Manager, Annual Fund

  • Toronto, ON
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 8 days ago
The Canadian Opera Company invites applications for the position of Manager, Annual Fund.The Canadian Opera Company (COC) is the largest opera producer in Canada and one of the largest in North America, recognized at home and internationally for its artistic excellence and innovation. With the COC celebrating 75 years of Canadian opera, including two decades in its award-winning performance home, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the company has embarked on a major creative revitalization that places more inclusive programming, new creative partnerships, and expanded community reach at the forefront of the COC’s ambitious goals.Reporting to the Director, Development Operations the Manager, Annual Fund plays a pivotal role in cultivating a vibrant and engaged donor community. This position leads the strategy and execution of annual giving campaigns, with a focus on donor acquisition, retention, and revenue growth across broad-base giving programs. A central component of this portfolio is the Friends of the COC membership program, which the Manager will oversee to ensure strong donor engagement, revenue, and membership growth. The Manager, Annual Fund is accountable for Friends revenue targets and management of expense budget.The Manager supervises two Development Coordinators and ensures a donor-centric experience that reflects the organization’s values of accessibility, inclusion, and artistic excellence. This role also provides strategic oversight of the company’s Tribute Giving program and supports the COC’s President’s Council and Golden Circle membership programs through the provision of concierge service and administrative support.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESANNUAL FUND STRATEGY & CAMPAIGNS
  • Lead the Friends of the COC membership program, ensuring strong donor engagement, retention, and growth through targeted communications and stewardship.
  • Develop and implement annual giving plans across direct mail, email, social media, telemarketing, and digital platforms.
  • Set and monitor KPIs for revenue, retention, donor upgrades, and acquisition ROI.
  • In collaboration with the COC’s Special Events team, develop and execute in-person engagement strategies for Friends donors, with a focus on making their opera-going experience special and memorable.
  • Manage campaign calendars, segmentation strategies, and creative direction of supporting collateral, in collaboration with the Marketing, Communications, and Development Operations teams.
  • Analyze campaign performance and donor trends to inform strategy and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
  • Manage vendor partners (e.g., direct mail, telemarketing, digital acquisition) to develop project workbacks, achieve campaign targets, and ensure alignment with brand standards.
PRESIDENTS COUNCIL AND GOLDEN CIRCLE SUPPORT
  • Oversee donor services and concierge ticketing support provided by the Annual Fund team to President’s Council and Golden Circle donors.
  • Coordinate donor communications for President’s Council and Golden Circle members in collaboration with the Major Gifts team, including renewal reminders and integration of tailored asks into mass communications.
TRIBUTE GIVING PROGRAM
  • Lead the implementation of the Tribute Giving program, including In Honour, In Memory, and In Celebration gifts.
  • Ensure tribute donors receive timely, personalized acknowledgments and stewardship that reflect the significance of their gift.
TEAM LEADERSHIP & COLLABORATION
  • Supervise Development Coordinators, ensuring timely, personalized, and scalable service to donors.
  • Provide mentorship and support to annual fund staff.
  • In collaboration with internal Customer Care outbound calling team, plan and implement outreach strategies, and ensure Development teams objectives are integrated successfully into workflows.
  • Foster a collaborative, donor-first culture aligned with organizational values and fundraising goals.

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