mcmaster university

director of advancement, Humanities, Social Sciences & Campaign

Position Profile

Organization: McMaster University

Title: Director of Advancement, Humanities, Social Sciences and Campaign

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

Team: Seven

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 Director will routinely travel to meet donors and engage with alumni and key partners.

Is This You?

You are a collaborative fundraising leader who enjoys working with exceptional academic leaders to achieve fundraising success. You are excited by the prospect of leading the fundraising priorities for two complementary – yet distinct – faculties: Humanities and Social Sciences. You have an engaging and inquisitive nature and are personally interested in the disciplines of both faculties. Outside of your professional expertise, you are motivated by having a front row seat to the brightest minds in Social Sciences and Humanities in Canada. To learn and then turn around and identify and motivate prospective donors would energize you.

You are an excellent connector – you can weave the thread across projects and priorities that share commonalities. You do this with the mindset that a rising tide lifts all boats. You can think on your feet and explore deep impact opportunities because you are prepared, you are a listener and have analyzed relevant data to make informed decisions to maximize impact.

Working with two collaborative and respectful Deans does not intimidate you. You see your relationship with academic leadership as a partnership – and your role is to unlock their faculties’ potential by accessing philanthropic support. 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. Building a prospect pipeline is a welcome challenge. You enjoy working alongside a highly capable advancement team, with your guidance and coaching can continue to drive philanthropic support.

Lastly, representing a vital pillar for an upcoming campaign currently in the planning phases excites you. You have campaign experience and would add value to McMaster’s advancement leadership team to ensure the successful execution of the campaign. If this sounds like you, read on.

If this sounds like you, click here to read the entire Position Profile.