Hybrid Development Writer en Canadian Opera Company

The Canadian Opera Company is now accepting applications for the position of Development Writer.

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 incoming Development Writer will play a crucial role in shaping compelling patron-facing communications, as well as finding new and engaging stories that inform the company’s passionate supporters about the impact of their giving while inspiring their continued commitment to Canadian opera’s future.

SUMMARY

 The Development Writer, working closely with the Vice-President of Communications and Director of Development Operations, develops narrative concepts and writes copy for fundraising campaigns throughout the season, establishing clear and compelling storytelling arcs, helping to source and create engaging content, and utilizing best practices for direct mail, email, and web to simplify the giving journey.

The Development Writer will primarily support membership and engagement communications to members of the COC’s Golden Circle, President’s Council, Friends, programs with additional editorial support to be provided as needed to other areas of the fundraising team, including Major Gifts, Foundations, Corporate, Legacy Giving, and Campaign.

The successful candidate in this role has a genuine passion for the arts and interest in applying their significant writing skills and experience to invigorating Canadians to action in support of the COC.

 KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Writing highly targeted communications to support the COC’s fundraising objectives
• Editing content for clarity, style, and intended purpose
• Copyediting assistance on major proposals and stewardship reports
• Actively collaborating with various Development team members to determine target audience, key messages, and appropriate tone
• Working with the Communications, Marketing, and Production teams to help develop supporting content for donor communications and promotion of COC’s fundraising work
• Occasionally reaching out to supporters across individual, corporate, and foundation giving to arrange and gather interviews, photography, or video in support of campaign storytelling

 KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree (English, corporate communications, journalism, etc.); or an equivalent combination of related experience
• Minimum of three (3) years in development communications
• Broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising with the ability to successfully participate in all aspects of the gift cycle.
• An exceptional writing ability is essential; the successful candidate is able to adapt their work to suit a breadth of contexts and tones while maintaining COC brand and voice
• Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to successfully prioritize and manage competing projects and deadlines
• Superior interpersonal and project management skills
• Strong problem-solving skills combined with a collaborative approach

 ADDITIONAL ASSETS

• Proficient with Microsoft Office suite and a quick learner of various other email and project management software
• Strong visual sensibility and design capability is a valuable asset
• Knowledge of the Toronto social and philanthropic environment preferred
• Genuine interest in the arts and, specifically, the performing arts is beneficial
• Must be able to regularly travel between 227 Front Street East and the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts for attendance at various events throughout the season
• Ability to work a flexible schedule that includes some evenings and weekends
  
  

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 David C. Ferguson joined the company in 2024, forming a leadership team alongside 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. For more information, visit coc.ca.

OUR COMMITMENT TO ACCESSIBILITY

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.

Applications should be submitted by August 6, 2025 in order to be considered.