TMS is a leading independent school in Richmond Hill that combines the Montessori and International Baccalaureate frameworks to provide students from 18 months to Grade 12 the foundation for a life of goodness and excellence. TMS is a member of CIS Ontario and accredited by CCMA, CAIS and the IBO. Our Mission is to deliver a seamless, internationally-acclaimed educational experience designed to inspire and challenge students to discover the best of who they are and to achieve their full potential.

TMS is inviting applications from motivated, inspiring individuals for the position of:

Director of Development

As the ideal candidate, you are an engaging visionary with strong strategic and conceptual fundraising skills. You are respected by peers and staff as a compelling communicator, a trusted and sought out relationship builder and a highly effective motivator. Your capacity and commitment to drive fundraising/development growth in times of economic pressure and the flexibility and resilience to act as a public face for the School with current and prospective donors will be highly valued. As an experienced fundraising/development leader, you are known to set clear priorities, achieve targets and deadlines and rally the school community around a shared vision. You have experience with building a culture of giving within organizations. You bring a knowledge and understanding of independent school life and culture. Your ability to communicate in an additional language would be an asset. This position is a full time non-faculty position that will work at both our Lower and Upper Schools. Given the nature of the position, some evening and weekend work will be required to attend and support TMS events.

Education/Experience

• University degree from a recognized post-secondary institution and at least five (5) years of senior fundraising experience, ideally in independent schools
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation would be an asset

Knowledge

• Theories, principles, ethics and best practices of major fundraising and related activities
• Principles and techniques for communications and public relations related to fundraising campaigns
• Policy development and gift agreement management

Skills/Competencies

Analyzing/Problem Solving:

• Conceptualize and articulate an innovative strategic direction for fundraising/development for the School, and translate that strategy into successful programs, initiatives, and campaign,   including Annual Giving and Capital Campaigns, aligned with the TMS Campus Master Plan and Strategic Plans.
• Review and assess fundraising activities to determine if goals are being met, and where improvements are needed
• Identify potential new donors and develop engagement strategies
• Assess changes in donation levels, identify contributing factors, develop strategies, and work with stakeholders to identify needs
• Anticipate community reactions to fundraising campaigns, and develop methodologies to optimize engagement

Interpersonal/Communications:

• Develop highly effective relationships with and engage stakeholders at all levels and in all communities
• Foster a culture of giving within the school, through effective communications and engagement
• Work effectively with colleagues to support their efforts related to community development
• Communicate effectively and engagingly with senior management, staff and board members on all aspects of the program, with a wide variety of stakeholders, and with the public

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

Create, lead and manage the Development Strategy, program and plan

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies for The Titan Fund (Annual Giving), Capital Campaign, major gifts, and planned gifts to identify and steward donors
• Identify and implement best practices for ethical solicitation, follow-through and evaluation
• Establish and monitor performance metrics, including fundraising targets
• Develop appropriate and effective donor stewardship and recognition strategies and activities
• Collaborate with senior leaders to create a robust and well-researched donor prospect research program
• Oversee and manage the administration and use of the RENXT database to ensure accuracy and optimization
•  Develop appropriate and effective donor education for staff, parents and board 
• Research and plan for new fundraising opportunities including endowment, planned gifts, and investments
• Oversee, manage and plan advancement events that support planned giving
• Together with the Business Office, oversee all administrative aspects of giving including receipting and donor payments
• Monitor current developments in non-profit fundraising practices and in particular CAIS (Canadian Accreditation of Independent Schools), Conference of Independent Schools (CIS), CAISAP, and CCAE.

TMS offers opportunities for professional development and the opportunity to work in a vibrant, collegial workplace.

How to Apply:

If you believe that a challenging, innovative environment is the perfect fit for your career goals, please submit your resume along with a covering letter to: Human Resources at tmshr@tmsschool.ca by:  September 10, 2023.

We thank all applicants in advance. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

TMS is an equal opportunity employer and will make accommodations upon request to enable applicants with disabilities to engage in all parts of the recruitment and selection process. For more information on TMS, please visit our website at www.tmsschool.ca