Associate Vice-President, Pan-University Advancement (Faculties and Units); Chief Development Officer (Programs)
McMaster is a university with impact and is building leadership capacity to launch the most ambitious campaign in its history. The creation of two new senior leadership roles will support transformational philanthropic activities in the University’s quest for global recognition and academic excellence.
Ranked among the top 100 universities globally, through its cutting-edge research and world-class teaching and learning, McMaster University is focused on advancing human and societal health and well-being in its community and around the world. Together, McMaster’s six Faculties (Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science, and Social Sciences) are home to more than 1,600 faculty members (including clinicians) and dedicated professional and support staff. The University’s national and international reputation attracts over 34,000 undergraduate and 5,600 graduate students.
University Advancement is dedicated to creating a flexible work environment that attracts top talent and fosters a vibrant campus community. Two campus locations (Hamilton and downtown Toronto) offer flexibility in work location, and remote and hybrid work empower staff to engage effectively with donors, alumni, and stakeholders in advancing institutional goals in a fast-paced campaign environment.
Associate Vice-President, Pan-University Advancement (Faculties and Units)
Reporting to the Vice-President, University Advancement, the Associate Vice-President, Pan-University Advancement (Faculties and Units) is a critical leadership role responsible for providing strategic direction and maximizing philanthropic income. The AVP will work with Faculties and units across campus and in partnership with peers in Health Sciences to ensure a coordinated approach to advancement activities across the University. This new role requires forming collaborative relationships with senior leaders within the institution and beyond, and embedding a culture of philanthropy across McMaster. Additionally, the AVP will lead the University’s central Major Gifts teams.
The successful candidate will be an experienced advancement leader with a track record of mentoring high-performing teams, ideally within an educational or health sciences environment. Skilled at supporting the most senior leaders in an organization, the AVP will be an outstanding collaborator and relationship builder. The AVP will showcase well-developed strategic thinking and evidence of creativity and problem-solving capabilities. The ability to create a team environment and mobilize diverse constituents to align with the institution’s overall goals is essential.
Chief Development Officer (Programs)
Reporting to the Vice-President, University Advancement, the Chief Development Officer (Programs) oversees financial goals to increase the University’s fundraising performance while also playing a crucial role in planning a comprehensive fundraising campaign. The Chief Development Officer (Programs) is responsible for the strategy and for leading pan-university fundraising programs including leadership and corporate, foundation relations, estate, annual and principal giving. This enterprise-wide role aims to maximize philanthropic income and engage with key external audiences in support of McMaster’s overarching strategic goals. This role involves building strong relationships with university leaders, maintaining donor connections, and leading a team responsible for setting fundraising goals and metrics.
The successful candidate will be an experienced fundraising executive with several years of people management experience, ideally gained in a public sector or charitable environment. Expertise in the areas of principal giving, annual giving, estate giving, and building relationships with corporate foundations is essential, as is experience leading a comprehensive fundraising campaign of similar complexity. The ideal candidate will be highly professional and adaptable and demonstrate the sophistication to represent McMaster’s ambitions to external partners and constituents.
Applications for one or both roles are encouraged immediately at https://careers.odgersberndtson.com/en-ca/28863. For more information, please contact Julia Robarts and Amelia Keller of Odgers Berndtson at macadvancement@odgersberndtson.com. Consideration of candidates will begin in November 2023, with the new leaders ideally starting in January 2024 or as soon as possible thereafter.
The diversity of the McMaster workforce is at the core of its innovation and creativity and strengthens its 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 its commitment to equity, diversity 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+. Odgers Berndtson encourages you to take a moment and access its Self-Declaration Form.