McDermott + Bull has been engaged to lead the search for the Victoria Symphony’s next Director of Development. This search will be led by McDermott + Bull Principal Milly Smith and Consultant Christiana Chan.
With a mission “to inspire, educate, and captivate our community through the transformative power of music,” the Victoria Symphony (VS) is one of British Columbia’s largest performing arts organizations. At the core of VS operations is their commitment to their orchestra: 44 outstanding professional musicians who share their expertise not only on stage with audiences, but in the community as teachers at the University of Victoria, the Victoria Conservatory of Music, and in private studios. VS collaborates with many of Victoria’s leading cultural organizations, presenting a rich array of classical masterworks, contemporary works, film-in-concert experiences, and innovative educational outreach that nurtures a vibrant and diverse audience.
VS is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and mission-driven Director of Development (DOD) to lead its fundraising program into an exciting new chapter. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the DOD will drive the creation and execution of a multi-year development strategy aligned with VS’s artistic goals and future aspirations, including potential capital initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to shape the philanthropic future of one of Canada’s leading regional orchestras. The DOD will also serve as the key liaison to the Foundation for the Victoria Symphony (FVS), overseeing stewardship, planned giving, and donor records integration between VS and the Foundation.
The ideal candidate is an experienced fundraising leader with at least five years of senior development success in the arts or broader non-profit sector. They bring a proven ability to design multi-year strategies, lead major gift and capital campaigns, and use data and donor management systems to drive results. The DOD will be a collaborative and inspiring manager who fosters a culture of philanthropy across staff, the Board and volunteers. They will be a persuasive communicator and natural relationship builder, able to engage donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders with authenticity and warmth. Strategic yet hands-on, this individual thrives in a dynamic environment, balancing vision with operational discipline. A passion for the performing arts and a genuine commitment to inclusivity, integrity, and organizational excellence will distinguish the ideal candidate.
To submit your resume for consideration, in confidence, please visit here. For more information, please contact Christiana Chan at cchan@mbexec.ca or Milly Smith at msmith@mbexec.ca.