At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fundraising and alumni relations to drive growth and impact at Carleton University.
- Company: Join Carleton University, a top employer known for innovation and community engagement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment with a focus on mental health and professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse and inclusive community committed to positive change.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in higher education while shaping the future of philanthropy.
- Qualifications: Proven success in fundraising and leadership within complex mission-driven environments.
OPEN COMPETITION Please note that the role will be posted until filled.
About Carleton University
Carleton University is situated on unceded Algonquin territory and bordered by the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in Ottawa, Ontario. The university is just minutes from the heart of our nation's government and G-7 organizations and this capital advantage provides opportunities for staff and faculty and students to make a positive impact in our community and around the world. Named a Top 100 Employer in 2023, 2024 and 2025, and a National Capital Region Top Employer for 10 consecutive years, Carleton University is one of Canada’s most resourceful and productive hubs of learning and research, fuelling a rich talent pipeline that is supporting social and economic renewal. The university’s smart, caring and connected community inspires and empowers individuals to become change leaders who drive impact in the world while challenging conventional modes of thinking and doing. At Carleton, we are committed to fostering an innovative, equitable and welcoming work environment.
Duties And Responsibilities
Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-President, Advancement is an inaugural leadership role focused on driving growth, bold ideas, and meaningful impact. As the University’s chief advancement executive and a member of the President’s Executive Team, the Vice-President will oversee and provide support and strategic leadership for fundraising, alumni relations, donor engagement, advancement communications, campaign development, and external relationship-building. Building on Carleton’s ambitious vision and growing reputation, the Vice-President will work closely with the President, Board of Governors, Deans, academic leaders, campaign cabinet, faculty and staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners to strengthen Carleton’s culture of philanthropy and engagement while advancing its academic, research, and student success priorities.
Leading an accomplished team of advancement professionals, the Vice-President will develop and execute a comprehensive advancement strategy that deepens alumni engagement, expands philanthropic support, strengthens institutional partnerships, and positions Carleton for transformational fundraising success in support of its academic mission. The Vice-President will also contribute to university-wide strategy and decision-making and serve as a trusted advisor on external engagement, reputation-building, and long-term institutional sustainability.
As the ideal candidate, you are a respected advancement leader with a record of success securing major and transformational gifts, leading comprehensive fundraising campaigns, and building high-performing advancement teams. You will bring exceptional relationship-building abilities, emotional intelligence, and credibility with donors, volunteers, alumni, academic leaders, boards, and external partners. Your experience in higher education or similarly complex mission-driven environments will be considered an asset. A strategic and innovative thinker, you have outstanding communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to inspire confidence and commitment across diverse stakeholder groups. Equally important is your commitment to collaboration, inclusion, accountability, service excellence, and community engagement.
Health and Safety Requirements
This position is regularly required to work on campus in person. In the event of a public health emergency or a health and safety issue, it is possible that you may be required to work temporarily remotely due to public health orders, directives and/or health and safety requirements. If this happens, you will work with your direct manager to set up a remote work environment including discussing appropriate technology and requirements. You are required to follow all University policies and directives, including to set up a safe and confidential workspace in a remote location and ensure all Carleton property (intellectual and other) is safeguarded. If required to work remotely, you will be notified by your manager when working full time physically onsite will resume.
Vice-President, Advancement in Ottawa employer: Carleton University
Carleton University is an exceptional employer, recognized as a Top 100 Employer for three consecutive years and a National Capital Region Top Employer for a decade. Located in the vibrant city of Ottawa, the university offers a supportive and innovative work culture that prioritizes employee well-being and professional growth, fostering a community where staff can thrive and make a meaningful impact in education and research.
