Executive Director – Divisional Relations

Jobtailor; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Toronto seeks an Executive Director, Divisional Relations to lead a portfolio of divisions and drive the university-wide campaign strategy. You will partner with the AVP and senior leaders to plan, execute, and optimize major fundraising campaigns, including six- and seven-figure gifts.

You will mentor division teams, build capacity, and ensure compliance with budgets and timelines while advancing a culture of philanthropy across staff and volunteers.

Qualifications

• University degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum ten (10) years of expert specialized experience in institutional fundraising.
• Experience preferably within a university or similarly complex environment.
• Demonstrated significant responsibility in major campaigns, ideally $100 million or more.
• Experience in an internationally-focused NGO, government agency or corporation may be relevant.

Responsibilities

• Lead a portfolio of assigned divisions as Executive Director, Divisional Relations.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to develop and execute institution-wide campaigns.
• Develop and execute plans, policies, timetables and strategy for fundraising campaigns.
• Cultivate and solicit prospects for specific divisions.
• Mentor divisions on campaign development, planning and execution.
• Build advancement capacity through systems, resources, training and mentoring.
• Oversee campaign procedures, budgets and operating plans.

Skills

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Mentoring

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Judgement and discretion

Creative entrepreneurial spirit

Problem-solving

Education

University degree

Education/Experience equivalent

Tools

Budget Management

Data Tracking and Reporting

Philanthropic proposal development

Campaign planning and execution

Job description

• Lead a portfolio of assigned University of Toronto divisions as one of two Executive Directors, Divisional Relations
• Work with the Assistant Vice President, Divisional Relations and the senior leadership team within University Advancement
• Lead development and execution of plans, policies, timetables and strategy for the institution-wide campaign
• Develop and execute divisional campaigns attracting six- and seven-figure gifts
• Collaborate with senior advancement and academic leadership
• Participate in cultivation and solicitation of prospects for specific divisions
• Frame divisions’ strengths and opportunities within the overall institutional campaign
• Create a philanthropic culture among staff and volunteers
• Provide leadership and direction on advancement business plans and fundraising strategies
• Mentor divisions on fundraising campaign development, planning and execution
• Build advancement capacity through systems, resources, best practices, training and mentoring
• Develop and implement campaign procedures, policies and operating plans covering operations, budgets and events
• Act as a collaborative resource, advisor, mentor and occasionally manager

Requirements

• University degree or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum ten (10) years of expert specialized experience in institutional fundraising
• Experience preferably within a university or similarly complex environment
• Demonstrated significant and successful responsibility in major campaigns, ideally of $100 million or more
• Experience in an internationally-focused NGO, government agency or corporation may be relevant
• Successful track record developing relationships with high-profile donors and volunteers
• Demonstrated relationship-building experience
• Experience in a multi-year, comprehensive campaign is essential
• Strategic thinking, vision and creative entrepreneurial spirit
• Experience managing, motivating and mentoring volunteers and advancement professionals
• High initiative, maturity, tact, diplomacy, judgement and discretion
• Understanding of and sympathy for the mission of a research-intensive university
• Ability to represent the University credibly to diverse constituencies, donors and volunteers
• Ability to understand research and teaching dimensions and develop compelling philanthropic proposals
• Ability to navigate a complex matrix organization
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to set fundraising goals and timelines and track, monitor and report progress
• Ability to work in a hectic, results-oriented environment and meet deadlines and budgets
• Exceptional oral and written communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
• Strong research, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Cover letter required

Core Competencies

Demonstrates extensive experience in institutional fundraising, particularly in leading major campaigns and developing relationships with high-profile donors. Exhibits strong strategic thinking, organizational skills, and the ability to mentor and motivate teams within a complex university environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• Institutional Fundraising Expertise
• Major Campaign Management
• Relationship Building with Donors
• Strategic Planning and Execution
• Mentoring and Leadership

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Fundraising Strategy Development
• Campaign Planning and Execution
• Budget Management
• Philanthropic Proposal Development
• Data Tracking and Reporting

Soft Skills

• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Judgement and Discretion
• Creative Entrepreneurial Spirit

Industry Keywords

• University Advancement
• Philanthropic Culture
• Multi-Year Campaigns
• Complex Matrix Organization
• High-Profile Donors