Director, Development

Purpose :

Advancement at York leads and inspires meaningful engagement and philanthropic support from alumni and friends to advance the University's mission.

We are also deeply committed to building the reputation of York University as a leading, progressive, research-intensive University uniquely positioned for the betterment of society in the 21st century.

Our division is comprised of four departments : Advancement Services & Operations is the administrative and technology support unit for all Advancement activities.

Alumni Engagement provides programs, services, and engagement to over , York alumni worldwide. Development leads efforts to promote and secure philanthropic support from alumni, donors, friends, corporations, and foundations.

Advancement Communications & Marketing works to promote and communicate alumni and donor messages along with direct marketing services for alumni and donor engagement.

Our mission is to inspire and cultivate meaningful engagement and philanthropic support within our diverse communities to advance York University's excellence in education, research and community service.

We accomplish our mission through our values of accountability, collaboration and entrepreneurship. In support of this mission, the Director, Development - Institutional Priorities, develops and implements revenue generating strategies and programs that identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic donations from alumni, faculty, staff, and friends.

The role reports to the AVP, Development & Campaigns, and works closely with the AVP to identify and qualify prospects and to strategically cultivate and solicit prospects and donors.

The role develops strategies to promote loyal giving and to upgrade donor giving, personally solicits gifts (both independently and in con- junction with senior administrators and senior fundraising volunteers), and stewards donors.

The role executes on revenue generating initiatives, external relations engagement, and stewardship activities. This role individually raises philanthropic dollars through 1 : 1 engagement, collaboratively works with their development upline to acquire transformational gifts.

This portfolio is expected to raise $1M annually with incremental increases overtime. This role raises funds for the Division's priority needs including, student support, capital, programming, and research in alignment with the University Academic Plan (UAP) and its Strategic Plan.

Education :

Bachelor's degree in relevant discipline.

Experience :

4 years of management experience required, preferably in a unionized environment.

Skills :

Understanding of the needs and interests of major donors.

Understanding of all aspects of the gift cycle from identification through to stewardship.

General knowledge and understanding of applicable CRA and legislative requirements related to fundraising activities.

Knowledge of tax laws that impact charitable giving, personal assets, and estates.

Knowledge of post-secondary student services, student support programs, and student access / retention, particularly with respect to under-represented demographics.

Effective writing skills for a university fundraising environment.

Attention to detail, high standards for quality, ability to balance risk, university policies and donor intent.

Ability to make highly effective / persuasive formal and informal cases of support presentations to diverse groups, large and small.

Able to lead a fundraising team.

Effective communication skills and ability to communicate effectively in a concise creative, and persuasive manner. Interpersonal skills to interact with a variety of individuals at many different levels.

Effective project management, prioritization, and time-management skills to manage multiple on-going projects simultaneously.

Competency with word-processing and spreadsheet applications, fundraising and prospect management databases and Internet skills.

Diplomacy and negotiation skills.

Effective analytical, research, interpretative and evaluation skills.

Ability to organize, motivate, and work constructively with staff, students, and volunteers.

Ability to provide project leadership to individuals with diverse interests and objectives.

Ability to meet goals at the Division's level while fulfilling the needs of the development team.

Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Able to work with senior volunteers and senior organizational leadership.