Senior Development Officer

Senior Development Officer

Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra & Chamber Choir
Toronto, Canada

Join Us at a Transformational Moment

Tafelmusik is one of the world’s leading period-instrument orchestras — performing in more than 350 cities across 32 countries and recording an award-winning discography that has earned ten JUNO Awards. Most recently, Tafelmusik was nominated for a JUNO Award for Classical Album of the Year (Large Ensemble) for Haydn Symphonies 43 & 49, directed by Principal Guest Director Rachel Podger.

As we approach our milestone 50th anniversary in 2028/29, Tafelmusik is entering an ambitious period of artistic expansion, touring, recording, and audience growth. Philanthropy will power this next chapter — and we are building a dynamic team to lead the way.

This is a rare opportunity for a relationship-driven fundraiser who is curious about people, motivated by impact, and eager to grow into senior leadership.

Why This Role Is Different

This is not a role for someone who wants to maintain the status quo. As Senior Development Officer, you'll build genuine relationships with donors who are passionate about music, culture, and education — while working shoulder-to-shoulder with artistic and development leadership and the Executive Director to shape strategy for our landmark 50th anniversary. For the right person, this role offers a clear and deliberate path into senior leadership within a growing fundraising program.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Co-Directors of Development and supervising the Annual Giving and Stewardship Officer, the Senior Development Officer is a key member of the Development team — managing a substantial portfolio of major gift individual donors and foundations. You'll build donor-centred relationships, develop personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies, identify planned giving prospects, and strengthen stewardship, all while contributing to 50th anniversary planning. This is an ideal role for a fundraiser who loves conversations, thrives on understanding what moves people to give, and is energized by both the human side and the analytics of the work.

Key Responsibilities

Relationship & Portfolio Management

• Manage and grow a portfolio of over 100 donors and prospects
• Conduct regular in-person and virtual donor meetings
• Develop individualized engagement plans and proposals
• Identify leadership gift prospects and coordinate strategic handoffs
• Represent Tafelmusik at concerts, donor events, and on tour when appropriate

Fundraising Communications & Strategy

• Draft proposals, stewardship reports, and tailored correspondence
• Collaborate on annual and monthly giving strategy
• Use Tessitura to track moves management and analyze donor data
• Contribute to case development and anniversary planning

Leadership & Growth

• Supervise and mentor the Annual Giving and Stewardship Officer
• Share insights and best practices with the team
• Participate in strategic planning conversations

Who You Are

You're genuinely curious about people — their stories, values, and what compels them to give. You listen before you pitch, you're as comfortable in a heartfelt donor conversation as you are in a spreadsheet, and you're energized by working at the intersection of art and impact.

You Bring:

• 3–5+ years of progressive fundraising experience across the full donor cycle
• Exceptional listening, writing and proposal skills that move people to act
• Fluency with Tessitura or a comparable CRM
• A track record of growing donor relationships and securing upgrades
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage a dynamic portfolio
• Comfort with data — using analytics to inform strategy and prioritize outreach
• A collaborative spirit and the ability to work across teams, including with artistic and executive leadership

Arts and culture experience is a plus — but what matters most is your ability to build trust and inspire generosity.

What You'll Gain

This role offers more than a portfolio — it's a launchpad. You'll grow professionally within an internationally respected organization, and you'll have the rare chance to help shape a once-in-a-generation milestone: Tafelmusik's historic 50th anniversary. As Tafelmusik grows, so will this role.

Compensation & Work Environment

Salary range: $75,000–$85,000, commensurate with experience
Competitive benefits and vacation package
Hybrid work flexibility
Some evenings and weekends required (concerts and donor events)

Tafelmusik is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and seeks team members who actively contribute to a culture of belonging.

Ready to Write the Next Chapter with Us?

This is not a role for the faint of heart — and the rewards match the ambition. You'll be thrown into the deep end of major gift strategy and planning, mentored by seasoned fundraising leaders who will push you to perform at your highest level. You'll have a seat at the table with artistic leadership and board members, and your ideas will matter. This is your chance to make your mark on something that will define Tafelmusik for decades — a landmark 50th anniversary that will demand your best thinking, your most compelling pitches, and your sharpest instincts. If you're ready to do the most exciting work of your fundraising career, we want to hear from you. Send us a cover letter that proves it, that shows us who you are, how you think, and why Tafelmusik's next chapter is the one you want to help write.

Submit your CV and cover letter to info@tafelmusik.org with "Senior Development Officer" in the subject line by April 7, 2026.