Associate Director Donor Relations

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University Advancement (UA) promotes McGill to its global community and to the public, engaging alumni, volunteers and friends of the University, and building on McGill’s record of fundraising success in support of University priorities.

By joining UA, you can be part of a dynamic and exciting team of professionals that is making an extraordinary impact on the world by advancing the philanthropic and engagement ambitions of McGill University.

To find out more about UA, please visit us at www.mcgill.ca/advancement/ua-careers .

Position Summary: 

Reporting to the Director, Donor Relations and Volunteer Engagement, the Associate Director, Donor Relations contributes to the design, implementation and management of an University-wide donor relations program that appropriately and consistently stewards donors to deepen the relationship and amplify giving.

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Lead the development of a donor-centered stewardship and recognition framework that enhances donor engagement, satisfaction, and long-term philanthropic commitment.

• Build  short and long-term action plans for donor relations and contribute to the annual plans of other University Advancement units .  Develop and implement a comprehensive program for donor relations in collaboration with key stakeholders.

• Oversee, coach and manage the team responsible for the development and execution of donor relations activities in support of Faculty and University priorities. Hire, train, coach and mentor staff. Set departmental and individual goals; provide routine evaluation of progress and regular feedback towards these goals.

• Ensure donor relations activities are aligned with the University’s strategic plan and vision and that of the overall Advancement unit.

• Ensure donors’ expectations are met and that best practices are followed.

• Contribute to the effective support of Faculty priorities through consistent communication and collaboration with Faculty Development Leads, Deans and other Faculty representatives, as appropriate.

• Act as a subject-matter expert in the development of stewardship strategies specific to individual priority donors and time-limited campaigns.   

• Maintain effective collaboration and communication with development staff, Advancement Operations, UA Communications, and Alumni Engagement to ensure alignment of activities and timelines and optimal cross-unit efficiencies.

• Contribute to the development of University policies related to Donor Relations, activities, in consultation and collaboration with stakeholders within University Advancement and across campus.

• Develop and communicate internal processes, protocols and guidelines to support effective and strategic stewardship.

• In collaboration with the Donor reporting team, oversee the development and delivery of donor impact reports and stewardship communications that demonstrate the outcomes of philanthropic support.

• In collaboration with the Director, Donor Relations and Volunteer Engagement, and in consultation with Advancement Operations, define metrics to understand the output and impact of the Donor Relations program. Analyze data to monitor the effectiveness of donor relations strategies and make recommendations for improvement, in consultation with development staff and University Advancement leadership.

• Collaborate with Advancement Operations to ensure the continued development of technical infrastructure in support of donor relations programs and activities across campus.

• Collaborate with partners in Development and Prospect and Pipeline Management to align stewardship and cultivation programs, strategies, systems and tools

• Provide for workshops, information sessions and individual training on donor relations processes/systems to both Advancement and University-wide colleagues.

• Initiate and maintain formal connections with partners across the University with the goal of improving collaboration on donor relations processes between UA central and other units including Campus Planning, Student Services, and External Relations, units responsible for gift administration, among others.  Offer trainings, workshops and informational materials, as needed.

• Undertake special projects ass required by University and Advancement priorities and opportunities.

Minimum Education & Experience: 

Undergraduate degree

Five (5) years' related experience

Other Qualifying Skills And/Or Abilities: 

Direct experience with the development, implementation and management of donor relations programs, preferably in an academic/higher education setting.  Experience managing and coaching a team of high-performing professionals. High-level expertise in the role of project manager of donor-focused activities and events, from strategic development to final execution. Knowledge and understanding of McGill University Advancement and its priorities is a strong asset. Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to effectively manage multiple projects within tightly prescribed timetables. Excellent organizational, planning and time management skills. Focused and goal-oriented, with a high level of initiative, along with the ability to analyze and solve complex problems. Client-focused with extremely effective interpersonal skills and a professional presence and manner, capable of exercising independent judgement and flexibility. Proven ability to work with a broad group of external and internal constituents. Strong presentation and written communications skills, in English and French. Demonstrated ability to work in a PC environment, using MS Office, and client-server database software.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level #4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Bachelor's Degree 5 Years Related Experience /

(MPEX Grade 07) $92,150.00 - $115,190.00 - $138,230.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-COM3C - Development & Alumni Relations - Senior Professional/Manager

33.75 (Full time)

Director Donor and Volunteer Engagement

2026-09-04