Director, Development & Partnerships

Anchored under Toronto’s Gardiner Expressway and guiding its complex future, The Bentway works to ignite the urban imagination, using the city as site, subject, and canvas. Phase 1 of The Bentway, which opened in 2018, has become a vital public space, backyard park, cultural platform, connector for the western Waterfront corridor and a demonstration of what is possible. The Bentway is a not-for-profit and civic organization leading a creative movement to re-imagine the opportunities of urban spaces. It is powered by vital partnerships with the City of Toronto, residents, supporters, artists, designers and city-builders. This is an especially exciting moment to join The Bentway. The organization is actively building on the success of its first eight years by advancing a vision to scale its impact across the full length of the Gardiner, from Dufferin to the Don Valley Parkway. Recent seasons have introduced larger, more ambitious public art installations, increased year-round programming, and new initiatives focused on urban innovation, public-space experimentation, and community co-creation. The Bentway is also moving forward with multi-year site improvements and collaborations with key civic partners to enhance accessibility, sustainability, and connectivity throughout the Gardiner corridor.

It is within this context that The Bentway welcomes applications and nominations for the appointment of its inaugural Director, Development and Partnerships, commencing by early spring 2026. 

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director, Development and Partnerships (“Director”) will envision, articulate and execute The Bentway’s fundraising plan. Working with a team of two fundraising professionals, the Director will foster a culture of philanthropy, building an environment that encourages philanthropic contributions through civic engagement, art installations, and the creation of public spaces. The Director will be focused on a growth mandate focused on two main areas of support; its pipeline of major gift donors to support of a future campaign, and its corporate partnerships and grants portfolio (arts councils, family foundations, etc.). To support these efforts, the Director will manage their own donor pipeline, support the CEO’s fundraising activities, and guide the Board on how best to engage its networks of individual, corporate and foundation donors. Additionally, the Director will support colleagues across the organization, especially those in the Programming, Planning & Design and Events departments, to evolve and grow non-philanthropic revenue from a variety of sources, including grants, government funding, and corporate activations, all with the goal of increasing The Bentway’s revenue generation activities and income. As a brand ambassador, the Director will also represent the organization at donor meetings and relevant charitable events and conferences, growing awareness and knowledge of the impactful work that The Bentway conducts.

As the ideal candidate, you bring an established and progressive track record in major gift fundraising; experience from an arts or culture organization is considered an asset. You have proven experience with the full donor life cycle, from identification through to stewardship, and have successfully solicited gifts in the 6 figure range from individuals, corporations and foundations. You understand how to structure multi-year gifts and have knowledge of relevant charity regulations and CRA guidelines. As the Director of the department, you have managed and mentored staff in your previous roles, and will foster a culture of innovation and ambition that matches the fast-paced start up environment of The Bentway. Colleagues recognize your ability to cultivate relationships with donors, as well as your skills in building and sustaining strong relationships with various partners including all levels of governments, Indigenous communities, sectoral organizations, and community leaders. Your strong communications skills have aided your ability to articulate and advocate for an organization, and to support board members and fundraising volunteers. Candidates must be passionate about The Bentway’s vision and have demonstrate a commitment to advancing models of equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and Reconciliation. 

To learn more about this impactful fundraising opportunity with The Bentway, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Caroline McLean (caroline@griffithgroup.ca). 

Salary Range and Compensation Package: $100,000-130,000, commensurate with experience. The total compensation package includes an employer-paid benefits package and additional health spend account, employee assistance program, and 3 weeks paid vacation plus statutory holidays.

Location/WFH: The Bentway offers a hybrid work environment, requiring the successful candidate to be in office a minimum of 2 days per week. As such, candidates must live within a daily commuting distance of downtown Toronto.

The Bentway welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of all sexual orientations and/or gender identities.

All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to those legally eligible to work in Canada.

The Bentway and Griffith Group are committed to an inclusive, accessible and welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants. Please advise Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) should you require any accommodation to participate in the recruitment and/or assessment processes.