Associate Director of Development, Special Projects (Donor Relations)

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

Reporting to the Senior Director, Donor Relations and Stewardship, the Associate Director of Development, Special Projects The Associate Director, Special Projects position is situated within the Donor Relations team and provides operational oversight, team leadership and project coordination for key stewardship initiatives across University Advancement. The role contributes to the effective delivery of donor relations activities, helping to ensure alignment with donor intent and institutional commitments. It oversees the coordination of stewardship requirements, impact reporting and the annual endowment financial statement audit and distribution process, ensuring that work is appropriately prioritized, timelines are monitored and deliverables meet established standards for accuracy, consistency and quality. Working collaboratively with colleagues across University Advancement, the position leads a team responsible for producing donor reports, maintaining stewardship records and completing assigned projects. Through effective workload management, quality assurance, project coordination and continuous improvement, the role supports the timely fulfillment of stewardship deliverables and helps maintain donor confidence.

Key Responsibilities

Stewardship Compliance

• Oversee the review of donor documentation to identify donor intent, reporting obligations, recognition commitments and other stewardship requirements.
• Ensure donor commitments and stewardship requirements are accurately documented and recorded in the appropriate systems, with clear timelines and deliverables established for fulfillment.
  
  

Impact Reporting and Donor Communications

• Coordinate the production and delivery of donor updates, including sourcing and researching content.
• Apply established templates, stewardship standards and stewardship guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency.
  
  

Endowment Reporting Coordination

• Coordinate endowment package and financial gift updates for donor presentation.
  
  

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and support direct reports, providing direction, setting priorities and managing workload to ensure the timely delivery of assigned responsibilities.
• Support staff development, knowledge sharing, collaboration and continuous improvement.
  
  

Qualifications

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

• Post-secondary degree in a relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 4-5 years of experience of progressively responsible fundraising and development management experience preferably in an educational supporting donor engagement and stewardship.
• Exceptional relationship building and communication skills including presentation and public speaking.
• Strong persuasive writing skills and editing experience, specifically in the area of report writing for internal and external audiences.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail to deliver high-quality content, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated analytical and research skills to review and analyze and develop complex proposals and reports.
• Collaborates responsiveness while maintaining the utmost discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive donor information.
• 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), Microsoft Office and a Windows based database, CRM and Zoom;
  
  

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) 20003301Reports To Senior Director, Donor RelationsDepartment University AdvancementEmployee Group MAC Vacancy Type

Term

This is a new vacancy.

Work LocationHybrid Start DateASAPEnd DateOne year from start dateHours of Work 36.25Grade C51Salary Scale $78,550 - $125,475Hiring Salary Range $78,550 - $102,012TA 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.