Development Associate

University Of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 91,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Toronto's Division of University Advancement seeks a Development Associate for their Gift Planning Office. This role focuses on providing administrative support for fundraising efforts, building donor relationships, and executing events to enhance gift planning strategies.

Qualifications

• Minimum three years relevant experience in philanthropy or fundraising.
• Experience in preparing reports from multiple data sources.
• Experience with fundraising database ARBOR.

Responsibilities

• Fostering positive relationships with prospective and existing donors.
• Handling sensitive information and drafting communication pieces.
• Conceptualizing, organizing, and executing events.

Skills

Written Communication

Verbal Communication

Customer Service

Organizational Skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Date Posted: 06/12/2025
Req ID: 43461
Faculty/Division: VP - Division of University Advancement
Department: Office of Vice President Division of University Advancement
Campus:St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00057719

Description:

About us:

The Division of University Advancement (DUA) aims to sustain and enhance the University’s academic mission, leadership, and worldwide impact, by engaging alumni and private sector constituents meaningfully in the mission of the University, building mutually beneficial relationships of increasing value and satisfaction over time.

Through our current Defy Gravity campaign, the team supports U of T’s commitment to inclusive excellence – the idea that every member of our community should thrive in an environment of belonging – and helps the University bring together top minds from every conceivable background to create a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world. In this ecosystem, there is an emphasis on collaboration, diplomacy, teamwork and mission focus as the Division of University Advancement supports our Faculties, Campuses and Divisions as a shared service.

The Division of University Advancement at the University of Toronto is committed to a transformative agenda deeply rooted in the University’s vision for growth and innovation. We are focused on growing fundraising efforts; doubling the number of newly engaged alumni by achieving. Advancement goals through the foundational integration of Alumni Relations and Development both centrally and through collaborations with divisional colleagues; creating an organization and culture that fosters diversity and inclusiveness.

Your opportunity:

The Gift Planning Office at the Division of University Advancement (DUA) leads the University's effort to expand its base of gift planning prospects and donors and steward such donors so they are inspired to maintain and strengthen their relationship with the University. We hire outstanding people from a variety of backgrounds and currently seek a Development Associate, Gift Planning to join our diverse group of talent.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Associate will be responsible for providing fundraising and development administrative support and coordination for the Gift Planning team. They will work closely with all members of the Gift Planning portfolio to support their fundraising activitiesand projects, conducting research, preparing reports, developing communications and supporting the execution of events.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Fostering positive relationships with prospective and existing donors
• Handling sensitive and/or confidential information
• Drafting donor acknowledgment and recognition communications
• Providing detailed information for the development of donor relations and tewardship programs
• Conceptualizing, organizing and executing event activities
• Developing and editing content for marketing and/or promotional materials
• Promoting fundraising programs
• Generating Reports

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum three years relevant experience providing support in philanthropy and in other fundraising environments.
• Experience preparing reports from multiple data sources.
• Experience in conducting development-related research.
• Experience with scheduling and maintaining calendars.
• Experience with fundraising database ARBOR or related database.
• Experiencedrafting communication pieces.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple tasks and conflicting deadlines.
• Ability to set priorities and targets and to meet deadlines in relation to frequently changing demands.
• Ability to demonstrate tact, diplomacy, sensitivity and discretion in dealing with individuals of affluence and influence.
• Ability to maintain rapport with potential and current donors, instructors, students and University faculty and staff in business and social settings.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Adaptable
• Communicator
• Cooperative
• Diligent
• Motivated self-learner
• Multi-tasker
• Organized

Closing Date: 06/26/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 10 -- $70,844. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $90,595. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial
Recruiter: Fiona Chan

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.