Director of Development

job description
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
About The Power Plant

The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery is Canada’s leading public gallery dedicated to contemporary visual art. Since 1+87, it has served as an essential platform for Canadian and international artists, offering bold exhibitions, thought-provoking ideas, and inclusive programming that reflect and shape the most pressing conversations in contemporary culture.

Our mission is to present exceptional art, amplify diverse voices, and engage the public through transformative experiences. We are proud to foster a collaborative, values-driven, and inspiring team environment—and we support a pet-friendly workplace where creativity and care thrive.

Learn more at www.thepowerplant.org.

Position Summary

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.

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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $120,000.00-$140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Extended health care
Paid time off
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON M5J 2G8

Application deadline: 2025-07-31