Director, Development & Partnerships

Apply By: Monday, July 13, :59 pm EDT

External Relations / Development and Partnerships

City: Toronto

Job term: 1 Temporary – 36 months, with possibility of extension

Join the Ontario Science Centre and help build the partnerships and fundraising support that power our programs, experiences, and future. In this role, you will strengthen donor and sponsor relationships, lead fundraising efforts and contribute significantly to the Centre's revenue goals.

You are a strategic, relationship driven fundraising and partnerships leader who connects people, ideas, and opportunities to advance meaningful impact. You build trust with donors, sponsors, government partners, and community stakeholders, deepening relationships with shared values and organizational priorities.

You are a people-first leader who builds strong, collaborative, high performing teams. You balance strategic vision with operational excellence — using data, financial acumen, and stakeholder insights to guide decisions, forecast revenue, and elevate performance. You communicate with clarity and influence, engaging senior leaders, Board members, government officials, donors, and partners with confidence and credibility.

With the Ontario Science Centre preparing for a bold new future — including the development of a world class home at Ontario Place — you see the extraordinary potential ahead. You bring the creativity, confidence, and strategic insight needed to position the organization for major fundraising initiatives and long term growth.

About the Ontario Science Centre

Spark your curiosity at the Ontario Science Centre! For over 55 years, the Ontario Science Centre has inspired a passion for the human adventure of discovery through fun experiences that educate and entertain kids and adults alike. From engaging pop up programs at events and festivals to Kid Spark at Harbourfront Centre, the Science Centre continues to support students, families and educators by making science accessible, meaningful and fun.

Starting in Summer 2026, even more interactive exhibits, experiences and programs will open at Harbourfront Centre, the Ontario Science Centre's interim location before it moves into its future home at Ontario Place.

About the Position

The Director, Development and Partnerships plays a critical role in helping to shape the future of the Ontario Science Centre. This is a unique opportunity to help build the partnerships, philanthropic support, and strategic relationships that will help bring the organization's future vision to life.

Reporting to the Vice President, External Relations, the Director leads the development and execution of a strategy for stakeholder engagement, fundraising, outreach, and public awareness. This includes overseeing integrated marketing, communications, and fundraising efforts to strengthen visibility, advance priorities, and grow revenue.

The Director oversees a team responsible for sponsor ships, partnerships, donor relations, grants, and development operations. They will help prepare the organization for major fundraising initiatives, strengthen relationships with donors and sponsors, and build the foundation for long term revenue growth.

• Lead the Partnerships and Development team to secure and steward sponsor ships, partnerships, grants, donor contributions, and other philanthropic support
• Work with senior leaders to create annual and multi-year operational and financial plans that support organizational goals and strategy
• Provide strong people leadership by effectively managing, developing, and supporting staff, while fostering a culture of collaboration and accountability
• Lead in a unionized environment, navigating labor relations matters with sound judgment, fairness, and diplomacy
• Lead and expand the development program to raise $3-5M annually
• Prepare the organization for significant current and ongoing fundraising initiatives and campaigns

• Managing corporate and individual donors, from identification to cultivation, solicitation…