Date Posted: 12/08/2025
Req ID: 46338
Faculty/Division: School of Management
Department: Joseph L. Rotman School of Management
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Description:
The Rotman School of Management is part of the University of Toronto, a global centre of research and academic excellence at the heart of Canada’s commercial and financial capital. Rotman is a catalyst for transformative learning, insights and public engagement, bringing together diverse views and initiatives around a defining purpose: to create value for business and society. We make a fundamental promise - Here’s where it changes - to our students, our partners and the broader community. Everyone at Rotman, faculty and staff, plays a role in bringing that promise to life.
THE OPPORTUNITY
This is an incredible opportunity to lead the Advancement team and initiatives at the top Business School in Canada, at the top University in the country, in the midst of the University of Toronto’s landmark $4 billion Defy Gravity Campaign that is harnessing the power of our global community, including Rotman School of Management’s 29,000 alumni.
Deeply rooted in one of the world’s most diverse city regions, U of T brings a comprehensive approach to solving complex social, economic and health issues at scale. Our unrivalled commitment to excellence, inclusion and removing barriers to higher education opens up worlds of opportunity for students.
We are seeking an exceptional fundraising professional with a significant track record of success in increasingly senior advancement leadership positions in large-scale, complex settings. Candidates should possess superior solicitation experience and a demonstrated track record of securing significant philanthropic support; a strong commitment to developing, and empowering a team of high-performance advancement professionals; and a strong commitment to establishing and supporting efforts to meaningfully engage alumni and volunteers in support of the Rotman School’s priorities and ambitions.
WORK LOCATION: The Executive Director, Advancement office is located at 105 George Street, on the U of T St. George Campus. Currently, Advancement staff work in the office for a minimum of three days per week, as the in-person engagement with students, faculty and other staff is critically important to collaboration and a sense of community. In the early months of the role, being onsite full time will be important for learning and relationship building.
COMPENSATION:This position is rated as a 2AP (Advancement Professional) level and has a broad-based salary range of $136,859 to $273,717. The target hiring salary range for this role is $210,000 to $230,000 per annum base salary, plus a potential annual bonus of up to 10%. A full range of pension and benefits are also provided, and further information about U of T benefits can be found at https://hrandequity.utoronto.ca/careers/benefits/
APPLICATION PROCESS
For more information, please contact Tara George, Executive Consultant, at KCI Search + Talent via email at Rotman@kcitalent.com by January 9, 2026.
Further information can be found in the Executive Brief, please visit: www.kcitalent.com.
Candidates interested in applying for this position should please send a resume and letter of interest toRotman@kcitalent.com.
All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence.
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. If you require accommodations during the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
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.
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.
THE ROLE: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVANCEMENT @ ROTMAN
POSITION OVERVIEW
- Under the general direction of the Dean, the Executive Director (ED) Advancement, has overall responsibility for leading the Advancement function for the Rotman School of Management.
- As a member of the Dean’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the Executive Director, Advancement’s responsibilities encompass the development and implementation of an overall Advancement strategy, while ensuring the achievement of annual goals and objectives.
- This role provides leadership and professional advice to Faculty and Directors with respect to advancement strategies and approaches.
- As part of the Advancement portfolio, the Executive Director, Advancement has responsibility and accountability for the overall development, design, implementation and oversight of a comprehensive fundraising plan including: principal gifts, major gifts program, annual giving, alumni engagement and donor relations as well as working collaboratively with the Executive Director, Strategic Communications to develop the marketing and communications to support fundraising and alumni engagement.
- The incumbent is responsible for the development of an annual business plan with the Dean and the University’s Advancement office, and has accountability for delivery of the plan.
- The Executive Director works with the Dean to develop a strategic plan for the Advancement function at the Rotman School that supports the academic, research and strategic goals of the School as well as tying into any campaign goals of the broader university.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
- Rotman’s Executive Director, Advancement reports dually to the Dean, Rotman School of Management and the Vice President, Advancement (or his/her designate). The Executive Director, Advancement reports to the Dean on day-to-day management of the advancement program and is accountable to both the Dean and the Vice-President Advancement for the University of Toronto (or their designate) on matters of goal setting, evaluation, advancement policies and guidelines, and advancement strategies that advance key campaign goals.
- This joint reporting also ensures alignment with and accountability to University-wide standards, guidelines, and procedures that protect academic integrity and promote best practice, excellence, and equity in advancement. Further details on the definition of joint reporting can be found in the Provost’s Guideline on Advancement Joint Reporting.
- The Executive Director, Advancement manages Rotman’s Senior Director of Development and Director, Alumni Engagement ensuring that their portfolios are aligned and working in unison to reach annual and longer range strategic advancement goals and objectives. In addition, the ED shares the oversight the Director of Development, Rotman Commerce with the Faculty of Arts & Science Executive Director, Advancement and AVP Advancement College Relations and also has shared oversight of the Associate Director, Advancement Communications with Rotman’s Executive Director, Strategic Communications.
MAJOR ACTIVITIES
The Executive Director, Advancement is responsible for developing the fundraising strategies for the Rotman School of Management in conjunction with the Dean. Working collaboratively with the Advancement teams and other internal and external stakeholders including faculty, other staff, donors, corporate partners etc. the incumbent is charged with ensuring that goals and objectives are met. In conjunction with the Advancement Senior Leadership Team, the incumbent ensures the alignment of the development, alumni affairs and advancement communication functions to meet Rotman’s fundraising and stewardship goals. The ED, Advancement is expected to be a leader and catalyst, bringing together various internal and external stakeholders to realize the Advancement goals of the Rotman School.
Development, Donor Relations & Stewardship - Working closely with the Senior Director, Development:
- Prepares an annual development plan outlining the School’s advancement goals, priorities and objectives. Establishes fundraising goals in conjunction with various stakeholders and ensures that goals are achieved, gaining input from the Vice-President Advancement (or his/her delegate).
- Works closely with the Dean to develop fundraising priorities that align with the School’s academic plan and university priorities.
- Oversees identification and management of a comprehensive fundraising (PG, MG, AG) program by ensuring the development of tailored cultivation and stewardship programs that are designed to enhance the interest and involvement of the prospect in the School and wider University.
- Defines goals and desired outcomes for own prospect portfolio (70-100 prospective donors); identifies, cultivates and solicits prospective donors, and effectively stewards all donors.
- Maintains communications with key stakeholders (departments, alumni, students) on development strategies, activities and achievements.
- Oversees the gift planning activity for the School, ensuring that the program is fully functional and collaborates with DUA’s gift planning team.
- Works with faculty, staff, and volunteer Boards to advance prospects and steward donors.
- Ensures gifts are appropriately stewarded to ensure fulfillment of gift promises.
- Oversees design and implementation of overall donor relations and stewardship programs that complement other University initiatives while focusing on complementary activities within Rotman.
- Ensures coordination of donor recognition pursuant to University guidelines for stewardship.
Alumni Activities - Working closely with the Director, Alumni Engagement:
- Oversees the development and implementation of the School’s alumni relations’ activities, ensuring consistency with the overall advancement strategic goals and objectives.
- Establishes Annual Fund goals, in consultation with various stakeholders including the Division of University Advancement, and ensures achievement of goals.
- Oversees planning of alumni events, locally and globally, throughout the year with ongoing efforts to build alumni engagement in identified global centres.
- Selectively builds relationships with high profile or highly motivated alumni.
- Ensures the development of effective volunteer identification and recruitment programs to develop resources for various chapter and Faculty needs.
- Facilitates and supports alumni programs with different student support groups in the School (ie. careers and program services) to help connect current students to alumni for career mentorship, job search or engagement in student activities.
- Ensures close collaboration of Rotman with DUA staff on University-wide alumni programs.
Advancement Communications - Working closely with the Executive Director, Strategic Communications and Associate Director, Advancement Communications:
- Oversees development and implementation of the School’s advancement communications strategies including web, social media, marketing and print materials, and e-communications.
- Develops an annual report summarizing successes of the school to share with alumni and donors and the external community.
- Provides input on key messages to enhance the image and visibility of the School at the local, national and international levels.
- Raises the profile and visibility of alumni in the broader community.
Rotman Commerce Advancement Activities - Working closely in collaboration with Faculty of Arts & Science Executive Director, Advancement and AVP College Advancement Relations and the Director of Development, Rotman Commerce:
- Prepares an annual development plan outlining the Rotman Commerce’s advancement goals, priorities and objectives. Establishes fundraising goals in conjunction with various stakeholders and ensures that goals are achieved.
- Oversees the identification and management of major gift prospects by ensuring the development of tailored cultivation and stewardship programs that are designed to enhance the interest and involvement of the prospect in the School and wider University.
- Defines goals and desired outcomes for own Rotman Commerce prospect portfolio; identifies, cultivates and solicits prospective donors, and effectively stewards all donors.
- Supports the implementation of the advancement strategy for Rotman Commerce with the resources outlined by the joint MOU between Rotman and the Faculty of Arts & Science
- Coordinates alumni engagement activities in Rotman Commerce with those at Rotman
Operations & Finance
- Represents the overall Advancement portfolio of internal and external stakeholders and ensures the involvement of these stakeholders in supporting Rotman and the Advancement functions.
- Develops and directs the implementation of Rotman advancement policies and procedures, ensuring consistency with University-wide policies and procedures.
- Provides budget forecasts and inputs to Rotman’s CAO on projected fundraising goals needed for the annual budget.
- Develops, implements and manages the overall Advancement budget in collaboration with each of the functional Directors.
- Creates a coordinated team environment where all members of the Advancement team are aligned. Working with and through the functional Directors, develops a strong, goal-oriented team environment and takes an evaluative approach to all advancement activities.
- Ability to set principal gift fundraising goals and establish an internal system for meeting deadlines, tracking, follow-up, monitoring, and reporting progress.
- Cultural sensitivity and capacity to work with international students and donors.
Human Resources Management
The Executive Director Advancement has direct managerial responsibility for Rotman’s Senior Director, Development and for the Director, Alumni Engagement. In addition, the Director, Development at Rotman Commerce reports on an everyday basis to the ED, Advancement at Rotman with dual reporting to the ED, Advancement at the Faculty of Arts & Science. The Associate Director, Advancement Communications has a dual report to Rotman’s ED, Advancement and Rotman’s ED, Strategic Communications. In addition to these senior staff, the ED, Advancement role at Rotman has responsibility for overseeing the work of all Advancement staff who form this portfolio.
- Full managerial authority over the staff in the work Unit/Department, requiring input and coordination with both Rotman’s HR team as well as DUA’s HR team.
- Plans strategically for and defines the organizational structure for the Unit/Department including the kinds of equipment used, the methods and techniques of work, the work assignments, duties and responsibilities of positions and the classifications and qualifications of positions.
- Adapts processes and workforce needs to incorporate changes in technology.
- Implements changes to the organizational structure, including organizational change, hiring, layoff, demotions, creating and eliminating positions.
- Defines duties and responsibilities of staff including defining hours of work, the schedules of work, and the methods and techniques of work.
- Defines classifications and the qualifications for positions.
- Determines work assignments for staff based on understanding of needs, individual skill, project requirements and availability of resources.
- Approves work of staff to ensure quality of work. Ensures work tasks are completed on schedule and standards and policies are followed by staff.
- Budget responsibilities related to the human resources management. For example, this position would decide on the implementation of a budget cut to the Unit/Team/Department.
- Hires staff based on assessment of candidates and understanding of department’s needs.
- Discusses performance with employees to provide feedback and address performance related issues as part of the employee development process.
- Disciplines employees where necessary and appropriate. Terminate employment (e.g., for cause or as a result of organizational restructuring).
- Evaluates employee performance based on assessment of individual’s work and achievement of performance goals.
- Determines appropriate salary adjustments for employees based on performance and organization salary structure.
- Consults with HR when dealing with serious issues that affect employment relationships. Manages conflict between staff members.
- Strategically manages labour relations implications of business disruptions; participate as representative of department in broader strategic management initiatives related to planning for business disruptions within the University.
- Develops plans and work processes for department projects based on understanding of project requirements and timelines.
- Guides department staff by providing the necessary direction and training to complete work, based on knowledge of department procedures and specialized expertise.
- Recommends training courses, seminars and conferences for staff to update and enhance their skills and knowledge.
- Resolves technical problems and staff-related issues that arise during department/project work on a timely basis, to ensure work can be completed with minimal delay.
- Resolve informal complaints from unionized staff, in consultation with Human Resources and Labour Relations. Discusses informal complaints and step 1 grievances from unionized staff with employees, Human Resources and Labour Relations.
- Determines appropriate disposition of the grievance, in consultation with Human Resources and Labour Relations, based on knowledge of collective agreements and labor relations procedures. Provides documentation and information to legal counsel in preparation for grievance arbitration hearings. Presents evidence at arbitration hearings on behalf of management where unionized staff is involved.
- Recommends exceptional pay adjustments for unionized staff based on performance evaluation.
- Maintains positive relations with union representatives.
Other Responsibilities
- Initiates or participates in other projects at Rotman, across the University, and outside of U of T in order to cultivate relationships and goodwill, and to promote community outreach toward Rotman and the University as a whole.
- Represents the Rotman on various University committees involved in advancement activities.
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES
Required Experience & Education
- A minimum of 10+ years in senior positions with proven fundraising and major gift experience within the Advancement field.
- Advanced knowledge of and experience in all aspects of the fundraising process including: research/identification, cultivation, solicitation, recognition/stewardship and leadership of volunteer boards and other contributors to a successful campaign.
- Proven track record of meeting short-term and long term goals and objectives.
- Solid understanding of university or relevant not for profit fundraising environments, advancement communications and marketing, and constituent/alumni engagement.
- Experience in managing a large team of advancement professional within a unionized environment.
- A university degree is required for this role. An MBA is preferred, or another master’s or professional degree, though graduate-level education is not a strict requirement for the role. Equivalent education and experience will be considered. CFRE designation would be an asset.
Abilities, Qualities and Attributes
- Exceptional leadership, team-building, and team management skills with the ability to motivate and manage a team to reach a common goal.
- Outstanding communications (oral, written), presentation and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
- Detail oriented with strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Strong collaboration skills, both within and across teams, and the ability to work effectively with and through others.
- Demonstrates initiative, tact, diplomacy, creativity and political astuteness.
- Cultural sensitivity and capacity to work effectively with international students and donors.
- Computer literacy: databases, Microsoft office, e-mail, web and social media applications.
Other Considerations
- Domestic and international travel will be required. A valid passport for international travel is required, as is the willingness to travel overnight periodically for work.
- Standard hours of work are 8:45am to 5:00pm although there will be considerable evening and weekend work required.
Closing Date: 01/09/2026, 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: $136,859 - nominal maximum of $273,717
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial
