Senior Director, Development

University of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 142,000 - 285,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Toronto seeks a Senior Director of Development to lead the fundraising program for the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering. You will identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gifts, and provide strategic leadership for advancement initiatives across the faculty.

You will manage a high-performing team, coordinate with departmental staff, and train volunteers while ensuring annual targets and campaign goals are met. Some evenings/weekends may be required.

Qualifications

• University degree with exceptional combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of seven years of advancement experience in progressively responsible roles; leadership required.
• Proven fundraising record with major gift donors, alumni, and industry stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors, with a focus on principal gifts.
• Provide leadership for the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering’s comprehensive fundraising program.
• Develop and implement the annual Faculty-wide development plan; align with campaign goals.
• Lead training of volunteers and coordinate with departmental staff on advancement activities.
• Manage budgets and the Development team; communicate with senior leadership and external partners.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Donor relations

Major gifts

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Education

University degree

Tools

DIS

FIS

Job description

Senior Director, Development

Closing Date: 11/13/2026,11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Personnel Subarea: PM
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: 2AP -- Broadband Salary Range: $142,333 - nominal maximum of $284,666
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial

About us:

The Office of Advancement seeks to sustain and enhance the University’s academic mission, leadership, and worldwide impact, by engaging alumni and private-sector stakeholders in the mission of the University. We seek to build mutually beneficial relationships of increasing value and satisfaction over time while seizing new opportunities to strengthen our role in civic and global society, provide a transformational undergraduate learning experience, pave the way forgame-changing startups and new industries, drive breakthroughs in health care, and create the knowledge that illuminates humanity. Together, we reimagine the world.

Your opportunity:

Reporting to the Executive Director, Advancement, the Senior Director, Development is a key member of the senior management team responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors, with a focus on principal gift donors, to achieve high level goals. The Senior Director will also provide leadership and management for the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering’s comprehensive fundraising program.

With general oversight from the Executive Director, Advancement, the incumbent is accountable for the preparation, implementation and management of the annual Faculty-wide development plan and ensuring the achievement of annual and campaign goals and objectives; provides leadership, guidance and advice to faculty and academic directors with respect to complex fundraising projects; provides advice and resolves complex issues; prepares briefing materials for senior leadership; develops and implements a comprehensive stewardship program; manages complex funding opportunities, project budgets and the Development team budget; leads in the training of volunteers in cultivation and solicitation activities as well as responsible for making solicitation calls.

The Senior Director hires, trains, develops and manages a dynamic and high-performing team of development professionals and liaises closely with departmental staff involved in advancement activities. The incumbent works closely with others as a lead member of the Advancement team at the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering.

Qualifications:

Education:

University degree with an exceptional combination of education and experience.

Experience:

Minimum of seven years of advancement experience in progressively responsible roles, preferably in the post-secondary education system. Proven management and leadership experience required, including the ability to motivate, coach and inspire staff; a strong developer of people and teams. Accomplished track record as a successful fundraiser and demonstrated experience interacting with major gift donors, volunteers, alumni and industry representatives a strong asset. Demonstrated volunteer management experience. Experience developing, implementing and managing fundraising plans and programs.

Skills:

Strong computer skills, including word processing, database software and spreadsheet programs. Knowledge of DIS and FIS an asset. Exceptional oral and written communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills. Ability to work well in a team environment. Political acumen with the ability to influence key stakeholders both internally and externally. Detail oriented; strong organizational, research, and analytical skills. Initiative, tact, diplomacy, and creativity required. Ability to multi-task successfully in a hectic and results oriented environment. Proven ability to motivate and manage staff and volunteers; leadership skills are essential.

Other:

A comprehensive and global understanding of the Faculty and University of Toronto, as well as general knowledge of the post-secondary education system and the fundraising sector a strong asset. Ability to work some evenings and weekends.

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].

Indigenous Substantiation Process

The University of Toronto has implemented a process to substantiate Indigenous Membership/Citizenship/Enrolment for candidates who identify as Indigenous. For more information about this process, please refer to the Indigenous Substantiation Website.

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