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Overview THE CHANCE The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is seeking a

Director, Philanthropy

to lead strategy development and implementation of fundraising programs designed to drive growth, strengthen the donor pipeline, deepen donor relationships, and provide donors with excellent stewardship. This is a time for vision, dedication and an innovative spirit as AGO progresses toward its 2028 vision. The Director will report to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and oversee a high-performing Philanthropy team currently responsible for approximately $6.5M in annual revenue from major gifts, foundations and government grants, planned giving, and gifts of art to support annual operations and long-term priorities.

A key leadership responsibility includes coaching and developing a results-driven team with clarity and inspiration, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous growth. The Director will work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders, volunteers, and committees to strengthen a collaborative and organization-wide culture of philanthropy. The ideal candidate brings a strategic mindset, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with the ability to build authentic, respectful relationships across diverse communities. The successful candidate will inspire engagement and align stakeholders around shared goals.

As a member of the Development leadership team, the Director contributes to broader divisional strategy and plays a central role in advancing AGO’s mission to promote community, creativity, and culture in Toronto and beyond. If preferred, this role offers a hybrid model (4 days at the AGO / 1 day remote) and includes occasional work on evenings and weekends, as dictated by programming and fundraising events. Limited travel may be required for 1 to 2 trips per year internationally, so a valid passport is needed.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership In consultation with the CDO, lead the development of multi-year strategic objectives and annual business plans for philanthropic giving, including annual individual and major gifts, foundations and government grants, and planned giving.

Collaborate with colleagues across the Gallery to ensure philanthropic support of institutional priorities and alignment with existing Gallery programs.

Develop strong working relationships with the AGO Leadership Team and managers from various departments, including Curatorial, Public Programming and Learning, and Business and Brand, nurturing a culture of philanthropy across the organization.

Design programs, engagement opportunities and promotional plans to maximize philanthropic support.

Regularly evaluate fundraising program effectiveness and efficiency, introducing new strategies and course-correcting to deliver best results.

Work with the Senior Manager, Leadership Giving and Associate Director, Philanthropy & Planned Giving to support the development of annual and longer-term program objectives. Offer expertise and guidance around strategy development, coach and provide leadership related to volunteer relationships and committee management.

Drive the development of the annual Development budget, and monitor budget and plan throughout the year in consultation with the CDO, staff and Development Operations team.

Regularly report to the CDO on revenue progress, identifying and mitigating risk and capitalizing on opportunities.





Participate as a division representative on Gallery groups and committees as assigned by the CDO. Act as a senior Gallery representative at external functions as required.

Team Management

Plan and oversee the appropriate resourcing of work, and the development of skills, systems and procedures to achieve departmental goals and financial targets.

Provide mentorship and guidance to staff, focused on hiring and retaining talent, and managing a high-performance team for optimal results.

Ensure ongoing support for the Philanthropy team through effective training and development, and opportunities that promote job satisfaction and professional excellence.

Fundraising and Revenue Generation

Lead the Philanthropy team in identifying and cultivating a robust prospect pipeline for major and planned gifts through individual portfolio management as well as donor engagement opportunities and touchpoints.

Actively manage a personal portfolio of prospects and donors at the $100K+ level, and partner with relationship managers in other AGO departments to deepen relationships with donors and secure gifts.

Coach relationship managers around strategies to effectively engage donors, secure support and increase giving levels.

Work with the AGO senior team to effectively engage and support them in fundraising and stewardship activities, ensuring they are strategically integrated and prepared to contribute to the fundraising effort.

Contribute to planning and implementation of stewardship and recognition activities to ensure the highest standards of donor experience and clearly articulate the impact of giving.

Participate as a stakeholder in the development and implementation of communication plans to build a culture of philanthropy and integrate philanthropic messaging throughout the Gallery and community.

Oversee the development of compelling, high-quality fundraising materials that communicate the AGO’s brand and value proposition to prospects and clearly articulate to donors the impact of their generosity.

Provide thought leadership and contribute to the implementation of effective strategies and tactics for developing a robust annual and mid-level giving pipeline.

Together with the Senior Manager, Leadership Giving and in partnership with the Development Operations team, offer expertise around the use of techniques in research and data analytics to develop a strong acquisition strategy and system to migrate members through leadership, major and planned giving levels.

Regularly evaluate fundraising program effectiveness and efficiency, introducing new strategies and course-correcting to deliver best results.

Qualifications and Competencies

Knowledge of art is not required, but a strong, authentic interest and openness to learning about art and the art world is expected.

Significant experience in a fundraising role at a senior level, with a proven record of success in revenue growth and innovation, in a leadership capacity within annual, mid-level, major gift and planned giving fundraising.

Experience leading and developing a fundraising team; coaching, inspiring and mentoring fundraising staff for continued growth and success.





Demonstrated track record of effective management of senior volunteers in various roles and capacities.

Excellent interpersonal skills including solid relationship building and the ability to relate successfully with individuals and employees at all levels.

Demonstrated, well developed communication skills (written and verbal) including experience in creating and presenting compelling proposals to donors.

Well-developed ability to be creative with respect to prospect identification, cultivation and solicitation.

Comprehensive knowledge of effective and meaningful donor recognition programs, high-end patron programs and affinity groups.

Experience initiating, analyzing, monitoring, evaluating and altering strategic fundraising and stewardship plans.

Experience developing and managing program budgets.

Comprehensive knowledge of CRA guidelines; general understanding of current finance and accounting principles in the not-for-profit sector.

Confidentiality and diplomacy in applying information.

Well-developed computer literacy including proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite, Raiser’s Edge or other donor database management systems.

Well-organized, detail-oriented, effective at follow-through and priority setting.

Experience working in a unionized environment would be an asset.

A university degree or a combination of comparable skills and experience.

CFRE designation is considered an asset, along with being in good standing with the ethical codes of AFP, AHP, CAGP, or CCAE.

Ability to work occasional weekends or evening hours.

Occasional travel (domestic and international) is required; a valid passport is needed.

For More Information KCI Search + Talent has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). For more information about this prospect, contact Sylvie Battisti, Senior Vice President, Search + Talent at [email protected]. All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence. To apply, please send a resume and letter of interest to the email above and note that the deadline for submission is May 15, 2026. To view the full Position Brief, please visit www.kcitalent.com.

The AGO is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work workplace. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act & the AGO’s Recruitment & Selection Policy for Staff, a request for accommodation will be considered throughout the hiring process. This position is open to all Canadian citizens, permanent residents and those legally able to work in Canada. This posting is for a current vacancy. Artificial intelligence will not be used to screen resumes or assess candidates in this search.

Compensation:

The AGO offers a competitive compensation package for this position. The hiring range for this role is $145,000 - $160,000 and a comprehensive suite of benefits is also provided.

Land Acknowledgement:

The AGO operates on the land that is the territory of the Anishinaabe (Mississauga) nation and is also the territory of the Wendat and Haudenosaunee. The Dish with One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant is an agreement between the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Anishnaabe Three Fires Confederacy to peaceably share and care for the resources around the Great Lakes. Toronto is also governed by a treaty between the federal government of Canada and the Mississaugas of the New Credit (Anishinaabe nation).

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📌 Director, Philanthropy (Toronto)
🏢 Art Gallery of Ontario
📍 Toronto