EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVANCEMENT

Executive Summary

In this newly created position, McMaster University is seeking a highly strategic and experienced Executive Director, Advancement to support the DeGroote School of Business (DSB) in their advancement priorities. The Executive Director, Advancement for the DeGroote School of Business (EDA – DSB) will lead a high-performing integrated team to increase revenue.

This is an exciting time to join McMaster as they move towards an ambitious campaign to support the University’s bold ideas. Working collaboratively and as a key leader within University Advancement and academic leadership, the Executive Director will support the development of multi-year campaign strategies that frame DeGroote School of Business’s unique strengths and opportunities, while aligning with University-wide campaign structures and practices, integrating alumni and development strategies to maximize support and rally the DSB and donor community around a compelling vision for longer-term aspirations and goals.

Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Pan-University Advancement, who oversees all Faculties and Units, and working within the DeGroote School of Business, the Executive Director will work alongside academic leaders, external volunteers/stakeholders, the DeGroote School of Business Advancement team and University Advancement, to formulate and execute strategies and initiatives to raise private revenue in support of DSB’s highest priorities.

 A key member of the senior leadership team of McMaster Advancement, our successful candidate will espouse the shared values that help to achieve the vision and mission, Quality, Respect, Service, Strategy and Teamwork.

The EDA – DSB is responsible and accountable for the overall DeGroote School of Business strategy development, design, implementation and achievement of annual goals and objectives the University Advancement leadership and the Dean of the DeGroote School of Business. They will lead a team of fundraising, alumni relations, stewardship & donor relations personnel and provide leadership and professional advice with respect to advancement strategies and approaches. Specifically, they will develop strategies in collaboration with University leadership and volunteers as they work to engage alumni, prospects and donors. The Executive Director will also maintain an active portfolio of prospective and existing donors and key external stakeholders, primarily with the capacity to make an investment of $1M+ and by so doing set the example.

The Executive Director, Advancement, DeGroote School of Business is a trusted advisor who provides counsel to senior academic leaders on the largest gifts to DSB, is directly involved in efforts to secure and grow its base of major and principal gift-level supporters, stewards these supporters in a manner so as to inspire them to establish, grow, and sustain meaningful relationships with the University and lead and mentor a team as they develop strategies that include University and the School’s leadership and key volunteers as they work to engage alumni, donors and prospects. 

Position Overview

Organization:               McMaster University

Title:                                 Executive Director, Advancement, DeGroote School of Business

Reports to:                     Ashley Downey, Associate Vice President, Pan-University Advancement (Faculties and Units)

Team:                               6

Location:                        Three campus locations (Hamilton, Burlington and downtown Toronto – 180 Bloor) offer flexibility in work location, and remote and hybrid work empower staff to engage effectively with donors, alumni, and stakeholders in advancing institutional goals in a fast-paced campaign environment. This role is hybrid in nature with 3 days in person per week, inclusive of donor activity. It is understood that the Executive Director, Advancement will routinely travel to meet donors and engage with alumni and key partners.

Is This You?

You are a hands-on experienced and accomplished fundraiser who enjoys ‘making the ask’. Your ability to lead, develop and coach teams has enabled you to thrive within a matrixed philanthropic environment. You have a quality about you that brings teams together, and you are very good at identifying opportunities and mobilizing those around you to achieve goals. You don’t like sitting idle.  You value momentum, teamwork and setting and achieving objectives. You enjoy all facets of fundraising, from major gifts to annual programs and prefer to have oversight of the entire fundraising lifecycle. You see the full picture and know what it takes to provide a best-in-class donor experience, regardless of the gift amount, though you thrive in the strategy and planning that goes into major gifts at the $1M+ level.

You lead with tact and diplomacy and are good at mobilizing ‘non-fundraisers’ to be your partner in solicitation and donor strategy. The opportunity to build and lead is what excites you most about the next chapter of your career. You are ready for a ‘career defining’ role where you can make your mark. You are looking for a role that will allow you to settle in and create something. You aren’t a ‘jumper’, rather you are at a place in your career where you are looking for a home – a place you can be challenged and provide leadership and value byway of using your gifts and talents to their fullest extent.

Ideally, you bring campaign experience and have worked collaboratively to bring a campaign to life. You would provide value and input to executive leadership around campaign planning. You enjoy digging into data and understanding the history of an organizations donor pool to chart forward the plan for what’s to come. You possess a growth mindset and are always looking for ways to improve. You are an excellent communicator both written and verbal. You are trusted by your colleagues because you follow through on your commitments, and your integrity and commitment to your word has attracted a followership around you – people want to work with you because you are respectful, you hear others out, but above all, you get it done and have fun along the way.

You are known for an ability to guide and lead with high emotional intelligence, and you would be motivated to work for a world class organization with a respected brand, exceptional leadership team and diverse donor pool.

If this sounds like you, read on…

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