Search begins for new senior University Advancement leadership roles

McMaster is a university with impact and is building leadership capacity to launch the most ambitious fundraising campaign in our history. The creation of two new senior leadership roles will support transformational philanthropic activities in the university’s quest for academic excellence and global recognition. We are in the planning phase of our next campaign when the necessary internal infrastructure, resources and campaign strategy are put in place.

Associate Vice-President, Pan-University Advancement (Faculties and Units)

Reporting to the Vice-President, University Advancement, the Associate Vice-President, Pan-University Advancement (Faculties and Units) (AVP) is a critical leadership role responsible for providing strategic direction and maximizing philanthropic income across the university’s Faculties and campuses. This new role requires forming collaborative relationships with senior McMaster leaders and beyond and embedding a culture of philanthropy across the university. Skilled at supporting the most senior leaders in an organization, the AVP will be an outstanding collaborator and relationship builder. The AVP will work with Faculties and units across campus and in partnership with peers in Health Sciences to ensure a coordinated approach to advancement activities across the university. The AVP will showcase well-developed strategic thinking and evidence of creativity and problem-solving capabilities. The ability to create a team environment and mobilize diverse constituents to align with McMaster’s overall goals is essential.

Chief Development Officer (Programs)

Reporting to the Vice-President, University Advancement, the Chief Development Officer (Programs) oversees financial goals to increase the university’s fundraising performance while also playing a critical role in planning a comprehensive fundraising campaign. The Chief Development Officer (Programs) is responsible for the strategy and for leading pan-university fundraising programs including leadership and corporate, foundation relations, estate, annual and principal giving. This enterprise-wide role aims to maximize philanthropic income and engage with key external audiences in support of McMaster’s overarching strategic goals. This role involves building strong relationships with university leaders, maintaining donor connections and leading a team responsible for setting fundraising goals and metrics. The successful candidate will be an experienced fundraising executive with several years of people management experience, ideally gained in a public sector or charitable environment. Expertise in the areas of principal giving, annual giving, estate giving, and building relationships with corporate foundations is essential, as is experience leading a comprehensive fundraising campaign. The ideal candidate will be highly professional, adaptable and demonstrate the sophistication to represent McMaster’s ambitions to external partners and constituents.

By building collaborative relationships with campaign leadership and other senior leaders in the development and delivery of initiatives, these leaders will work to support the university’s institutional priorities. We look forward to discussing this great opportunity with candidates who bring a fresh perspective and valuable experience to the roles. Applications are encouraged immediately at https://careers.odgersberndtson.com/en-ca/job/28863/. For more information, please contact Julia Robarts and Amelia Keller of Odgers Berndtson at macadvancement@odgersberndtson.com. Consideration of candidates begins in November 2023, with the new leaders ideally starting early in the new year or as soon as possible thereafter.

The diversity of the McMaster workforce is at the core of its innovation and creativity and strengthens its research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration, and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The university seeks qualified candidates who share its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from Indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. The selection committee assembled reflects a diverse range of perspectives to assist in our hiring process. Odgers Berndtson encourages you to take a moment and access its Self-Declaration Form.