Director of Development
Deadline to Apply
JUL 31 2025
The Director of Development is a strategic leadership role responsible for establishing, leading, and growing all aspects of fundraising at The Power Plant. As the gallery enters a period of organizational transformation and bold renewal, this role is pivotal to building fundraising infrastructure, driving strategic growth, cultivating strong relationships, and embedding a culture of philanthropy across the institution.
- Position Title: Director of Development
- Location: Toronto, Ontario (Hybrid work model considered) - Type: Full-time, 35-hour work week
- Compensation: $120,000 – $140,000 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package
- Reports To: CEO
- Direct Reports: Grants & Foundations Officer, Events & Sponsorship Manager, Development Coordinator
The Director of Development will lead a comprehensive fundraising strategy across five core revenue streams:
- Individual Giving
- Corporate Partnerships
- Government Grants
- Private Foundations
- Fundraising Events
This role oversees a small, high-performing development team and collaborates closely with curatorial, public programs, communications, and senior leadership to ensure fundraising efforts align with the gallery’s vision and priorities.
Primary Focus
- Provide strategic and operational leadership for all development activities
- Oversee implementation of an integrated fundraising strategy
- Manage key donor and sponsor relationships
- Build internal systems, tools, and processes for sustainable revenue growth
- Support Board and CEO engagement in fundraising and donor stewardship
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Planning
- Develop and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with institutional goals
- Establish KPIs, manage fundraising pipelines, and oversee forecasting, analysis, and reporting
- Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to broader organizational strategy
Major Gifts & Donor Development
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors with the capacity to give at leadership and legacy levels
- Build a long-term pipeline for major and planned gifts
- Work in partnership with the CEO and Board to expand the donor base and deepen engagement
Corporate & Institutional Giving
- Lead the development and stewardship of multi-year corporate sponsorships and partnerships
- Oversee institutional fundraising, including government and private foundation grants
- Ensure grant applications, reporting, and compliance are timely and of the highest quality
Team & Operational Leadership
- Guide, mentor, and support a small development team, fostering collaboration, accountability, and growth
- Build and improve internal systems (e.g., CRM, prospect tracking, stewardship protocols) to support a professionalized development operation
- Ensure donor engagement and communications are consistent, compelling, and mission-aligned
Cross-Functional Collaboration & External Engagement
- Work closely with curatorial and program staff to develop compelling funding cases for exhibitions, programs, and strategic initiatives
- Collaborate with the Communications team to align messaging, branding, and donor outreach
- Represent The Power Plant at external events and within philanthropic and cultural communities
Core Competencies
- Strategic Fundraising Leadership: Ability to develop and execute long-range development plans that drive institutional success
- Major Donor Development: Demonstrated experience building and managing major gift pipelines
- Team Leadership: Proven success in building high-performing, collaborative teams
- Operational Excellence: Skilled in creating systems and infrastructure to support fundraising growth
- Cross-Organizational Collaboration: Ability to work across departments and align fundraising with artistic vision
- Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with donors, partners, and board members
Qualifications
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive fundraising experience, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role
- Proven success in raising funds across multiple channels, including major gifts, sponsorships, and institutional giving
- Experience leading or transforming a fundraising function in a cultural or mission-driven organization
- Deep knowledge of contemporary fundraising best practices, tools (including CRM), and donor stewardship
- Strong strategic thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills
- Passion for contemporary art and familiarity with Canada’s philanthropic and arts funding landscape
- Ability to work flexible hours on occasion, including evenings and weekends for events
- Must be legally eligible to work in Canada
How to Apply
The Power Plant is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. Accommodations are available upon request throughout the hiring process.
To apply, please send a cover letter and resume in one PDF document addressed to Carolyn Vesely, CEO, outlining your interest, relevant experience, and salary expectations to careers@thepowerplant.org by July 31, 2025. Please use the subject line: Director of Development – The Power Plant.
Join a supportive, values-driven team where your leadership will make a lasting impact.
We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
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