The Director of Philanthropy will lead efforts to expand individual giving and foundation support while stewarding senior volunteers and driving donor engagement. This role focuses on building meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, and partners locally and internationally, connecting donor values to impactful outcomes. A collaborative and inspiring leader with a passion for philanthropy and the arts, the Director will influence campaigns, address challenges as opportunities, and utilise exceptional communication and analytical skills to achieve ambitious goals and advance the organisation’s mission.
The land the Luminato community gathers on is the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Chippewa, the Anishinaabeg, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Wendat Confederacy, and many other Indigenous peoples, both known and unknown. This territory is subject to Treaty 13 and the Dish With One Spoon Wampum Belt Covenant and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples from across Turtle Island. Luminato acknowledges their responsibilities to these territorial agreements and to peaceably share and care for the resources of this land while aspiring to embody the treaties through their actions, their relationship-building, and their programs. Luminato is grateful to have the opportunity to work with many diverse Indigenous nations on this territory and with other guests on this land.
Since its foundation in 2007, Luminato has transcended traditional boundaries in music, dance, theatre, and visual art, transforming Toronto each year into a dynamic playground of creativity, conversation, and world-class artistry. Working at the intersection of artists, audiences, and urban spaces, the festival produces once-in-a-lifetime experiences, presenting over 3,600 performances by more than 15,000 artists from over 40 countries. Dedicated to the belief that the arts are essential to building stronger and more connected communities, the festival provides a creative sanctuary where conversations start, audiences are inspired, and art takes on real-world context.
At this pivotal moment in its evolution, Luminato is shaping its vision, thinking expansively about what’s possible for the realm of art, and doubling down on its commitment to amplifying historically marginalized voices and creating impactful cultural experiences. In this context, Luminato is inviting applications and nominations for the role of Director of Philanthropy—a critical leadership position responsible for driving the organization’s growth and impact through innovative and ambitious fundraising strategies.
Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director of Philanthropy will lead strategy and implementation efforts to grow individual giving, from annual to major gifts, and foundation support, stewarding senior volunteers, and influencing campaigns that broaden donor engagement. Skilled in team leadership and inspiring stakeholders, the Director will collaborate across the organization to cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, and partners, both locally and internationally, while connecting donors' values to the impactful outcomes of their support. With a deep passion for philanthropy and the arts, the Director will approach challenges as opportunities, leveraging exceptional communication and analytical skills to navigate the philanthropic landscape and achieve ambitious goals.
Qualifications
Among the qualifications being sought in candidates—in addition to a commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion—the incoming leader must understand and believe, intrinsically, in the importance of using data from multiple sources to strategically develop campaigns and inform decisions. While all candidates are encouraged to apply and, in so doing, share how they see themselves adding value to the Luminato environment, the following credentials and/or experiences are seen as possible markers of a candidate most likely to realize success in the role: A) a solid background and demonstrated confidence in executing major gift fundraising and donor stewardship strategies, with proven expertise in cultivating and sustaining long-term relationships with donors; B) exceptional communication skills paired with resourcefulness and a strategic, solution-focused approach to navigating shifting priorities and timelines; C) exceptional people leadership as well as project management skills and experience, and; D) a background—ideally—in either an arts or a festival environment.
How to Apply
Luminato is partnering with BIPOC Executive Search to help further increase the diversity/plurality of the candidate pool. All interested applicants can send their résumé to Helen Mekonen by e-mailing hmekonen@bipocsearch.com.
Luminato believes in creating spaces where anyone can be involved, engaged, empowered, and inspired, and adheres to the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodations at any stage of the hiring process, please notify Helen Mekonen at the e-mail address above.
The salary for the role of Director of Philanthropy will be approximately $90,000-$100,000 depending on skills and experience. We thank everyone for their expression of interest—and are truly appreciative of the time individuals put into applying—but with the limitations of time only those selected for an interview will be contacted