Director, Development, Faculty of Health Sciences in Hamilton

The Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University is seeking a strategic development leader in the role of Director, Development to grow private revenue for the faculty and the University, in support of the faculty’s highest-priority opportunities and McMaster’s broader academic vision. It is our shared values that help us to achieve University Advancement’s vision and mission; they are Integrity, Quality, Respect, Service, Strategy and Teamwork.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Development, the Director, Development leads a portfolio of major and principal gifts, strengthening the Faculty’s relationships, reputation, and resources through high-touch relationship building and revenue generation. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to academic leadership, providing strategic counsel on significant philanthropic opportunities while building, growing, and stewarding the Faculty’s most important donor relationships and identifying new opportunities aligned with McMaster’s research and educational priorities.

Leading a team accountable for securing a minimum of 25% of University Advancement’s overall private revenue goals, the Director has a primary focus on gifts of $250,000 and above. The portfolio also includes complex principal and transformational gifts ($1M to $10M) requiring collaboration across multiple internal and external partners. In these substantial opportunities, the Director works closely with University Advancement’s senior leaders and other key contributors as part of a coordinated, team-based approach to development strategy and donor engagement.

As an integrated member of the University Advancement team, the Director leads strategies to secure transformative current and future gifts, including major gifts, pledges, bequests, insurance, gifts of securities, and other forms of philanthropic support. This work involves meaningful engagement with prominent Canadian and international leaders, University leadership, key volunteers, and researchers.

The ideal candidate will bring strategic and entrepreneurial thinking, complemented by exceptional judgement, initiative, diplomacy, and communication skills. A highly collaborative and results-oriented leader, the incumbent will be adept at translating strategy into action, navigating complex organizational environments, and leading professional staff, volunteers, budgets, and data with strong financial acumen.

The hiring range for this position is $130,000 – $145,000 plus incentive performance pay eligibility of up to 10% of base salary, along with an excellent benefits package. The role requires a minimum of two days per week on campus.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• In collaboration with senior Advancement leaders, develop and implement strategies to strengthen major giving and drive sustained revenue growth for the Faculty.
• Develop and manage an annual operating plan and budget for the Faculty’s fundraising program, with clear, measurable objectives.
• Provide leadership and direction in advancing fundraising plans, campaigns, and strategies that drive revenue growth across the Faculty.
• Partner with senior Faculty leadership to develop advancement strategies aligned with academic priorities and build compelling cases for support that inspire significant major gifts.
• Collaborate across University Advancement to advance shared financial, strategic, and organizational goals.
• Model a culture of collaboration, integration and service to support the University’s core research and academic missions.
• Represent the Faculty and University at all relevant community and University events, nationally and internationally.
• Further the culture of philanthropy at the University within the Faculty of Health Sciences.

Major and Principal Gift Development

• Manage a portfolio of 30–50 donors, leading cultivation and solicitation efforts to deepen engagement and increase philanthropic support.
• Further develop and strengthen a pipeline of prospective donors, identifying and cultivating opportunities for major and principal gifts to drive future revenue growth.
• Support University Advancement senior leaders in engaging the President, Vice-Presidents, senior University leaders, and volunteers in the cultivation and solicitation of principal gift donors.
• Develop a deep understanding of the Faculty’s research, teaching, priorities, and needs, and leverage this knowledge to align donor interests with meaningful opportunities for support.
• Collaborate with Stewardship and Advancement colleagues on major gift announcements, events, and ongoing donor stewardship.
• Monitor fundraising progress and initiatives, evaluate solicitation strategies, and recommend adjustments to ensure continued progress toward Faculty goals.
• Lead, motivate, and mentor a team of development professionals to deliver on the Faculty’s vision, priorities, and short- and long-term goals.
• Oversee human resource activity for direct reports including recruiting and onboarding, goal setting, performance management, development, and engagement initiatives.
• Work with University Advancement’s senior leaders to establish goals and objectives including annual professional development plans for team members.

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

• Proven track record of success in securing and contributing to the closing of $1M+ and other complex donations and partnerships.
• Demonstrated experience in major giving fundraising, preferably within the post-secondary system, healthcare, or other complex organizational environments.
• Experience leading and managing teams of high-performing, donor-centred development professionals.
• Skilled in designing and implementing sophisticated gift structures and supporting others in this work.
• Superior skills and knowledge in attracting, building and maintaining sustainable relationships with donors and supporters.
• Demonstrated expertise in human resources, volunteer management, and budget management.
• High level of comfort and credibility working with senior academic leaders and volunteers.

Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies

• Vision and the ability to think strategically with a creative and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Donor-centred and goal-oriented with a reputation for integrity and transparency.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with relational donor databases.
• Strong attention to detail and program management skills.
• Excellent skills in critical analysis and decision-making.
• High level of tact, discretion, and diplomacy.
• Sound judgement and strong initiative.
• Ability to develop a solid understanding of the mission of a research-intensive university.
• Strong financial acumen and proficiency in data analytics.
• Ability to navigate and be effective within a complex organization that values collaboration in addition to individuality and creativity.
• Knowledge of Canadian Revenue Agency regulations regarding Charitable Giving.

Education

• A University degree is preferred.
• A McMaster degree is an asset.
• A Master’s degree is an asset.

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 our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.