and decision-making.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-management skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal partners, donors, volunteers and senior leaders.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, develop and monitor budgets, and meet ambitious revenue and participation targets.
High degree of professionalism, discretion and sound judgment;
diplomacy and confidentiality are required.
Proficiency with Raiser’s Edge, Microsoft 365 and fundraising-related digital platforms.
University degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
CFRE designation is an asset.
Salary Range
$118,000 - $128,000 per annum
Additional Information
Hybrid work arrangement, working at least 3 days each week at RCM's building in Toronto, Ontario, inclusive of RCM's all staff Community Day meetings.
This role has 1 direct report: Manager, Annual Giving
Occasional evening and weekend work is required to attend events and to meet with donors and volunteers.
This opportunity is for a new vacancy.
AI Disclosure: AI is not being used to screen, assess or select applicants.
The RCM is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the RCM’s Human Rights, Inclusion and Equity Policy, accommodation will be provided at any stage of in the recruitment and selection process. Applicants are asked to make their accommodation needs known when they have been contacted for an interview.
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