Associate Director, Stewardship

The Royal Conservatory (RCM) is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world, providing the definitive standard of excellence in curriculum design, assessment, performance training, and teacher certification. Graduates from its two performance training programs, The Glenn Gould School and The Phil & Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, regularly perform on major international stages.

RCM is also a leader in early childhood education programs and arts-based social programs, and presents a diverse range of concerts featuring the finest Canadian and international artists in its magnificent performance space, Koerner Hall.

As a key member of the Stewardship team, the Associate Director, Stewardship is responsible for the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of all aspects of RCM’s stewardship and donor recognition program. This includes major gift donor stewardship, naming proposals, stewardship reports, ongoing donor communication and recognition initiatives. The role serves as a strategic partner with Development team colleagues and collaborates with Marketing & Communications and Events teams to support donor relations and stewardship activities.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Major Gifts and Stewardship, the successful candidate will provide overall strategic leadership and management for donor relations and stewardship activities across all fundraising programs, developing and consistently delivering exceptional donor experiences that build trusted and loyal relationships.

• Design, implement, and manage a strategic, multi-tiered stewardship program for all donor segments, including major gifts, planned giving, and annual supporters.
• In consultation with the Chief Development Officer, Senior Director, Major Gifts & Stewardship, and institutional leadership, develop customized stewardship plans for major and principal donors.
• Oversee all aspects of the planning and execution of donor recognition and stewardship events, ensuring they reflect the RCM’s mission and create meaningful donor engagement.
• Co‑ordinate with departmental leadership to personally meet with donors, gain an understanding of their stewardship preferences and update them on the impact of their gifts.
• Collaborate with the Senior Stewardship Officer and RCM program staff on scholarship program stewardship and cultivation activities for Performing Arts.
• Play an active role in the creation of compelling stewardship reports for major and principal gift donors.
• Collaborate with Marketing on the production of the annual report and other significant Development and institutional documents.
• Assist in developing the major gift pipeline by identifying engaged donors with the capacity to deepen their engagement with RCM.
• Serve as an advisor to Development staff and institutional leadership on stewardship practices and opportunities.
• Ensure RCM fulfills deliverables outlined in funding agreements, with a long‑term view to donor relationship management.
• Create, monitor and evaluate metrics for donor engagement and stewardship and use insights to inform strategy.
• Maintain accurate records of all stewardship activities in the donor database.
• Coach and mentor a direct report; conduct annual staff performance reviews aligned with stewardship goals.
• Provide external industry knowledge, monitor trends in the philanthropic environment and implement best practices.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Minimum of five to seven years’ experience advancing towards management level.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong relationships with donors, board members, and institutional leadership.
• Proven success in leading and supporting volunteers in major gift stewardship.
• Experience in a major gifts environment within a not‑for‑profit setting.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem‑solving skills and an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Skilled in donor reporting, engagement, and stewardship event management.
• Comfortable working within complex structures and adapting to change.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and coach teams.
• Hig…