Associate Director, Advancement Services

About Toronto Metropolitan

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world.

For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our academic plan

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

About University Advancement

University Advancement (UA) is a comprehensive development and alumni relations enterprise serving the priorities of TMU’s academic plan. Our mission is to build lifelong relationships, engaging alumni and friends, faculty and staff, and corporations and foundations, and matching their interests with the needs and priorities of the university. University Advancement at TMU is a dedicated team of professionals, committed to collaboration, diversity, and integrity, and to being trustworthy stewards of our donors’ investments.

University Advancement especially welcomes applications from individuals who self identify as women, Black, Indigenous or a racialized person, who will be integral towards serving our highly diverse student population. If you identify as a member of one of these groups, we encourage you to let us know in your cover letter. We are building a culture of recognizing and celebrating diversity and welcome you to join us.

The Opportunity

Shape the operational and financial foundation of University Advancement and help drive informed decision-making across the division.

University Advancement is seeking an Associate Director, Advancement Services to manage gift processing, regulatory compliance, financial audit preparation, pledge management, on-line giving forms, annual fund processes, records management and administrative workflows. Working closely with the Executive Director and senior leadership, you will provide trusted operational oversight, ensure compliance with Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines, and establish robust internal financial controls for all philanthropic contributions.

This role serves as a key operational partner across the institution, delivering the administrative rigor, financial accuracy, and guidance needed to support sound decision-making and Advancement priorities.

Responsibilities Include

Records Management, Gift Processing, CRA Compliance & Audit Management

• Records Management: Manages the coding of constituent records, participates in strategic discussions of how to best record information in UA CRM.
• CRA Compliance & Tax Receipting: Manages the university’s gift acceptance policies and operations, serving as the subject matter expert on tax receipting regulations to ensure full adherence to CRA guidelines.
• Audit Liaison & Documentation: Acts as the primary contact with Financial Services for donation reconciliation and inquiries. Liaises with internal and external auditors, ensuring all financial processes are fully documented to meet audit standards and is the primary contact for Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance and audits.
• Financial Oversight & Cost Centres: Oversees all aspects of donor records, including establishing cost centres for donation accounts and university trust cost centres.
  
  

Administrative Processes & Donor Pledge Management

• Pledge & Sponsorship Management: Designs, manages, and executes pledge and sponsorship collection workflows, implementing operational strategies to maximize fulfillment rates and streamline tracking. Reviews all pledge and sponsorship agreements to ensure compliance with gift processing standards.
• Policy & Governance: Formulates, implements, and monitors administrative processes, guidelines, and internal controls for donation handling.
• Strategic Committee Representation: Participates in university-wide committees to provide operational guidance and institutional giving initiatives.
• On-line giving instruments and Annual Fund Processes: Leads the creation of all on-line giving forms, collaborates with stakeholders on appropriate fundraising cases, communicates with stakeholders on results or adjustments to enhance fundraising success.
  
  

Staff Supervision & Operational Leadership

• Team Management & Development: Supervises, mentors, and directs staff (including Gift Acceptance and operations personnel), assigning tasks, setting clear goals, prioritizing workflows, and conducting performance evaluations.
• Talent Management & Recruitment: Leads hiring, training, and professional development programs to maximize staff potential and keep skills updated. Manages performance, corrective actions, and staffing decisions in consultation with leadership.
• Culture & Diversity: Cultivates clarity of roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities while actively advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within team operations and hiring initiatives.
  
  

Qualifications

To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:

• Completion of a post-secondary university degree in business administration, accounting, management, communications, or a relevant field.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in advancement operations, financial administration, or public relations within a post-secondary or complex public sector environment.
• Two (2) to three (3) years of direct experience managing, leading, and developing staff, preferably within a unionized environment. In-depth knowledge of CRA charitable guidelines, tax receipting regulations, gift acceptance protocols, and experience liaising with internal/external auditors.
• Strong proficiency in gift reconciliation, pledge management, fund accounting, cost centre tracking, and generating reports for executive leadership.
• Proven ability to handle non-routine issues, interpret complex policies, resolve donor/operational inquiries diplomatically, and establish new processes for unique situations. Able to multitask and respond quickly to urgent situations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to advise senior stakeholders, manage multi-departmental contacts, and work collaboratively across teams.
• A commitment to ongoing learning and implementing of initiatives centring equity and inclusion Proficiency using: Google Workspace and applications (Gmail, Calendar, Drive, Meet, Docs, Sheets and Slides) and a Windows based database, Fundraising CRM and Zoom; Working knowledge of complex information systems, prospect tracking, research, charitable giving laws , basic financial planning and deferred giving programs.
  
  

Leadership Competencies

Leaders at TMU are required to demonstrate the following Leadership Competencies:

• Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.
• Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.
• Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.
• Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
• Drives Vision & Results: Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision-making to achieve desired outcomes.
  
  

Additional Information (MAC)

Position Number(s) 10001330Reports To Executive Director, Advancement Services Department University AdvancementEmployee Group MACVacancy Type

Term

This is a new vacancy.

Work Location Hybrid Start Date ASAPEnd Date One year from start dateHours of Work 36.25Grade D61 Salary Scale $97,655 - $155,994Hiring Salary Range $97,655 - $126,825TA Specialist -Posting Date October 19, 2026Application Close Date October 29, 2026

• Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
• Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.