Senior Director, Corporate Programs & Events

About the VSO

Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Founded in 1919, the VSO is the third largest symphony orchestra in Canada, and the largest performing arts organization in Western Canada. The VSO creates, curates, and connects irresistible musical experiences—performing 150+ concerts annually in its home, the Orpheum Theatre, as well as numerous venues throughout Metro Vancouver, and online. The VSO is one of a handful of orchestras worldwide that has its own music school: the VSO School of Music. The organization delivers extensive education programs reaching more than 50,000 young people annually, and community engagement initiatives that reach a further 100,000+ people. Maestro Otto Tausk is the VSO’s Music Director and the Artistic Advisor of the VSO School of Music.

About the VSO School of Music

VSO School of Music, founded in 20110, is a 25,000 square foot state of-the-art music school located adjacent to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Vancouver. With a mission to enrich lives through the joy of learning, playing and performing the world’s great music, the VSO SoM develops experiences that are accessible to all, regardless of age, ability, playing level or economic circumstances; and by nurturing creative and engaged members of society through achievement in the musical arts. With a roster of over 1900 students, the School is proud to offer individual or group instruction by members of the Vancouver Symphony and other high-quality music educators.

The school also features a performance theatre (Pyatt Hall) and Reception space which sees a wide range of arts, entertainment, and corporate groups utilizing the space for performances, recordings, and special events.

Job Description

Senior Director, Corporate Programs & Events

The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra seeks an experienced and relationship-driven Senior Director, Corporate Programs & Events to lead corporate sponsorship and partnership efforts across the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the VSO School of Music, and the Vancouver Symphony Foundation.

The Senior Director is responsible for securing, growing, and stewarding corporate sponsorships that support the organization's artistic, educational, and community programs. This includes sponsorship opportunities connected to VSO concert programming, orchestral initiatives, education and outreach programs, VSO School of Music concerts and activities, and the annual Power of Music Gala.

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, the Senior Director will work closely with colleagues across Advancement, Marketing, Education, Artistic Operations, and Executive Leadership to build meaningful and mutually beneficial corporate partnerships that advance the mission of the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Sponsorship & Partnerships

• Develop and implement a comprehensive corporate sponsorship strategy for the VSO, VSOSOM, and VSF.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, negotiate, and steward corporate sponsors and partners.
• Create tailored sponsorship opportunities that align corporate objectives with organizational priorities and programs.
• Build and maintain a strong pipeline of new sponsorship prospects while managing existing relationships.
• Prepare sponsorship proposals, presentations, agreements, and impact reports.
• Achieve annual revenue goals for corporate sponsorship and partnership support.

Program Sponsorships

Lead sponsorship development and relationship management for:

• VSO subscription and special concerts.
• Orchestral and artistic programs.
• Education and community engagement initiatives.
• VSO School of Music programming and educational activities.
• School concerts and student performances.
• Special projects, festivals, and community programs.

Power of Music Gala

• Serve as the Advancement lead for the annual Power of Music Gala.
• Secure corporate sponsorships, underwriting support, and in-kind partnerships for the Gala.
• Work closely with the Gala Committee, volunteers, sponsors, and leadership team to maximize sponsorship revenue and engagement.
• Oversee corporate guest cultivation and stewardship strategies related to the event.
• Collaborate with event and marketing staff to ensure exceptional sponsor activation, recognition, and benefit fulfillment.
• Support the achievement of annual fundraising and attendance goals for the Gala.

Corporate Stewardship & Engagement

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for corporate sponsors and partners.
• Develop and implement corporate stewardship plans that encourage long-term engagement and renewal.
• Ensure sponsorship benefits, recognition, and hospitality commitments are delivered at the highest standard.
• Represent the VSO, VSOSOM, and VSF at concerts, events, and community functions.

Leadership & Performance Management

• Monitor corporate sponsorship revenue, pipeline activity, and retention metrics.
• Prepare forecasts and reports for senior leadership and board committees.
• Maintain accurate records within the organization's CRM and sponsorship tracking systems.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure sponsorship opportunities align with organizational priorities and audience engagement strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or equivalent experience considered an asset.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in corporate sponsorship, business development, fundraising, or strategic partnerships.
• Demonstrated success securing and managing significant corporate sponsorship agreements.
• Exceptional relationship-building, presentation, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Experience in the arts, education, nonprofit, or cultural sector is preferred.
• Passion for the performing arts and a commitment to the mission of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, VSO School of Music, and Vancouver Symphony Foundation.

Success in this role will be measured by growth in corporate sponsorship revenue, strong partner retention, successful sponsorship support of artistic and educational programs, and the continued success of the Power of Music Gala.

Renumeration

• $95,000 per annum

What it’s like to work here

The VSO and the VSO School of Music offer a fast-paced, creative, and strategically minded workplace environment. We are a group of music-loving arts administrators, with a passion for the performing arts, combined with business acumen, personnel management, and leadership, in a strong and collaborative environment. We are proud of the VSO’s legacy in musical excellence and are working towards growing our reputation as a world-class orchestra, with state-of-the-art teaching facilities, outreach programs, as well as a community of engaged, philanthropic fans.

The VSO and the VSO School of Music offer hybrid working models, though given that we work in live performing events, we know that some evening and weekend work will be required on site.

The VSO and the VSO School of Music value diverse perspectives, experiences and cultures and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We encourage applications for this position from members of all groups experiencing barriers to equity.

Benefits

The VSO and the VSOSoM offer a flexible work environment, extended medical benefits available to full time employees, and other incentives and perks.

To Apply

Please email your resume and cover letter to employment@vancouversymphony.ca

Please include “Senior Director, Corporate Programs & Events” in the subject line.

The VSO and the VSOSoM thanks all applicants for their interest, only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application deadline

• Open until filled

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