Accessibility  

If you prefer to have this document in an alternative format, please email   

Audio transcript or ASL video available on demand. 

Application Formats  

Applications can be in point form, through video and/or voice memos. 

For those selected for an interview: 

• ASL interpretation available on request. 
• Captions available on Zoom. 
• Option for phone interview. 
• Other accommodation available on request. 

We believe in creating spaces where anyone can be involved, engaged, empowered, and inspired. Luminato adheres to Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and will work proactively through all stages of recruitment to create a barrier free hiring process, and will provide accommodations as required. To request accommodations please email Project Manager, Executive Office, Sarah Yellin ( ). 

Luminato is deeply committed to being accessible and anti-racist, both in the workplace and through the programming. We are committed to amplifying QTBIPOC voices and enhancing accessibility on stage, for our audiences, and for our staff.  Selection decisions are based solely on job-related factors. 

What’s Luminato?  

Vibrant and celebratory; a global player; supporting artists and inspiring social change:  these are just a few ways to describe the international event that is Luminato, a civically engaged festival dedicated to performance, media, and visual arts programming that cuts across traditional art-form boundaries. Since 2007, when it was launched to shine a spotlight on Toronto as a globally connected city boasting an incredible tapestry of creativity, Luminato Festival Toronto has entertained millions of people with performances, events, and spectacles involving over 15,000 artists from more than 40 countries. 

The Role: Director of Philanthropy

We’re looking for an experienced and strategic fundraiser to join our Development Team. In this role you will have an opportunity to directly influence the growth and impact of the organization. You will have the opportunity to work across the organization to devise and execute innovative philanthropic strategies. You’ll be a collaborative leader who thinks about the individual giving pipeline from annual giving through to major gifts, with an emphasis on also growing foundation giving. You will be a talented manager, excited about leading a team, and have a passion for the arts.  

Functional Area: Development

Role Type: Full-time, permanent  

Salary:  $90,000 - $100, 000

Start Date: Immediately

Roles and Responsibilities:   

• Actively manage a portfolio of donors at various stages of their relationship with Luminato. Develop tailored stewardship strategies to increase donor retention. 
• Lead and implement an effective cultivation plan for building a pipeline of prospective individual donors and foundations. 
• Lead regular face-to-face donor/prospect meetings to generate increased giving for Luminato. 
• Build relationships with new foundation funding sources both national and international through effective research, cultivate new relationships, and strengthen existing relationships with current foundation funders. 
• Steward senior assigned volunteers in donor cultivation and solicitation strategies and provide ongoing support to volunteers. 
• Influence and inspire Luminato to initiate new campaigns and giving vehicles to widen the net of donors. 
• Work as part of the Development leadership team to develop and deliver annual departmental goals, including managing a team.
• Work with the Chief Development Officer, actively participate in the development of fundraising strategies, and implement best practices in philanthropy. 
• Establish donor engagement strategies, targets, trends, evaluation tools, and analyze results. 
• Create compelling cases for support: overseeing the customization of proposals to individuals and foundations, stewardship reports, and other donor communications. 
• Liaise with staff in other departments to remain current with existing and planned Luminato initiatives and priorities to promote opportunities for philanthropic support. 
• Provide key support during the festival time, to all donor engagement and stewardship activities, including receptions and events. 
• Lead on CRM best practices across the organization, ensuring the Development team is maximizing the value of Raisers Edge. 
• Ensure events across the organization are supporting donor relationships and growth targets contributing to overall events strategy. 
• Perform other duties as assigned 
• Requires evening and weekend hours, especially during peak festival period 

The Candidate:   

We understand that not everyone has had the opportunity to cultivate all the skills and experience required to fulfill the responsibilities of this role. We encourage candidates to apply who see themselves as having a solid base skill set for the position and interested in learning the rest.  

Knowledge and Skills:  

• Ability to nurture and develop long-term relationships with prospective and current donors 
• Resourcefulness and independence, comfort working with shifting timelines and priorities 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work collaboratively across Development department and entire organization. 
• Strong analytical skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills 
• Highly professional; conscientious with a high degree of personal integrity
• Passion for philanthropy and the arts
• Exceptional writing skills
• Experience working with senior volunteers and managing junior colleagues
• Proficiency working CRM products and ideally Raisers Edge
• Exceptional attention to detail, ability to develop and execute complex plans and manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to work with flexibility including evening and weekend donor engagements

It Would Be Nice If You Had:   

• Post-secondary education and a minimum of 5 years experience in major gifts fundraising 
• Professional development in fundraising 
• Work experience in a charity environment, ideally in the arts

Why Luminato?  

• Commitment to your development and growth.   Regular internal trainings in topics such as anti-racism, disability awareness and leadership as well as self-led professional development opportunity support. 
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• Great culture.  We strive to create a supportive and understanding environment at Luminato. Our work environment is relaxed, and our hours are flexible, outside of the expectation to be online/ available between the hours of 10am and 3pm.  

• Work-life Balance.  Many employee-led social and wellness initiatives that all staff are encouraged to participate in. You will receive a minimum of 15 vacation days per year with added time off around the holidays, as well as sick days, personal days and spiritual days. 

• Hybrid work environment.  Luminato operates in a hybrid work environment with an office space on the 4th floor of the TIFF Lightbox, 350 King Street West. Our office is transit accessible, comfortable, and has a great view of the city! 

• Incredible Team.  We have a dynamic, resourceful, talented, and collaborative team here at Luminato. We are a small but mighty team who are constantly finding new ways of working together and supporting one another to achieve our organizational and personal goals. 

Want to hear more? Visit our website and learn more about our team. 

How to Apply:   

Please send your resume and cover letter addressed to  , subject line: Director of Philanthropy

We thank all applicants, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Luminato is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals to apply. Should you require accommodation during the assessment process, Luminato will work with you to meet your needs