Job Description:
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 www.rcmusic.com for more information.
As a key member of the Stewardship team, the Associate Director, Stewardship is responsible for the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of all aspects of The Royal Conservatory’s stewardship and donor recognition program. This includes major gift donor stewardship, naming proposals, stewardship reports, on-going donor communications and recognition initiatives. The role serves as a strategic partner with Development team colleagues and provides direction and collaborates with the Marketing & Communications and Events teams to support the implementation of donor relations and stewardship activities.
Reporting to the Senior Director, Major Gifts and Stewardship the successful candidate will be a forward-thinking and experienced leader to support an ambitious fundraising agenda by providing overall strategic leadership and management for the donor relations and stewardship activities across all fundraising programs. The Associate Director, Stewardship will develop and consistently deliver exceptional donor experiences that build trusted and loyal relationships, and which truly differentiate the RCM from other institutions by creating a leading stewardship and donor relations program.
- Design, implement, and manage a strategic, multi-tiered stewardship program for all donor segments, including major gifts, planned giving, and annual supporters.
- In consultation with the Chief Development Officer, the Senior Director, Major Gifts & Stewardship and institutional leadership, develop customized stewardship plans for major and principal donors to the RCM.
- Oversee all aspects of the planning and execution of donor recognition and stewardship events, ensuring they reflect the RCM's mission and create meaningful donor engagement. Stay informed of concerts, events and programs taking place in the Development department and throughout The Royal Conservatory in order to leverage existing activity to engage donors.
- In coordination with departmental leadership, personally meet with donors to gain an understanding of what stewardship and recognition would be meaningful to them and update them on the impact of their gifts.
- Collaborate with the Senior Stewardship Officer and RCM program staff on the administration of the scholarship program and stewardship of scholarship supporters, and the administration of stewardship and cultivation activities for Performing Arts.
- Play an active role, alongside the Development Services team, in the creation of compelling and engaging Stewardship reports for major and principal gift donors.
- Collaborate with the Marketing department on the production of the annual report and other significant Development and institutional documents.
- In coordination with the Development Services team, assist in the development of the major gift pipeline by identifying engaged donors with the capacity to deepen their engagement with the RCM.
- Serve as an advisor to Development staff and institutional leadership on donor stewardship practices and opportunities.
- In coordination with Development Services and RCM program areas, ensure the RCM fulfills deliverables as outlined in funding agreements, with a long-term view to donor relationship management.
- Create, monitor and evaluate appropriate metrics for donor engagement and stewardship and use these insights to inform and optimize strategy.
- Maintain accurate records of all stewardship activities in the donor database, ensuring documentation is up to date and accessible.
- Coach and mentor a direct report; conduct annual staff performance reviews, ensuring they are achieving objectives in alignment with major gift program revenue and stewardship goals.
- Provide external industry knowledge, monitor trends in the philanthropic environment and implement best practices as appropriate.
- Perform other duties as required.
Job Requirements:
- Minimum of five to seven years' experience advancing towards management level
- Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with donors, board members, and institutional leadership
- Proven success in leading and supporting volunteers in major gift stewardship
- Experience in a major gifts environment, within not-for-profit
- Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills and an entrepreneurial mindset
- Skilled in donor reporting, engagement, and stewardship event management
- Comfortable working within complex structures and adapting to change
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and coach teams
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards
- Donor-focused, with excellent interpersonal and volunteer relations skills
- Exceptional organizational, time management, and multitasking abilities
- Clear and effective communicator with strong active listening skills
- Collaborative team player with the ability to work across departments
- University degree preferred; CFRE designation or equivalent considered an asset
- $100,000 - $108,000 per annum
- This role has one (1) direct report: Senior Stewardship Officer
- Hybrid work arrangement, being on-site at least 3 days a week, inclusive of RCM’s all staff Community Days.
- Standard work week, as well as occasional early morning, evening and weekend work as required.
- A typical day requires long periods sitting in front of a computer.
- Events require long periods of standing.
- This role is a current vacancy.
- AI Disclosure: AI is not being used to screen, assess, or select applicants.
Interested candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and current résumé online (please upload a single file combining both documents) at https://www.rcmusic.com/footer/careers-at-the-royal-conservatory. Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate has been identified.
The RCM thanks all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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 Anti-Racism, Access 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.
