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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 Managing Director, Principal Gifts, fundraise for McGill’s Strategic Priorities and lead and deliver on McGill’s corporate philanthropic strategy. Cultivate a portfolio of individual and corporate prospects to build a sustainable pipeline and substantially grow philanthropic revenue for McGill.

The candidate will work collaboratively with Faculty members, senior management and advancement colleagues to identify, cultivate, solicit and evaluate potential donors and will develop major gift fundraising strategies and timetables to secure gifts, with a focus on the $500K- 4.99M Gift band. 

Primary Responsibilities:

In consultation with the Managing Director, Principal Gifts, cultivate a portfolio of corporate prospects to sustain a pipeline of annual revenue of $3M+ and substantially grow corporate philanthropic revenue.    

In consultation with the Managing Director, Principal Gifts, fundraise for McGill’s Strategic Priorities with a focus on the $500K – $4.99M gift band

Manage a prospect portfolio (approx. 75-100) of corporations and individuals and carry out significant steps (moves) in accordance with a strategy designed to result in increased philanthropic support for McGill.

Lead McGill’s corporate philanthropic strategy and work collaboratively and inclusively with internal stakeholders on the strategy for McGill’s top corporate prospects.

Develop individual fundraising strategies and timetables, with a focus on securing gifts of $500K or more from top prospects in the portfolio.

Through personal visits, identify and qualify individuals and corporations to determine capacity, inclination and interests in providing philanthropic support to McGill.  Evaluate and recommend appropriate next steps for newly qualified potential donors and current donors.

Work with the Managing Director, Principal Gifts and development staff to establish and successfully execute fundraising strategies for prospects who can benefit from strategic collaboration. 

Exercise innovative leadership in the development of long-term and annual plans and programs in the area of Corporate Relations for McGill: plan, implement, monitor and direct corporate fund-raising.

Develop a holistic corporate fundraising program, providing guidance to the University community on the processes governing the University’s corporate fundraising strategies across both Research and Innovation and University Advancement.

Provide expertise in a diverse range of industry-oriented programs within the University, including those oriented towards research, recruitment, internship and co-op education, student awards, volunteer engagement. Through such collaborations ensure the capture and efficient exchange of information among participants and contributors with an aim to advance the fund-raising enterprise.

Undertake projects for donor and volunteer relations and provide status reports.

Act as liaison to strengthen relationships between donors, volunteers and the University in support of corporate relations fundraising objectives.

Identify, recruit, train, orient, and supervise volunteers to assist with fund-raising activities that will foster and strengthen and sustain long-term relations with corporate partners.

Develop and ensure that corporate donor and volunteer recognition, acknowledgement, stewardship and communications programs are in place.

Undertake special projects designed to heighten the profile of the University in the business community; and strengthen University relationships within key corporate donor constituencies and markets.

Secure and manage fundraising resources in line with the University’s policies.

Generate materials and correspondence promoting the needs of the University

Establish close partnerships within RI and works jointly with RI to increase the University’s Philanthropic Research commitment (which also counts in UA’s totals), meeting with the Office of Sponsored Research regularly to coordinate and advance foundation and association files.  

Minimum Education & Experience:

Undergraduate degree

Eight (8) years' related experience

Other Qualifying Skills And/Or Abilities:

Have a minimum of eight years of experience – ten to fifteen preferred - of relevant and progressive corporate philanthropic fundraising experience, preferably in a higher educational setting with a proven and successful track record securing significant philanthropic gifts in a leadership role.   A demonstrated record of accomplishment in developing and implementing multi-faceted and integrated fundraising plans in a complex environment. In-depth knowledge of fundraising principles and processes. Demonstrated knowledge of corporate relations with established relationships in the business community.  Well versed in strategies for developing and building revenue generating opportunities for the University. Results-driven, a self-starter, and highly motivated with a demonstrated ability to build constructive and effective relationships. Professional attitude, diplomacy, and ability to collaborate with others to reach objectives in a team environment.  Excellent interpersonal skills with strong presentation and written communications skills.  Client-focused, with demonstrated skills in listening, planning, organizing, priority setting, analyzing and problem solving.  Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to effectively manage multiple projects within tightly prescribed timetables.  Ability to work autonomously and manage own schedule. Ability to work in the evenings and/or weekends and to travel as required for meetings with prospects, donors, etc. Demonstrated ability to work in a computerized environment, using MS Office, and client-server database software.  Effective written and verbal skills in English and French including ability to make oral presentations and lead and conduct effective meetings with a diverse range of constituents. 

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

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 on a scale of 0-4.

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

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree 8 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary:

(MPEX Grade 09) $113,100.00 - $141,380.00 - $174,110.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-COM4C - Development & Alumni Relations - Director or equivalent (C)

Hours per Week:

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Managing Director, Principal Gifts

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply:

2026-06-29

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.