Development Coordinator, Events & Stewardship

The Canadian Opera Company is now accepting applications for the position of Development Coordinator, Events & Stewardship.

SUMMARY

The Canadian Opera Company (COC) is the largest opera producer in Canada and one of the largest in North America, recognized at home and internationally for its artistic excellence and innovation. With the COC celebrating 75 years of Canadian opera, including two decades in its award-winning performance home, The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, the company has embarked on a major creative revitalization that places more inclusive programming, new creative partnerships, and expanded community reach at the forefront of the COC’s ambitious goals.

The Coordinator is a key member of the Development team working under the direction of the Director, Special Events & Partnerships. In this role you will assist with the planning and delivery of fundraising and corporate partnership activities that support the Canadian Opera Company’s (COC) strategic vision and artistic excellence.

You will work across teams and departments to execute logistics, deliver event communications, and track event revenue and expenses for the COC’s signature fundraising events (Centre Stage Gala & Ensemble Studio Competition, Operanation and Fine Wine Auction) as well as other donor stewardship events.

You are organized, detail-oriented, collaborative, and enthusiastic about supporting activities and events that demonstrate and celebrate the impact of our philanthropic community build relationships and engage new audiences.

Event Planning and Coordination

• Assist with planning and execution of signature fundraising, donor stewardship, and corporate events.
• Coordinate logistics including vendors, venues, and production requirements.
• Develop and manage event workback schedules and timelines to ensure deadlines are met
• Collaborate with internal teams including production and leadership to support event delivery
• Oversee day-of event operations, acting as key point of contact and monitoring event execution to ensure a high-quality guest experience

Donor and Guest Services

• Respond to donor inquiries and provide customer service related to events.
• Coordinate event invitations, ticketing, RSVPs, and guest lists.

Event Communications and Materials

• Support development of event communications including invitations, signage, and digital materials.
• Coordinate communication with vendors, internal teams, and external partners.

Administrative and Reporting Support

• Track event expenses and revenue.
• Support donor correspondence including acknowledgments and invoices.
• Assist Senior Manager of Corporate Development in their outreach to prospects, preparing materials for cultivation and pitching, and support follow-up.
• Support corporate partnerships through preparation of agreements, invoices, onboarding materials, and ongoing stewardship of the partnership.
• Support Corporate Development moves management in CRM platform.
• Coordinate event and corporate partner recognition and benefits.
• Assist with event and board committee coordination and meeting logistics.
• Conduct prospect research for sponsorships and in-kind donations
• Support preparation of meeting materials, minutes, and follow-up action items
• Maintain event data and reporting using Tessitura CRM, ArtsVision, and event calendars

FOUR SEASONS CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

• Staffs the Welcome Desk, Henry N. R. Jackman Lounge and/or Membership Desk during performances to meet and greet donors/patrons, respond to questions, provide assistance to fellow COC and FSC staff and resolve problems.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

While no candidate may possess all requirements, we encourage applications from those who can demonstrate a strong potential for success.

• Bachelor’s Degree (preferred) and previous experience in customer service, development, and fundraising an asset
• Proven experience with 2-3 years in an event coordinator role or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated track record of multi-tasking with a high attention to detail
• Ability to handle priorities effectively and professionally while collaborating in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, both oral and written
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate with diverse groups of people and work across multiple teams
• Strong analytical skills, creative thinking and propensity for problem-solving
• Displays strong work ethic with a goal to achieve and take initiative
• Ability to work independently and as a collaborative team member
• Proficiency in Office Suite including word processing for mail merges, spreadsheets and database/information management
• Experience with the Tessitura database or another CRM an asset
• Able to respect and maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Able to work evenings and weekends throughout the year, as required

Only applications received by end of day, October 28, 2026 will be considered.

ABOUT THE CANADIAN OPERA COMPANY

Based in Toronto, the Canadian Opera Company is the largest producer of opera in Canada and one of the largest in North America. General Director Ian Derrer joined the company in 2026, forming a leadership team alongside Artistic Director Roberto Mauro and Music Director Johannes Debus. The COC enjoys a loyal audience, including a dedicated base of subscribers, and has an international reputation for artistic excellence and creative innovation. Its diverse repertoire includes new commissions and productions, local and international collaborations with leading opera companies and festivals, and attracts the world’s foremost Canadian and international artists. The company is an incubator for the future of the art form, nurturing Canada’s new wave of opera performers and creators with customized training and support. The COC’s purpose-built opera house, the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, is hailed internationally as one of the finest in the world.

As Canada's largest opera company, the COC deeply values equity and diversity across all levels of the organization and believes in fostering an inclusive, discrimination-free environment that fully supports our team’s personal and collective success. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects our community, our city, and our country and, in turn, the COC welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and abilities who share and embrace these values of anti-racism and inclusion.

The COC is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) in all parts of the hiring process. If you require an accommodation, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

The Canadian Opera Company thanks all applicants in advance, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls or agencies please.