Associate Director, Philanthropy and Planned Giving

Associate Director, Philanthropy and Planned Giving

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is seeking an accomplished, relationship-focused fundraiser to join its team as Associate Director, Philanthropy and Planned Giving. The Associate Director will provide strategic leadership for the Planned Giving program, advancing its continued growth and long-term impact. Building on a loyal community of patrons, members, and supporters, the incumbent will cultivate meaningful relationships, inspire and arrange planned gifts, and help secure a lasting philanthropic legacy that ensures the AGO can continue to enrich lives through art, preserve its world-class collections, and create exceptional cultural experiences for generations to come.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Associate Director, Philanthropy and Planned Giving will serve as the main resource on gift planning, providing strategic guidance to Development colleagues, curators, senior leadership, and relationship managers on tax-efficient charitable giving, donor-advised funds, estate gifts, and blended giving opportunities. The role will also provide guidance on the creation and stewardship of endowed and foundation funds, including investment, distribution, and fund management policies.

In collaboration with the Director, Philanthropy, and Development colleagues, the Associate Director will lead the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of planned giving donors. The role will manage a pipeline of legacy giving prospects, secure planned, estate, and endowed gifts, and oversee estate administration to ensure donors’ philanthropic intentions are honoured, realized and aligned with organizational priorities.

In addition, the Associate Director will lead donor stewardship and recognition initiatives for planned gift donors, including oversight of the AGO Legacy Circle, while ensuring the effective management of gift administration, donor records, and departmental operations.

This position will have flexible work arrangements, with the expectation of working onsite at the AGO a minimum of three to four days per week. Occasional evening and weekend work is required, particularly during fiscal and calendar year-end periods and in support of fundraising and special events.

ABOUT THE AGO The Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) is one of North America's largest and most distinguished art museums, located in the cultural heart of Toronto - one of the most diverse and globally connected cities in the world.

Founded in 1900, the AGO houses a collection of more than 120,000 works spanning the first century to today. The collection includes significant Indigenous and Canadian art, the renowned Thomson Collection of European masterpieces and ship models, and an expanding global contemporary program. In 2008, the museum's architectural transformation by architect Frank Gehry further cemented its place as an international cultural landmark. Scheduled to open in 2027, the AGO's new Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery will further share great art and experiences with local, national and international audiences.

The AGO serves hundreds of thousands of visitors annually and plays a central role in shaping Canada's artistic and cultural dialogue by presenting wide-ranging exhibitions and programs, including solo exhibitions and acquisitions by diverse and underrepresented artists from around the world. Its exhibitions, acquisitions, public programs, and educational initiatives position it as both a steward of history and a champion of contemporary voices.

In 2019, the AGO launched a bold new initiative designed to make the museum even more welcoming and accessible with the introduction of free admission for Ontarians 25 years and under and a $40 annual pass.

The Art Gallery of Ontario is funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. Additional operating support is received from the City of Toronto, the Canada Council for the Arts, and generous contributions from AGO members, donors, and private-sector partners.

The Art Gallery of Ontario is not simply a museum - it is a civic anchor, a global cultural voice, and a platform for artistic innovation in one of the world's most dynamic cities.

OUR MANDATE Mission We bring people together with art to see, experience and understand the world in new waysby presenting great ART, facilitating LEARNING,and engaging with our AUDIENCE.

Vision We lead global conversations from Toronto through extraordinary collections, exhibitions, and programs—and by reflecting the people who live here.

Operating Principles Be inclusive, accessible and relevant to our visitors.

Strive for artistic and operational excellence.

Achieve financial equilibrium and sustainability.

Values Respect: We foster belonging and appreciate each other.

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