Director of Development

THE OPPORTUNITY

Tel Aviv University Canada (TAU Canada) is seeking
two
results-oriented and relationship-driven Directors of Development to lead fundraising efforts from our offices in
Toronto and Montreal
. This senior role is ideal for a strategic fundraiser and natural connector who thrives in a collaborative, agile environment and is inspired by TAU's global impact in research, innovation, and education.

Reporting to the CEO and as an integral member of the team, the Director will play a pivotal role in expanding TAU Canada's philanthropic footprint, cultivating and securing major gifts, and driving revenue growth to support the University's priorities. The Director will be a proactive self-starter who enjoys building authentic, lasting relationships with donors, volunteers, staff, and the community.

The Director will partner with senior volunteer leaders, including an engaged and expanding board presence, to strengthen TAU Canada's reach and visibility across Canada.

With a proven record in major gift fundraising, the Director will build on TAU Canada's loyal supporter base, leverage existing data to identify warm leads, and utilize research and community knowledge to uncover new prospects, thereby building and managing a robust donor portfolio.

Supporting TAU Canada's signature events, the Director will use these and other activities as cultivation and stewardship opportunities that deepen donor engagement and inspire continued investment.

The Director will have the opportunity to leverage the investments TAU Canada has been making to strengthen fundraising capacity and infrastructure, including a new donor database (Raiser's Edge NXT), prospect research support, and operational efficiencies, allowing more time to be dedicated to donor relationships.

TAU Canada offers a collaborative, nimble, and supportive environment that fosters creativity and an openness to new ideas and approaches to achieving goals and solving problems.  Travel within Canada for donor meetings will be required, as well as to Israel (up to once per year).

ABOUT TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY

Tel Aviv University (TAU) is Israel's largest and most dynamic institution of higher education, known globally for its cutting-edge research, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to innovation.

Founded in 1956, TAU has grown into the most influential university in Israel today. From groundbreaking research to life-saving technology, TAU is shaping the future of Israeli society and producing alumni who become tomorrow's leaders, teachers and innovators. Many of Israel's leaders in medicine, technology, law, music, film, and government are graduates. The university has been ranked 7th among the top 10 schools globally for producing successful, venture capital-backed founders of companies in a survey of over 13,000 entrepreneurs worldwide (Pitchbook TAU remains the only non-U.S. university to make the top 10.

At Tel Aviv University (TAU), innovation is driven by the talented faculty members and students working under their guidance. These researchers illuminate our world with brainpower, determination and creativity.

Investment in Research is critical for future generations to thrive and reach their full potential, as well as for advancing knowledge and scientific discovery.

ABOUT TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY CANADA

Tel Aviv University Canada (TAU Canada) bridges the university and its Canadian community of supporters, driving philanthropy, academic collaboration, and strategic engagement from coast to coast. We are a passionate, mission-driven team committed to advancing education, research, and innovation that help shape a stronger Israel and a better world. Tel Aviv University Canada provides direct funding support for Tel Aviv University's (TAU) educational and research goals, facilitated by enhanced public awareness of the University's achievements and programming through the development of a strong local network of support. As part of a global network of friends' associations, TAU Canada facilitates academic and research partnerships between Canada and Israel, establishes scholarships, supports research, cultivates student and faculty exchanges, and recruits Canadian students to participate in the TAU International Program.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Leadership:

• In collaboration with the CEO, design and execute a comprehensive development strategy, focusing on major gifts and long-term donor engagement.

• Develop, monitor, and report on goals and objectives aligned with organizational strategies and budgets.

Donor Cultivation & Stewardship:

• Build and actively manage a robust personal portfolio of high-net-worth prospects and donors, including individuals, foundations, corporations, and community partners.

• Support the CEO and senior volunteers with all donor relations activities and resources so that they may successfully activate and engage their networks.

• Build and oversee a major gift stewardship framework inclusive of all reports, events, and activities.

• Proactively seek opportunities to engage donors and volunteers across Canada.

Strategic Collaboration:

• Work closely with the CEO and national team to align regional efforts with national and international priorities, including university campaigns and special initiatives.

• Work in partnership with marketing and communications colleagues on fundraising collateral, including but not limited to proposals, cases for support, stewardship materials, impact reports, event materials, etc.

Event & Mission Planning:

• Assist in planning and executing donor cultivation events, briefings, and delegations to Tel Aviv University, enhancing donor connection and impact.

• Actively participate and support TAU Canada fundraising events; leverage events for donor and sponsor cultivation and giving opportunities.

Data and Technology:

• Utilize Raiser's Edge NXT to manage donor pipelines, track engagement, and generate actionable insights.

• Leverage current and emerging technologies for pipeline development, donor qualification, etc.

Community Engagement:

• Represent TAU Canada at key events and within relevant networks to elevate the organization's visibility and influence.

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

• Progressive experience in fundraising, with a strong emphasis on major gifts and donor relations.

• Proven success growing a portfolio of donors/prospects and securing gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.

• Proactive, driven, a self-starter; personally motivated to uncover leads and build lasting donor relationships.

• Experience engaging and supporting volunteers in a major gift capacity.

• Strong understanding of donor stewardship with experience developing plans, materials, and activities that strengthen donor engagement.

• Experience leading and driving support for fundraising and cultivation events.

• Understanding of the philanthropic landscape in Canada.

• Experience with Raiser's Edge NXT or other CRM systems is a strong asset.

• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills with the ability to persuade and motivate giving.

• Strategic thinker with a high degree of initiative, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.

• Willingness to travel regionally and occasionally internationally.

• Passion for higher education, Israel, and global impact.