McMaster University is seeking a proactive and motivated fundraising professional, who will be dedicated to supporting central University Advancement’s transformational and principal gift portfolio. Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Pan-University Advancement, this role will support the development and execution of long-term donor engagement strategies, solicitation plans and recognition activities. This includes facilitating strategies, monitoring and coordinating initiatives, and ensuring that next steps are completed in a timely manner. This position will also hold an individual portfolio of major and principal gift donors.

The position will work closely with key internal stakeholders, including the Vice President, Advancement, the Associate Vice President, Pan-University Advancement, Chief Development Officer, Executive Director, Operations & Strategy, Senior Director Campaign and Faculty and Unit Development Leads, to achieve McMaster University’s development goals.

Joining McMaster at an exciting time, the Associate Director, Development will work collaboratively with advancement and academic leadership to support the development of a multi-year comprehensive campaign. This role will support the overall pan-university and campaign strategies. McMaster’s vibrant student experience, world-class research, and community engagement are empowered by the support of thousands of alumni and donors who believe strongly in the university’s mission. Together, our broader community helps make McMaster what it is today and helps nurture the next generation of leaders in our world. The University Advancement team plays a critically important role in advancing the university’s strategy in support of its ambitious vision, in partnership with academic and administrative leaders across all campuses.

Position Summary:

Note: There are two (2) positions available.

In direct collaboration with the AVP, Pan-University Advancement, the Associate Director, Development will support a sophisticated principal gift portfolio. This role is dedicated to maximizing life-time engagement and securing philanthropic support of seven- and eight-figure gifts from individuals and foundations. You will work closely with key internal stakeholders, including the AVP, Pan-University Advancement (Faculties and Units or Faculty of Health Sciences). Chief Development Officer, Senior Director Campaign and Directors of Development, Faculty Leaders, to achieve McMaster University’s development goals.

Strategic Leadership: Partner with the AVP, Pan-University Advancement (Health Sciences / Pan-University Faculties) to develop and manage a sophisticated principal gifts portfolio. Implement strategies to identify, evaluate, cultivate, solicit, and steward high-net-worth prospects and major gift donors.

Donor Management: Oversee a diverse portfolio of principal gift donors. Serve as a trusted advisor to senior executives, leadership volunteers.

Forecasting & Reporting: Manage forecasting and database records for AVP portfolio Stay informed about philanthropic trends, giving vehicles, and relevant legislation.

Collaboration & Stewardship: Work closely with the Prospect Research team to identify potential prospects. Collaborate with Donor Relations to create and implement stewardship plans, ensuring appropriate recognition and engagement.

Communication: Coordinate with the Advancement Communications & Donor Relations to manage stewardship communications on behalf of the AVP, including identifying opportunities for engagement.

Internal Coordination: Work with Advancement colleagues on internal communications, briefing notes, research profiles, funding proposals, gift agreements, stewardship reports, and accountability reports.

Inclusivity: Promote a culture of inclusion, equity, diversity, accessibility, and support within the team and the broader McMaster University community.

Accountabilities:

Reporting to the AVP Pan-University Development, and working closely with the assigned faculties/units and other key stakeholders, the Associate Director will:

• Play a key role as a primary driver of overall private revenue for the Faculty and the University in support of their objectives.
• Proactively champion opportunities for new revenue in support of McMaster’s research and educational goals, within the assigned Faculty.
• Work with funders toward seven figure+ gifts, which have a mid-to high degree of complexity and involve many different stakeholders, some of whom may be internal and external to the University.
• Work collaboratively on strategic gifts in partnership with University Advancement’s senior leaders, consistent with a team approach to development strategy.
• Advance and enhance the relationships, reputation, and resources of the assigned Faculty, through relationship building and revenue generation.
• In conjunction with the AVP and Director, Development, provide counsel to senior academic leadership on the largest gifts to the Faculty.
• As a leader on the Development team, provide peer leadership efforts to secure and grow a base of major and principal gift-level supporters, and to steward these supporters in a manner so as to inspire them to establish, grow and sustain meaningful relationships with the University.
• As a leader on the Development team, create and maintain positive, productive relationships and build and support a vibrant, diverse and high-performance team of professionals within the Faculty.
• Provide peer leadership efforts to secure and grow a base of major and principal gift-level supporters, and to steward these supporters in a manner to inspire them to establish, grow and sustain meaningful relationships with the University.
• Support the management, development and monitoring of budgets. This could involve drafting and managing of the budgets for each programme within the Associate Director’s portfolio.
• Ability to work closely with the senior officers of the University, in particular the President, Chancellor, Vice-Presidents, and Provosts and Deans.

Education:

• A University degree, or consideration given to equivalent combinations of education and experience.
• CFRE designation or equivalent is an asset..

Experience:

• Proven track record of success in securing $1M and above complex gifts
• Minimum of 8 years demonstrated experience in major giving fundraising, preferably within the post-secondary sector.
• Experience leading and managing teams of high-performing, donor-centred development professionals.
• Experience working with senior executives and leadership volunteers. Ability to work effectively in a complex organizational environment.
• Exceptional ability to inspire and engage high-net-worth prospects, articulate institutional priorities, and present philanthropic opportunities. Strong prospect management, strategic planning, budgeting, and financial management skills.
• This position may require travel. A valid driver’s license and passport are necessary.

How to Apply:
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement:
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey – Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.