CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Position: Director of Development
Post Date: April 17, 2025
"Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife."
-Kahlil Gibran
Do you believe in the power of music to inspire, connect, and transform communities? Are you a skilled fundraiser who's ready to play a lead role in growing support for one of Canada's most storied performing arts organizations? If you're driven to build meaningful donor relationships, create lasting impact, and help shape the future of orchestral music in Saskatchewan - we want to hear from you.
At the Regina Symphony Orchestra (RSO), we deliver more than performances - we create moments that stay with people for life. As we expand our reach and deepen our impact, we are seeking a Director of Development to help drive a new era of philanthropic growth. This is a career-defining opportunity to join a dynamic team and contribute to something truly enduring.
About the Regina Symphony Orchestra
Founded in 1908, the Regina Symphony Orchestra is a cornerstone of the cultural landscape in Saskatchewan and one of Canada's longest-standing orchestras. Performing at the Conexus Arts Centre, Darke Hall, and in venues across the province, the RSO presents a wide-ranging season of concerts - from classical masterworks to smashing pops to film scores, chamber music, and community-based performances.
In addition to our concert season, the RSO is deeply invested in education and outreach. Through school programs, library concerts, and partnerships with local organizations, we bring music into classrooms, hospitals, and underserved communities throughout Regina and across southern Saskatchewan. The orchestra consists of a full-time core of professional musicians and a vibrant cohort of per-service players, guest artists, and collaborators.
The RSO is entering a period of creative renewal, strategic expansion, and increased engagement, making this an exciting and pivotal time to join our leadership team.
Position Summary
The Director of Development is a key leadership position responsible for advancing the RSO's contributed revenue goals. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Development will implement fundraising strategies across individual giving, major gifts, corporate sponsorship, foundation support, special events, and emerging initiatives in planned giving and campaign readiness. The Director will also collaborate on setting and meeting performance metrics (KPIs) and lead fundraising operations in alignment with organizational priorities.
This is a senior, hands-on role, with high-level responsibility for frontline fundraising and cross-functional collaboration across the organization.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Execution
- Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies in collaboration with the Executive Director.
- Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects, with a focus on mid-level and major gifts.
- Lead identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts for corporate sponsorships, individual giving, and foundation support.
- Contribute to the planning and development of a potential future capital or capacity-building campaign.
Donor Engagement & Stewardship
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners.
- Develop and execute stewardship plans that promote donor retention and increased engagement.
- Launch initiatives to attract new audiences, including younger patrons and future legacy donors.
- Work closely with the Executive Director and Board leadership to support and advance key relationships and fundraising initiatives.
Fundraising Operations & CRM
- Collaborate with internal CRM/database staff to ensure the effective use of donor tracking, segmentation, and reporting.
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records and data integrity.
- Support the creation of case materials, proposals, and donor facing reports
- Prepare regular reports, portfolio reviews, and performance analyses to inform decision-making.
Event Planning & Community Engagement
- Plan and execute fundraising and stewardship events in collaboration with administrative leadership, staff, and volunteers.
- Ensure donor cultivation and recognition are thoughtfully integrated into organizational events.
- Represent the RSO at community functions, performances, and donor events as appropriate.
Qualifications
- A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, with demonstrated success in frontline donor engagement.
- Experience managing a donor portfolio and securing multiple gifts at the $10,000+ level.
- Proven ability to secure corporate sponsorships and maintain partner relationships.
- Excellent communication skills, including proposal writing and donor storytelling.
- Proficiency with CRM systems; experience with Spektrix is considered an asset.
- Experience with campaign planning and/or planned giving.
- Strategic thinker who can manage priorities and execute both independently and collaboratively.
- A strong appreciation for the performing arts, particularly live orchestral music.
- A post-secondary degree is preferred, though equivalent professional experience will be considered.
Additional General Requirements Include Your Agreement To:
1. Hold a valid driver's license from the Province of Saskatchewan.
2. Provide the RSO a Criminal Record Check (and every 36 months thereafter).
3. Read and understand the RSO's Health and Safety Protocols.
4. Work evenings and weekends.
5. Reside within a reasonable commuting distance to/from Regina due to the onsite nature of the work.
Benefits of Joining the RSO Team:
- Flexible Work Hours: Enjoy work hours that accommodate life's demands, with time off in lieu for evening and weekend events.
- Hybrid Work Model: Approximately 75% remote, 25% on site (RSO office and events).
- Benefits: 100% employer paid comprehensive health, dental, and long-term disability plans, cell phone subsidy, and employer pension contribution.
- Professional Growth: Collaborate with a world-class orchestra and connect with Canada's leading musicians, enriching your professional journey.
- Complimentary Tickets: Enjoy staff complimentary tickets RSO concerts and performances.
Salary Range: $70k - $80k
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume (PDF format) to . While we thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
If you are unsure whether your experience matches every requirement above, you are encouraged to apply. The RSO values diversity and welcomes individuals with unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.