Senior Manager, Government Relations

The Royal Conservatory is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world, providing the definitive standard of excellence in curriculum design, assessment, performance training, teacher certification and arts-based social programs.

Whether at our schools, at Koerner Hall or within our corporate administration, please see the job postings below for opportunities to join our team.

Job Title

Senior Manager, Government Relations

Job Type

Full-time

Location

The Royal Conservatory - Toronto, ON M5S 1W2 CA (Primary)

Job Description

The Royal Conservatory (RCM) is one of the largest and most respected music education institutions in the world, providing the definitive standard of excellence in curriculum design, assessment, performance training, and teacher certification. Graduates from its two performance training programs, The Glenn Gould School and The Phil & Eli Taylor Performance Academy for Young Artists, regularly perform on major international stages.

The RCM is also a leader in the development of early childhood education programs and arts-based social programs, and presents a diverse range of concerts featuring the finest Canadian and international artists in its magnificent performance space, Koerner Hall. Please visit  for more information.

The Senior Manager, Government Relations plays a key role in securing public sector funding to support the Royal Conservatory of Music’s mission, programs, and strategic priorities. This role leads the strategy and execution of all government grant proposals and cultivates relationships with government stakeholders to ensure sustained and growing support from all levels of government.

You will work closely with the Vice President of Development, the President & CEO, and other senior leadership team members. This is a revenue-generating position requiring strategic thinking, excellent writing, and relationship-building skills.

• Develop and implement a comprehensive government funding strategy that aligns with organizational goals and programming priorities.
• Identify and prioritize local, provincial, and federal funding opportunities.
• Build and manage a pipeline of government grant opportunities, including multi-year funding.
• Lead the development of compelling, well-researched government grant proposals
• Manage application timelines and ensure timely submission of high-quality applications, budgets, and supporting documents.
• Ensure compliance with grant terms and reporting requirements; coordinate interim and final reports.
• Monitor and report on grant performance and impact to leadership and funders.

Stakeholder Engagement & Stewardship

• Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with government representatives, program officers, and relevant public sector agencies.
• Represent the organization in meetings with funders, at briefings, and at relevant public events.
• Monitor political developments and public sector priorities to position the organization as a trusted partner.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with program leads to understand funding needs and develop case materials.
• Collaborate with leadership and communications to ensure alignment of messaging with public sector priorities.

Research & Policy Awareness

• Stay informed on public policy, funding trends, and budget cycles relevant to the organization’s work.
• Analyze government programs and assess strategic fit with organizational objectives.

Performing other duties as required.

Job Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Nonprofit Management, Communications, or related field. Graduate degree (e.g., MPA, MA, MBA) considered an asset.

Experience:

• 5+ years’ experience in fundraising, grant writing, or public sector engagement for a nonprofit or public agency.
• Demonstrated success securing government grants at the local, provincial or federal level.
• Experience managing relationships with public officials or funding agencies.

Technical

Skills:

• Proven grant writing ability with strong command of persuasive, professional writing.
• Fami…