About us

The Victoria Symphony is a professional orchestra based in Victoria, British Columbia. Through concerts, education, and community programs, we bring live orchestral music to audiences across our region. Support from donors, sponsors, and community partners helps make this work possible.

About the role

The Development Officer coordinates annual giving, donor communications, and fundraising and cultivation events. Reporting to the Director of Development, you will help grow philanthropic support and build lasting relationships with donors and patrons. You will work closely with Development colleagues, Marketing and Communications, Box Office, and Finance to deliver campaigns and events with clear goals, thoughtful stewardship, and timely follow-up.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver annual giving campaigns, including donor acquisition, renewal, monthly giving, and lapsed donor reactivation.
• Build and steward relationships with annual donors, including Musician’s Circle members, and identify opportunities for increased giving with Development colleagues.
• Coordinate donor communications and recognition, including the monthly newsletter, appeals, impact updates, and stewardship messages, in collaboration with Marketing and Communications.
• Maintain an 18-month calendar of donor communications, engagement activities, and events. Coordinate small donor gatherings featuring live music, donor lounges, receptions, dinners, and sponsor events.
• Coordinate Gala planning, raffles, auctions, and other fundraising activities, including timelines, budgets, guest experience, and follow-up, within a team led by the Director of Development.
• Work with hosts, vendors, and event partners; provide direction to staff and volunteers supporting assigned activities; and coordinate the delivery of donor recognition and sponsorship benefits.
• Use the donor database, Tessitura, to prepare mailing and event lists and analyze results. Document donor activity and agreements and work with Donor Services and Finance on campaign and event reporting.
• Provide administrative support to the Foundation for the Victoria Symphony as requested and contribute to Development team planning and related activities.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Candidate requirements

• At least four years of relevant fundraising or development experience, with a sound understanding of fundraising principles and a record of contributing to fundraising goals.
• Experience planning annual giving campaigns and producing compelling donor communications, including direct mail and digital appeals.
• Experience coordinating fundraising or cultivation events, including schedules, budgets, guest experience, and follow-up.
• Strong writing and interpersonal skills, including confidence discussing giving opportunities with donors and building relationships with sponsors, volunteers, board members, and colleagues.
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to manage competing projects and deadlines independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and a fundraising database or comparable CRM, including preparing donor lists, segmenting audiences, and evaluating campaign results.
• Previous experience with or knowledge of Tessitura is a strong asset.
• Sound judgement, an understanding of ethical fundraising practices, and discretion in handling confidential donor information.
• Relevant degree or diploma, equivalent professional fundraising experience, or a combination of education and experience. CFRE designation is an asset.

Contact us to apply

We would like to hear from you. Please send your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the Victoria Symphony to HR@victoriasymphony.ca, with “Development Officer, Annual Giving & Events” in the subject line.

Application deadline: Nov 2, 2026

The Victoria Symphony welcomes applicants with different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage applications from people underrepresented in the arts, including Indigenous and racialized people, people with disabilities, and people of diverse genders and sexual orientations. Please contact shahriar@victoriasymphony.ca if you need an accommodation during recruitment.

Thank you for considering a role with the Victoria Symphony. We will contact candidates selected to continue in the recruitment process.