Senior Manager, Government Relations

Job Description:

The Royal Conservatory (RCM) is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world, providing the definitive standard of excellence in curriculum design, assessment, performance training, and teacher certification. Graduates from its two performance training programs, The Glenn Gould School and The Phil & Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, regularly perform on major international stages. The RCM is also a leader in the development of early childhood education programs and arts-based social programs, and presents a diverse range of concerts featuring the finest Canadian and international artists in its magnificent performance space, Koerner Hall. Please visit for more information.

The Senior Manager, Government Relations plays a key role in securing public sector funding to support the Royal Conservatory of Music's mission, programs, and strategic priorities. This role leads the strategy and execution of all government grant proposals and cultivates relationships with government stakeholders to ensure sustained and growing support from all levels of government.

You will work closely with the Vice President of Development, the President & CEO, and other senior leadership team members. This is a revenue-generating position requiring strategic thinking, excellent writing, and relationship-building skills.

Government Funding Strategy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive government funding strategy that aligns with organizational goals and programming priorities.
• Identify and prioritize local, provincial, and federal funding opportunities.
  Build and manage a pipeline of government grant opportunities, including multi-year funding.

Grant Writing & Management

• Lead the development of compelling, well-researched government grant proposals
• Manage application timelines and ensure timely submission of high-quality applications, budgets, and supporting documents.
  Ensure compliance with grant terms and reporting requirements; coordinate interim and final reports.

Stakeholder Engagement & Stewardship

• Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with government representatives, program officers, and relevant public sector agencies.
• Represent the organization in meetings with funders, at briefings, and at relevant public events.
  Monitor political developments and public sector priorities to position the organization as a trusted partner.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with program leads to understand funding needs and develop case materials.
  Collaborate with leadership and communications to ensure alignment of messaging with public sector priorities.

Research & Policy Awareness

• Stay informed on public policy, funding trends, and budget cycles relevant to the organization's work.
• Analyze government programs and assess strategic fit with organizational objectives.

Performing other duties as required.

Job Requirements:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or related field. Graduate degree (e.g., MPA, MA, MBA) considered an asset.

Experience:

• 5+ years' experience in fundraising, grant writing, or public sector engagement for a nonprofit or public agency.
• Demonstrated success securing government grants at the local, provincial or federal level.
  Experience managing relationships with public officials or funding agencies.

Technical Skills:

• Proven grant writing ability with strong command of persuasive, professional writing.
  Familiarity with local, provincial and federal granting portals (e.g., Transfer Payment Ontario, GCOS, etc.).

Additional Skills:

• Excellent relationship-building and interpersonal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, with strong project management and organizational skills.
• Strategic thinker who can align opportunities with impact and mission.
• Politically savvy with an understanding of how to navigate public sector processes.
• Experience in the arts, education, health, or social impact sectors.
• Bilingualism (French/English) an asset.
• Existing relationships with municipal/provincial/federal funders is a strong advantage.

• $85,000 - $95,000 per annum.

• Hybrid work arrangement.
• Standard work week, as well as occasional early morning, evening and weekend work as required.
• Extended periods of sitting and PC use.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and current résumé online (please upload a single file combining both documents) at Applications will be accepted until a suitable candidate has been identified.

The RCM thanks all applicants for their interest in this position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The RCM is committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable and accessible workplace. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the RCM's Anti-Racism, Access and Equity Policy, accommodation will be provided at any stage of in the recruitment and selection process. Applicants are asked to make their accommodation needs known when they have been contacted for an interview.