Chief Development Officer

Job Location

On Site/In Person;
Local Remote

Full Time

August 14, 2026

Development

Pacific Opera Victoria is undertaking an exciting period of growth and transformation.

For nearly five decades, Pacific Opera Victoria has earned a national reputation for artistic achievement, innovative programming, original productions, and meaningful community engagement. Our productions are seen on stages across North America, and we proudly collaborate with every major Canadian opera company through co-productions and artistic partnerships that extend our impact far beyond Vancouver Island.

From our home at the Baumann Centre in Victoria, we create distinctive opera experiences that inspire audiences, nurture artists, and strengthen communities. We are a company known for doing things differently: commissioning new work, building our own productions, collaborating widely, and creating opportunities for people to connect through powerful storytelling and music.

We are now seeking an accomplished and ambitious Chief Development Officer to help lead our next chapter.

This is an opportunity to join a respected and financially stable organization with a deeply engaged donor community and a strong culture of philanthropy. The successful candidate will lead Pacific Opera Victoria’s $2M annual fundraising program to support innovative opera creation, community engagement, artist development, and educational impact. They will help shape a renewed vision for legacy giving through the Pacific Opera Victoria Foundation to build upon endowed assets of approximately $13M and will design fundraising initiatives surrounding Pacific Opera’s upcoming 50th Anniversary.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the Chief Development Officer will lead fundraising strategy, inspire a high-performing team, partner with board and volunteer leaders, and build meaningful relationships with donors whose generosity fuels Pacific Opera Victoria’s mission and impact.

The Chief Development Officer (CDO) is a strategic and collaborative leader responsible for advancing the organization’s philanthropic vision and revenue goals. As a member of the senior leadership team, the CDO provides overall leadership for the Development department, overseeing fundraising strategy, donor engagement, campaigns, sponsorship, planned giving, stewardship, and special events.

Working closely with the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, Foundation Board, volunteers, and community partners, the CDO cultivates a culture of philanthropy that inspires meaningful investment in the organization’s artistic mission and long-term sustainability.

Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of the Development program, ensuring fundraising activities align with the organization’s strategic priorities and financial goals.

Lead, mentor, and support the Development team including a Senior Development Officer, Development Manager, Development Officer, Events Coordinator, and external consultants or contractors.

Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising strategies encompassing annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, campaigns, corporate sponsor ships, stewardship, grants, and special events.

Oversee the Development budget, establish annual revenue targets, monitor performance, and evaluate fundraising outcomes using data and key performance indicators.

Foster a collaborative team culture focused on accountability, innovation, and community-centred fundraising.

Prepare timely and insightful reports and presentations for the CEO, Board of Directors, Foundation Board, and relevant committees.

Serve as the organization’s fundraising leader, providing guidance, coaching, and philanthropic leadership to Board members, volunteers, and staff.

Attend Board, Foundation Board, and committee meetings as required, supporting governance and fundraising initiatives.

Manage a portfolio of leadership and major gift donors and prospects, with a primary focus on gifts of $25,000…