Director, Advancement

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 89,000 - 205,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Toronto is seeking a Director, Advancement to provide strategic direction in fundraising, alumni relations and advancement communications for University College. You will lead major gift campaigns, cultivate high-value donors, and mentor a team of staff and volunteers to support UC’s academic priorities.

The role requires seven+ years in senior advancement, CFRE preferred, and strong communication and leadership skills to engage donors, alumni, corporations, and foundations across

Qualifications

• Minimum seven years in a senior advancement role.
• Experience in major gifts, gift planning, and annual giving fundraising.
• Experience leading staff and volunteers in a competitive fundraising environment.
• Experience with data management systems.
• CFRE certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and direct major gift, annual and leadership campaigns.
• Identify and cultivate donors at the $100,000+ threshold.
• Lead fundraising programs and donor relations.
• Oversee alumni relations and advancement communications.
• Mentor staff and volunteers; train solicitors.

Skills

Relationship building

Negotiation & influence

Oral & written communication

Public relations

Strategic project management

Leadership & supervision

Initiative & problem-solving

Education

University degree

CFRE preferred

Tools

MS Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Database principles

Moves management

Job description

Director, Advancement

Date Posted: 09/08/2026
Req ID: 50072
Faculty/Division: University College
Department: Alumni Office
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

About us:

The University College (UC) in the Faculty of Arts and Science (A&S) is the founding college of the University of Toronto and provides a vibrant community for undergraduate students, staff, and faculty, who are deeply committed to UC's values of diversity, equity, and access. UC's Office of Advancement is responsible for private-sector revenue generation and stakeholder relationship building efforts on behalf of UC. The partnerships undertaken with our generous donors and friends builds robust support for our academic priorities.

Position summary:

Reporting jointly to the Principal of University College (UC) and to the Senior Director, Advancement College Relations, Faculty of Arts & Science and as a member of the UC Senior Management Team, the Director, Advancement leads and provides strategic direction in all aspects of fundraising, alumni relations and advancement communications for UC. The Director, Advancement is responsible for the identification and cultivation of donors at levels above the $100,000 threshold and provides leadership in the development and implementation of major gift fundraising programs at UC. As part of the Senior Management Team, the Director's main responsibilities are to develop, plan and conduct major gift, annual and leadership campaigns, to obtain donations for UC's fundraising priorities from individuals, corporations, and foundations; to assist the UC Principal in developing initiatives to enhance financial support of UC; to direct the process of engaging UC alumni and friends in the life of UC through special events, volunteerism, and alumni programs with the objective of securing financial support to help fulfill UC's academic mission. The Director will ensure proper stewardship takes place following a gift to maintain the donor's involvement, interest, and support. The Director leads, mentors and guides a team of staff, and is also involved in the training and oversight of volunteers in areas of cultivation and solicitation activities.

Essential Qualifications:

Education

• University undergraduate degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Certified Fundraising professional (C.F.R.E.) preferred.

Experience

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in a senior advancement role; experience in post-secondary education is an asset.
• Experience and success managing/leading staff and senior volunteers in a highly competitive fundraising environment.
• Demonstrated success in major gifts, gift planning, and annual giving fundraising required. Experience in strategic fundraising planning and execution.
• Experience in proposal writing and presentation to donors.
• Experience with data management systems.

Skills

• Excellent ability to build relationships, negotiate and influence, and identify and leverage opportunities for development.
• Superior oral and written communication skills; public relations skills, ability to deliver speeches and presentations, as well as proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a results-oriented environment.
• Strategic project management skills with an ability to manage competing deadlines; to organize, plan and time manage effectively.
• Proven ability to motivate, lead, manage and supervise others including staff and volunteers; and the ability to set team priorities and foster a strong team environment. Must possess initiative, tact, diplomacy and creative problem-solving abilities.

Other

• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, colleagues, senior university administrators, colleagues, staff, students, and external contacts.
• Awareness of and sensitivity to diversity including demonstrated experience working successfully with a diverse population.
• Working knowledge of standard office software including MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint as well as clear understanding of database principles and moves management.

Hours of work:

Hours of work are from 8:45 am to 5:00 pm Monday to Friday; additional hours are often required weekly during the evenings to attend receptions, alumni related events, university related events, and/or prospect meetings taking place outside of normal business hours. Travel is required occasionally. Work on weekends is required occasionally to attend to Spring Reunion and other related alumni events.

Closing Date: 09/18/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Personnel Subarea:PM
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: 1AP -- Broadband Salary Range: $88,957 - $205,288
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial

Diversity Statement

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission. As part of your application, you will be asked to complete a brief Diversity Survey. This survey is voluntary. Any information directly related to you is confidential and cannot be accessed by search committees or human resources staff. Results will be aggregated for institutional planning purposes. For more information, please see http://uoft.me/UP.

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission. The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

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