Orchestra London requires an experienced development professional to fulfill a new and challenging role as Director of Major Gifts.  Reporting to the Executive Director, the position’s primary responsibilities will be major gifts and planned giving, with particular emphasis on a $3 Million capital and endowment campaign to be launched this fall with the assistance of a campaign consultant and committed volunteers.

The Director of Major Gifts will also have responsibility for developing high-end annual sponsorships and individual gifts, and will provide guidance and direction to development staff responsible for ongoing annual campaigns.  The ideal candidate will have a passion for music, exceptional communication skills, and experience in capital campaigns or major gift fundraising.  Previous experience with the unique pressures of a performing arts environment would be an asset.

Beginning immediately, the Director of Major Gifts position is a two-year contract with the possibility of extension; salary to be commensurate with experience.  Applicants should submit a CV and cover letter by September 7 to Rob Gloor, Executive Director, at the address below.

View current RFP listing (Capital and Endowment Campaign).

Background - About Orchestra London

MISSION

To enhance the quality of life in the region through distinctive and inspirational performances of classical and a wide variety of other orchestral music.  We undertake to support and foster Canadian performing and creative musical talent and to provide leadership and resources in the musical education of our communities.  We are committed to delivering the highest standards in all of our programming and correspondingly to developing broad-based financial support, to ensure the sustainability of the Orchestra as a critical resource. 

As we strive to fulfill this mission, we are guided by the following principles:
1.             Be open and transparent to the community.
2.             Be customer focused to ensure the long life of orchestral performances.
3.             Maintain world-class standards.
4.             Be fiscally strong and responsible.
5.             Be consensus driven and foster open communication.
6.             Be goal-oriented.
7.             Make well-informed decisions with integrity.
8.             Be a learning organization striving to improve.
9.             Continuously develop strong leaders and musicians.
10.           Have a visible passion for sharing the love of orchestral music.

HISTORY

Orchestra London Canada Inc. is a non-profit, professional performing organization in its 54th season providing the community of London and Southwestern Ontario with the joyous sounds of a symphony orchestra.  From modest beginnings in the 1930’s as a community orchestra, the original composition of its musicians were teachers, business persons, homemakers and students who played music as a hobby.  It progressed through incorporation in 1957 to fully professional status in 1975. 

Under the guidance, direction and creativity of many dynamic conductors, such as Martin Boundy (1949-1969), Clifford Evens (1969-1979), Uri Mayer (1988-94), Simon Streatfeild (1999-2000), and Timothy Vernon (2000 to present), the orchestra has matured and developed artistically over the years.  Orchestra London has been honoured to share the stage with such renowned guest artists and conductors as Jon Vickers, Sir Ernest MacMillan, Louis Lortie, James Ehnes, Mario Bernardi, Scott St. John and Jon Kimura Parker.  For several performers Orchestra London provided a platform to showcase their talents during the early stages of their careers.

Since the addition of the The Pops! Series in 1959, to the presentation of Operas in concert format, to the current Red Hot Weekends featuring classic rock with orchestral accompaniment, Orchestra London Canada takes pride in being able to bring music to all members of the community and continues the tradition of being an educational, as well as an outreach organization.

ARTISTIC ROLE

Orchestra London’s existence provides the artistic community of Southwestern Ontario and Canada with the skills and talents of highly trained professional musicians.  Their expertise and knowledge not only provides audiences with the opportunity to experience high calibre live performances of some of the greatest works of symphonic repertoire, but they are also inspiring artistic development in younger generations.  Whenever possible, Orchestra London seeks to promote the talents of young up and coming Canadian artists, conductors and composers. Orchestra London is a member of Orchestras Canada and the London Arts Council; our musicians are members of the American Federation of Musicians, Local 279. 

Given the number of orchestras in southwestern Ontario, our geographical catchment area is primarily a 100 kilometre radius around London.  We have placed and will continue to place, an emphasis on servicing the needs of that area through regular concerts, education and outreach activities.  Education concerts have taken place in London, Tillsonburg, St.Thomas, Strathroy, West Lorne, and Alymer.  Community concerts have taken place in London, Tillsonburg, West Lorne and St. Thomas.  Performances from our regular concert series have taken place in Chatham, Barrie and Goderich.

London, Ontario is fortunate to have a pool of highly skilled and often well-known talented musicians.  Organizations, such as the Don Wright Faculty of Music at the University of Western Ontario and the local Kiwanis Festival of Music, help to nurture and sustain these valuable performers.  Orchestra London builds on their foundation by presenting these artists with the opportunity to be guest artists or soloists during our concert season.  The orchestra also often collaborates with local professional choirs during our regular concert programming, and with local amateur choirs or students through our Community Music Program.  In conjunction with both public and separate school boards, the orchestra presents an Education Series which supports teachers in fulfilling their classroom expectations for the Ontario Curriculum for The Arts.  Each year Orchestra London donates tickets to local charities to assist them with their fundraising endeavours or as rewards for volunteers efforts.

Mail:   Orchestra London
          520 Wellington Street
          London, ON  N6A 3R1
Fax:    519.679.8914
Email: [email protected]

View current RFP listing (Capital and Endowment Campaign).