Manager, Leadership Giving

Art Gallery of Ontario • Toronto, ON

3d • $86,359 - $107,907 • Onsite

About The Position

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is seeking a Manager, Leadership Giving to join its Development team. This role is responsible for implementing strategies to attract and engage individuals through the AGO’s mid-level giving opportunities, including Curators’ Circle, Young Patrons, and the Women’s Art Initiative. The Manager, Leadership Giving is tasked with meeting annual revenue targets and growing the mid-level donor pipeline for future sustainability. This position oversees the execution of all mid-level giving stewardship, renewal, and acquisition strategies, ensuring alignment with the AGO’s mission, vision, values, brand, and priorities. As part of the Development management team, this role contributes to the overall strategic direction and execution of the Development Division’s plans and collaborates on the long-term fundraising strategy. The position is vital for growing the supporter community and inspiring lifelong giving. The Manager, Leadership Giving acts as an AGO ambassador, nurturing relationships with two volunteer committees and the broader donor base, while focusing on efficiency, portfolio optimization, and enabling the operational excellence and growth of two direct reports. A key aspect of this role is ensuring a welcoming environment for a diverse community of supporters and actively addressing inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in all aspects of the AGO's operations and workplace.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in fundraising, with a successful track-record in designing and executing strategies to grow revenue and expand a donor base.
• At least 2 years’ experience in a supervisory fundraising role.
• Demonstrated ability to think and plan strategically, and organize and manage a diverse portfolio of fundraising initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience providing leadership to senior volunteer committees and working with Board members.
• Highly skilled in project management, including content development, work-back schedules, briefing documents, team and budget management.
• Strong data analytics skills and a data-driven approach.
• A confident and natural relationship-builder and persuasive communicator.
• Knowledge of fundraising techniques for annual fundraising, and high-end donor cultivation and acquisition, including digital marketing, direct mail, and portfolio management.

Nice To Haves

• A passion for the visual arts is an asset.
• Knowledge of the Toronto donor and art communities an asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversees execution of established portfolio strategies, and establishes and manages budgets to achieve revenue targets.
• Develops and implements innovative tactics for donor acquisition, renewal, retention and upgrade, in collaboration with internal stakeholders – including but not limited to General Membership, Business and Brand, Education & Programming, etc. Tactics may include segmented acquisition campaigns, paid ad promotion, or digital and print marketing channels.
• Consults direct reports and other Development staff on Tessitura best practices, internal conventions and business processes.
• Tracks and reports on key metrics to evaluate revenue pacing, portfolio optimization across the Leadership Giving team, donor engagement trends and more.
• Supports Associate, Leadership Giving in developing and executing strategies for young donor engagement, retention and growth.
• Manages the activities of departmental staff through assigning, scheduling and monitoring work completion; training staff; managing work performance.
• Supports the professional growth and development of direct reports, working together to identify opportunities for staff to develop their skills and gain valuable experience as it relates to their role and career trajectory.
• Manages delivery of services in accordance with department systems and procedures, applicable collective agreements; and AGO’s policies and procedures on security, administration, human resources, and department manager/supervisor responsibilities for workplace health and safety.
• Strategic management of volunteer committees, including recruitment, retention and succession planning.
• Executes annual committee meeting calendar to keep volunteers engaged and informed, meet revenue targets and mobilize committee-led donor acquisition channels.
• Works directly with AGO Trustees and volunteers to facilitate their active involvement in fundraising for midlevel giving.
• Works with Associate, Leadership Giving and Development Special Events team to design stewardship calendars and content intended to bring donors closer to the impact of their generosity, educating them about all aspects of the AGO that rely on their steadfast support.
• Works with Development Special Events team to create engaging “surprise and delight” moments for donors at events, including exceptional guest speakers, performances, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
• Leverages exceptional stewardship calendars as marketing tools to grow midlevel giving through committee outreach, in-museum marketing, segmented mail/email campaigns, etc.
• Develops and oversees engagement email calendars for Curators’ Circle and Women’s Art Initiative donors, ensuring emails provide timely communications about events, relevant AGO news, impact stories, and Member benefits.
• Stays up-to-date on fundraising best practices and trends, regularly assessing program practices and processes to ensure alignment with AGO giving trends, AGO values and industry standards.
• In consultation with the Director, Philanthropy, refines strategies for midlevel giving, both evaluating current offering and reaching new segments. Leads engagement and benefit analysis, recognition and growth strategies, and implements changes as necessary.
• Participates in multi-year and annual strategic planning for the Division and Gallery-wide funding priorities.
• Leads annual planning and refines priorities for Leadership Giving team.
• In collaboration with the Development Operations team, researches and gathers information about new prospects or prospect segments, informing mail and email appeal strategies.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including management of various initiatives as required.

Benefits

• Discounts to GoodLife Fitness.
• Discounts to major attractions as a part of the Provincial/City Reciprocal Programs.
• Free admission to the AGO for friends and family, discounts at the gift shop, bistro, and Learning Centre.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: No Education Listed