Manager, Events and Corporate Partnerships

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 Manager, Events and Corporate Partnerships is responsible for generating philanthropic and sponsorship revenue through The Royal Conservatory of Music's flagship and other fundraising events, and through institution-wide corporate partnerships.

The Manager translates the Managing Director, Development's integrated fundraising strategy into coordinated revenue plans for flagship and other fundraising events and institution-wide corporate partnerships. The role leads event revenue strategy and execution, including corporate sponsorship, individual donor support and the coordinated fundraising efforts of relationship managers, and develops partnership opportunities aligned with RCM's institutional priorities, mission, programs and audiences.

As a frontline fundraiser, the Manager carries a portfolio of corporate partners and individual donors. The role works closely with senior volunteers, event committees, external event agencies, RCM events staff, program teams, Marketing & Communications and Development colleagues to secure partnerships, deliver effective fundraising events and fulfil partner commitments.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Flagship and Other Fundraising Events

• Develop and implement annual event-revenue and corporate-partnership plans 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.
• Develop and execute fundraising revenue strategies for flagship and other fundraising events, including corporate sponsorship, individual donor support, tables, ticket sales and other event-related revenue opportunities.
• Carry a portfolio of individual donors and prospects in support of fundraising events, developing and executing effective strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, renew and steward support.
• Establish, monitor and report on event revenue targets, pipeline activity and forecasts. Coordinate and support the fundraising activity of relationship managers with assigned donors and prospects who contribute to overall event revenue targets.
• Serve as the primary Development liaison to event committees and senior volunteer members. Develop clear committee fundraising plans, briefing materials, prospect assignments, follow-up actions and reporting.
• Serve as the primary RCM liaison to external event agencies, providing clear direction on fundraising requirements, sponsor needs, donor experience and event priorities.
• Coordinate closely with RCM events staff and internal departments to support successful event delivery, while ensuring external agencies provide the required production and logistics support.
• Work with the Managing Director, Development and other relationship managers to identify and coordinate strategies for event prospects with potential for principal or transformational support.

Corporate Partnerships

• Develop and implement an institution-wide corporate partnership strategy that generates philanthropic support, sponsorship and in-kind partnerships for The Royal Conservatory.
• Carry a portfolio of corporate partners and prospects, developing and executing effective strategies to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, renew and steward support.
• Identify, develop and articulate compelling corporate partnership opportunities that align corporate interests with RCM's mission, programs and audiences.
• Develop partnership packages, negotiate benefits and agreements, and coordinate the activation and fulfilment of corporate commitments with Marketing & Communications, program teams, RCM events staff and other internal partners.
• Build and maintain a robust corporate prospect pipeline through research, relationship mapping, networking, referrals and strategic use of RCM events and program activity.
• Partner with Marketing & Communications to ensure corporate partnership materials, sponsorship benefits, event communications and activation opportunities are compelling, brand-aligned and effectively delivered.

Additional Responsibilities

• In collaboration with the Senior Manager, Development Communications, prepare effective fundraising and partnership communications, including proposals, sponsorship packages, agreements, briefing notes, presentations, call reports and donor correspondence.
• Actively monitor progress toward individual and program revenue goals, taking necessary action to meet and exceed targets.
• Diligently follow Development practices and protocols for recording prospect and donor interactions, moves management, agreements and revenue information in Raiser's Edge to enable robust, accurate and ongoing relationship management.
• Participate as a collaborative member of the Development team, supporting departmental goals and the highest standards in fundraising best practice.
• Perform other duties as required.

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 to 7 years of relevant fundraising, corporate partnerships, sponsorship, business development or event-revenue experience.
• Demonstrated success securing corporate sponsorships, philanthropic gifts, partnerships and/or event revenue.
• Experience developing and managing fundraising event revenue strategies, including sponsor pipelines, volunteer fundraising plans, ticket or table sales and donor cultivation.
• Proven ability to manage a complex portfolio, build productive relationships and meet ambitious revenue targets.
• Strong understanding of corporate partnership development, including proposal development, sponsorship benefits, negotiation, activation and fulfilment.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including demonstrated experience preparing compelling proposals, partnership packages, presentations, briefing materials and donor correspondence.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-management skills, with the ability to work effectively with donors, corporate partners, senior volunteers, external agencies, senior leaders and internal colleagues.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple stakeholders, manage competing priorities and follow through on complex plans.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion and sound judgment; diplomacy and confidentiality are required.
• Proficiency with Raiser's Edge and Microsoft 365, with a high degree of comfort using donor data to inform relationship management, forecasting and reporting.
• University degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• CFRE designation is an asset.

Salary Range

• $75,000 - $83,000 per annum.

Additional Information

• Hybrid work arrangement, working at least 2 days each week at RCM's building in Toronto, Ontario. This is inclusive of RCM's all staff Community Day meetings.
• Occasional evening and weekend work will be required to attend events and meet with donors and volunteers.
• This opportunity is for an existing 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.