Director of Development

About Toronto Metropolitan University 

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and  2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced our new name of Toronto Metropolitan University, which will be implemented in a phased approach. Learn more about our next chapter.

About University Advancement

University Advancement (UA) is a comprehensive development and alumni relations

enterprise serving the priorities of TMU’s academic plan. Our mission is to build lifelong

relationships, engaging alumni and friends, faculty and staff, and corporations and foundations, and matching their interests with the needs and priorities of the university. University Advancement at TMU is a dedicated team of professionals, committed to collaboration, diversity, and integrity, and to being trustworthy stewards of our donors’ investments.

UA especially welcomes applications from individuals who self identify as women, Black, Indigenous or a racialized person, who will be integral towards serving our highly diverse student population. If you identify in one of the former groups, we encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter. This is truly an exciting time to join the University as we embark on our academic plan guided by the values of equity, diversity and inclusion and with a firm belief that diversity is our strength. We are building a culture of recognizing and celebrating diversity and welcome you to join us.

The Opportunity

The Director of Development (DOD) is responsible for raising major and principal gift support toward Toronto Metropolitan University’s highest priorities and building enduring relationships with major and principal gift prospects / donors over their lifetime; maximizing the inherent potential in those relationships.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and donors as per established Prospect Management protocols. Overseeing the planning and development of individual strategies for these prospects and donors. This includes developing tailored cultivation programs, solicitation strategies, briefing notes, preparation of solicitation package and reporting of the prospect management progression in the database. 
• Negotiating and closing major and principal gifts within defined policies.
• Maintaining a close working relationship with various members of the Academic Units as assigned to ensure the success of their prospect and donor activity.  
• Preparing strategies and proposals to support approved priorities. Defining and implementing approved course of action with respect to major and principal gifts.
• Championing and managing specific funding campaigns as assigned. Makes day to day operational decisions against established plan.
• Ensuring effective stewardship of donors through appropriate public recognition programs, regular reporting to donors about the program/project they have funded and the allocation and management of their funds.
• Supervising the work of staff in the department as it relates to achieving the objectives established. Providing day-to-day work direction and participates in the performance reviews of subordinate staff. 

Leadership Competencies

We are seeking a Director who demonstrates the following leadership competencies:

Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.

Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.

Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.

Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.

Drives Vision & Results: Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision-making to achieve desired outcomes.

Qualifications

To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree in a relevant discipline or an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Five to seven (5-7) years’ experience of progressively responsible fundraising and development management.
• Demonstrated experience and success in major giving fundraising, preferably within the post-secondary system or other complex organizational environments.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and implement major gift strategic planning and solicitation strategies; successful track record in raising gifts of $500,000+
• A proven commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigeneity, with the ability to apply this lens to fundraising leadership, strategy and tactics.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills; writing winning proposals and associated development materials and correspondence.
• Donor-centred and goal-oriented with a reputation for integrity and transparency.
• Ability to work at the highest strategic levels of the Office of Vice-President Research and Innovation and University Advancement, to gain and maintain the trust of senior leadership and supporters and also take strategy and move it through to tactics and action.
• Superior skills in critical analysis, judgement, decision-making and building effective relationships.
• Vision and the ability to think strategically and use a creative and entrepreneurial mindset to meet goals, drive new initiatives and enhance existing programs
• High level of initiative, tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to navigate and be effective within a complex organization that values collaboration in addition to individuality and creativity.
• The ability to quickly develop a deep understanding of the mission of a research-intensive university.
• Knowledge of and/or experience with funding sources outside of Canada advantageous and donor motivation and recognition strategies, identification, recruitment, management and training of volunteers;
• Prospect identification skills, knowledge of research methodology and skills in the evaluation, rating and moves management of prospects.
• Working knowledge of complex information systems, prospect tracking, research, tax laws, basic financial planning and deferred giving programs.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Salesforce-based databases.
• A flexible schedule, which allows for after-hours events and meetings.