Vice-President (University Advancement)
McMaster is a university with impact seeking a Vice-President (University Advancement) to lead McMaster’s advancement strategy and operations along with preparing to launch the most ambitious fundraising campaign in McMaster’s history.
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 the local community and around the world. As the pioneers of problem-based learning, McMaster has a rich history of educational innovation.
Together, McMaster’s six Faculties (Business, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Sciences, and Social Sciences) are home to more than 1,200 faculty members and dedicated professional and support staff. The university’s national and international reputation attracted over 34,000 undergraduate and 5,600 graduate students in 2021/22.
Committed to delivering on its promise of Truth and Reconciliation, McMaster University recognizes and acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territories of the Mississauga and Haudenosaunee nations, and within the lands protected by the Dish with One Spoon wampum agreement. 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 diversity of McMaster’s workforce is at the core of its innovation and creativity and strengthens its research and teaching excellence.
The Vice-President (University Advancement) is a member of the senior leadership team reporting directly to the President and Vice-Chancellor and working closely with the other Vice-Presidents and Deans to support and advance the academic, teaching, and research mission of the University. The Vice-President (University Advancement) provides overall leadership and direction in the areas of Development and Fundraising, Stewardship and Donor-Support, Alumni Advancement, and Volunteer Engagement. The Vice-President (University Advancement) plays a critically important role in advancing the University’s objectives, developing and building partnerships, engaging with donors and stakeholders, and ensuring the provision of substantial resources in support of McMaster’s ambitious vision.
The Vice-President (University Advancement) leads a professional, integrated team of staff and volunteers, and works closely with faculty, students, alumni, administrators, and community members in advancing the University’s strategy. In addition to leading key projects, the incumbent will be responsible for cultivating and soliciting a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, advancing fundraising and broader revenue-generation activities across the institution, and leading and overseeing the finalization and launch of McMaster’s next fundraising campaign.
The successful candidate will be an inspiring leader, with deep knowledge of best practices in advancement. They will bring significant leadership experience, with demonstrated success in all aspects of fund development, campaigns, and donor relations. Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills, and a natural ability to inspire trust and confidence among staff, faculty, donors, alumni, and community partners will be essential.
Applications are encouraged immediately at www.odgersberndtson.com/en/careers/18603. Consideration of candidates will begin in December, with the new Vice-President ideally starting in the spring of 2023. Nominations and inquiries should be directed to Andrea Patrick and Julia Robarts at mcmastervpua@odgersberndtson.com.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through this link. 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.
The University is committed to providing and maintaining healthy and safe working and learning environments for all employees, students, volunteers, and visitors. New hires must continue to provide proof of vaccination or seek and obtain an approved human rights-based exemption. Further information is available at the following link: covid19.mcmaster.ca/vaccination-mandate.