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About the Role

The Philanthropy Officer, Foundations & Major Gifts is a critical frontline fundraiser responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of approximately 50 - 75 institutional donors and prospects contributing $25,000+ annually. This role leads TIFF’s foundations and corporate philanthropy fundraising portfolios, with an annual portfolio revenue target of $1M+, and is responsible for qualifying prospects, developing tailored proposals and solicitation materials, and advancing strategic institutional relationships that support TIFF’s year-round activities and the Festival. The role also leads TIFF’s endowment activity and related reporting.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategy for TIFF’s foundations fundraising portfolio, focusing on researching, identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding foundation prospects and funders.
Manage and grow relationships with foundation donors and prospects contributing $25,000+, advancing a FY26 net-new foundations target of $500,000.
Research and pursue new foundation funding at the major gifts level, building and sustaining long-term philanthropic support for TIFF.
Build and maintain a healthy qualified pipeline of foundation prospects.
Create compelling, personalized letters of inquiry, proposals, briefing notes, stewardship reports, impact updates, and special solicitation correspondence tailored to foundation funders.
Devise specific strategies, goals, and timelines for successful foundation solicitations and renewals in collaboration with the Senior Director, Philanthropy, and internal stakeholders.
Collaborate across departments to gather content, budgets, impact metrics, and other inputs for submissions and reports.
Lead the strategy for TIFF’s corporate philanthropy fundraising portfolio.
Manage and grow relationships with corporate philanthropy donors and prospects contributing $25,000+.
Research and pursue new corporate philanthropy funding at the major gifts level.
Work closely with TIFF’s Corporate Partnerships team to identify aligned prospects, coordinate outreach, and develop creative funding opportunities.
Develop and execute tailored cultivation, solicitation, renewal, and stewardship strategies for corporate philanthropy supporters.
Create compelling, personalized proposals, briefing notes, stewardship reports, impact updates, and special solicitation correspondence for corporate philanthropy audiences.
Support and help grow TIFF’s endowment fundraising activity.
Manage stewardship, reporting, and coordination related to endowed gifts.
Track endowment-related commitments and reporting obligations, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strong donor follow-through.
Develop donor materials and updates related to endowed support.
Support the Senior Director, Philanthropy, and senior management on fundraising outreach, including donor calls, meetings, proposal development, contract development, and strategic follow-up.
Maintain a thorough understanding of TIFF’s strategic objectives, programs, benefits, and funding priorities.
Collaborate with colleagues across departments to develop creative funding opportunities and fundraising strategies.
Provide key support in the development, implementation, and roll-out of new campaigns and other priority fundraising initiatives.
Articulate the value of supporting TIFF’s goals and mission, including specific programs.
Work closely with Philanthropy Department colleagues regarding fundraising initiatives and opportunities in executing stewardship and donor engagement activities.
Continuously monitor the status of current donors and identify prospects for new gifts, upgrades, renewals, and long-term engagement.
Support the planning and execution of fundraising events and donor experiences.
Attend and work at the annual Festival and events throughout the year at TIFF Lightbox.
Maintain data integrity of portfolio, including entering and updating prospect and donor contact reports, opportunities, and proposals in the Raiser’s Edge database.
Collect and gather data for reports and inquiries and maintain tracking for foundations, corporate philanthropy, endowment, and planned giving.
Support accurate and timely revenue reporting, proposal tracking, stewardship schedules, and pipeline monitoring.
Respond to phone calls and emails from donors, providing high-level customer service.
Ensure that all relevant SOPs are followed and kept up to date.

Requirements

3–5 years of fundraising experience, preferably in corporate philanthropy, foundations, major gifts, grants, or a related area.
Experience managing donor relationships and supporting cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for gifts of $25,000+.
Strong proposal, grant writing, and donor communications skills.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities.
Strong prioritization, follow-through, and project management skills, with the ability to work accurately and calmly in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to escalate blockers early, exercise sound judgment, and consistently deliver high-quality work on time.
Ability to consistently maintain a professional image and demeanor.
Demonstrated independent, mature judgment.
Comfort working with data, reporting, and revenue tracking.
Proficiency in Google Workspace and strong spreadsheet skills.
Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge or a comparable CRM.
Must be able to travel locally between meetings and events.
Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends, including during the Festival.
Ability to work on site in Toronto in line with TIFF’s in-office requirements.
Candidates must be legally able to work in Canada at this time.
TIFF considers and welcomes individuals on time-limited Visa status for this position, provided their Visa allows completion of the full contract.

Skills

Relationship-building
Writing
Fundraising judgment
Organizational abilities
Prioritization abilities
Disciplined follow-through
Prospect research tools (e.g., iWave)
Endowments
Planned giving principles
CRA charitable receipting rules
Collaborative working style
Genuine interest in film
Strong connection to TIFF’s mission

Location

350 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5

Work Type

Permanent
Full-time
Hybrid

Experience Level

Management Position

Education Level

Post-secondary education in philanthropy, fundraising, nonprofit management, or a related field is an asset.
A CFRE designation is an asset.

Salary/Compensations

$60,000 - $81,600

About the Company

TIFF is a charitable cultural organization dedicated to presenting the best of international and Canadian cinema and creating transformational experiences for film lovers and creators of all ages and backgrounds at TIFF Lightbox.
Our mission is to transform the way people see the world, through film.

Equal Opportunity

TIFF is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where employees feel valued and respected, and where every employee has the opportunity to realize their potential.
We welcome and encourage applicants who identify as racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities.
If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application process, please contact us in advance at careers@tiff.net. We strive to provide reasonable accommodations whenever requested.