THE OPPORTUNITY

The Wolf Cooper Foundation (WCF) is seeking its inaugural Director of Advancement to build and lead the fundraising function and generate philanthropic opportunities that drive impact and support the growth and sustainability of the Wolf Scholars Program, a new undergraduate scholarship for future thoughtful Canadian builders, innovators and leaders.

Established by the Wolf Cooper Foundation in partnership with the University of Toronto, Wolf Scholars has been designed to be Canada’s most immersive scholarship program, and among the most pre-eminent undergraduate scholarship programs globally.

Reporting to the Executive Director and a contributing member of the Wolf Scholars team, the Director of Advancement will serve as the Foundation’s fundraising lead. This role will oversee all philanthropy and fundraising operations and will build and manage their own donor portfolio to encourage outright, planned, and blended gifts. In support of the annual Wolf Scholars Tribute Event, the incumbent will lead the sponsorship program and manage event production and execution in partnership with a third-party vendor.

The Director will work in collaboration and partnership with an Advisory Board of top Canadian business and nonprofit leaders to identify prospective donors and supporters; establish donor engagement strategies; and support the senior leadership volunteers in the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of key donors.

The ideal candidate will be personable, confident, creative, and nimble, with a strong track record in major gift development who can effectively straddle both strategy and operations to drive fundraising success. The Director will be adept at working in a fast-paced environment, and comfortable being accountable for ambitious fundraising goals.

To support the launch of the Foundation, Ted Garrard, C.M. of West Shore Consulting, has been engaged by WCF to provide strategic guidance and support developing fundraising infrastructure, policies, and prospect pipelines. The Director will have the opportunity to work with and benefit from Ted’s support during onboarding and the first few months in the role.

 

ABOUT THE WOLF SCHOLARS PROGRAM

Established by the Wolf Cooper Foundation in partnership with the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy in the Faculty of Arts & Science at the University of Toronto, the Wolf Scholars Program was established in 2025 to offer exceptional young Canadians the freedom to be curious with the confidence they will graduate as well-rounded citizens ready to drive positive systemic impact in the private and public sectors. It is designed to be Canada’s most immersive scholarship program, and among the most pre-eminent undergraduate scholarship programs globally.

Each year, 16 exceptional incoming undergraduates across the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Arts and Science will form a tight-knit cohort. Over four years, Scholars will engage in an enrichment program designed to sharpen their critical thinking skills, foster their intellectual curiosity across disciplines, and prepare them to tackle the challenges facing their generation.

Beyond funded travel and leadership development experiences, Scholars will receive a full tuition scholarship and a meaningful living stipend. Wolf Scholars is a launchpad inspired by renowned liberal arts programs worldwide. Wolf Scholars is building a future where a student’s curiosity, character and ambition—not only their degree—enables them to drive impact across sectors.

The Wolf Scholars Program is funded and administered by the Wolf Cooper Foundation.

MISSION

Create a world-class undergraduate journey for the most promising young Canadians who aspire to be future leaders, empowering them to use their broad education and transformative experiences to build a better world.

VALUES

• Future leaders benefit most from a broad intellectual foundation.
• More than ever, undergraduate students need critical thinking skills to navigate the world and make it a better place.
• Developing a personal leadership framework requires exposure to a wide range of people and experiences.
• Brilliant students with an interdisciplinary perspective can excel in almost any career.
• Excellence, integrity, and optimism should be celebrated.

 

ABOUT WOLF COOPER FOUNDATION

Established in January 2025, the Foundation operates independently as a non-profit organization, partnering with the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto to fund and administer the Wolf Scholars Program. The Foundation has a board and advisory council including prominent Canadian business and non-profit leaders, academics and others.

Additional Information: Management Team / Launch Press Release

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as fundraising strategist and an operational leader for the Foundation, in collaboration with the Executive Director and Board Chair.
• Develop short- and long-term fundraising strategies, including setting, tracking, and assessing multi-year plans and goals that align with the Foundation’s priorities and needs.
• Develop donor acquisition, retention, and migration strategies for WCF donors with a focus on major gifts in the $10,000 to $1 million + range.
• Manage a personal portfolio of high-value prospects and donors.
• Oversee all proposal development for prospective donors.
• Establish and oversee a comprehensive donor experience and stewardship program providing the highest standard of accountability and recognition.
• Lead the sponsorship program and related fundraising activities for the annual Wolf Scholars Tribute event and work in partnership with third party logistics vendor on event production and execution.
• Support the development of annual budgets and business plans to achieve the program objectives and assess progress.
• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director to ensure all business, fiduciary and legal responsibilities pertaining to fundraising are met.
• Provide oversight and support of funding agreements, the distribution of tax receipts, and corresponding acknowledgement letters on an ongoing basis; ensure that all prospect and donor records are well managed.
• Represent WCF in the community, at events, and with partners in a manner that supports increased awareness.
• Maintain knowledge of best practices and trends around philanthropy.

 

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Progressive fundraising experience with a specific focus on soliciting major gifts (at the five-figure level and above).
• Exceptional relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with a proven ability to engage, inspire, build, and sustain strong collaborative working relationships across diverse groups, including students, senior volunteers, colleagues, as well as with existing and prospective donors.
• Experience developing proposals with the ability to tailor to the specific interests of major donors and advocate passionately for the Wolf Scholars program.
• Strong project management skills including managing budgets and financial reports, multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment, collaborating with other stakeholders within the University and the broader community.
• Understanding of prospect research and use of data to identify donor prospects.
• Knowledge of event planning and coordination principles and practices.
• Proficiency with fundraising CRM systems and maintaining donor records; experience onboarding new technologies is an asset.
• Reputation for a high degree of integrity and trustworthiness and exemplary judgement.
• Highly organized and accurate with excellent attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and manage a variety of complex projects concurrently to a high standard of excellence.
• A persuasive, credible, and polished communicator with ability to effectively and passionately communicate with a wide variety of audiences both orally and in writing.
• Creative, flexible and able to handle complexity and ambiguity.
• Results-driven, hard-working and focused on continuous improvement.
• Maintains knowledge of philanthropic trends with the ability to put into practice.
• Proficiency in French is an asset.
• A bachelor’s degree or higher.
• A professional designation such as CRFE is an asset.
• Flexible availability to work variable hours as needed for donor meetings and events.

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION

KCI Search + Talent has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of the Wolf Cooper Foundation. For more information about this opportunity, please contact Ellie Rusonik, Senior Vice President/Practice Lead, or Meredith Roberts, Senior Search Consultant KCI Search + Talent by email at WCF@kcitalent.com.

To view full Position Brief, please visit www.kcitalent.com

Interested candidates should send their resume and a letter of interest to the email address listed above by November 27, 2025. All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence.

The hiring salary range for this position is $125,000 – $135,000 plus performance-based incentive of up to 10% and comprehensive benefits package. Wolf Cooper Foundation offers a flexible hybrid work model, combining remote work with a minimum of 3 days in-office days per week.

Only candidates who are currently legally eligible to work in Canada will be considered for this role.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all stages of the selection process. If you require any accommodations, please notify the KCI Search Consultant.