Associate Director, Advancement Communications

Date Posted: 10/17/2025

Req ID: 45520

Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Department: Office of Advancement

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Position Number:

About us:

The Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering is a world-renowned community of researchers and students dedicated to solving some of the world's most pressing challenges through collaborative and multidisciplinary research and experiential education. Through rigorous technical training, and unparalleled extracurricular and professional experience opportunities, we prepare the next generation of engineering leaders and change-makers to unlock the future's potential.

The Office of Advancement works to sustain and enhance the Faculty's academic mission, leadership and worldwide impact by engaging alumni and private-sector stakeholders. As part of Defy Gravity: The Campaign for the University of Toronto, we seek to harness the talent, generosity, and compassion of our global community to strengthen the University's commitment to inclusive excellence and accelerate work on the most complex issues facing our world today.

Your opportunity:

Under the direction of the Director of Campaigns and Major Gifts, the Associate Director, Advancement Communications will be responsible for developing compelling principal gift and major gift proposals, and translating the vision of the faculty and compelling fundraising priorities into donor-friendly communications. The incumbent will also support the development of campaign progress materials and updates to key stakeholders.

The role will plan and develop clear and concise content that is both informative and compelling to inspire and generate philanthropic support for projects that align with the goals of the campaign, faculty and the advancement office. The Associate Director, Advancement Communications will play a vital role in enabling the faculty to achieve its fundraising goals and build strong, positive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Write, develop and research compelling and persuasive fundraising proposals and impact reports for individual donors, corporations, and foundations, and other writing needs for the major gift team.
• In conjunction with development colleagues, lead meetings with Directors, Chairs and other senior faculty members to translate their ideas into compelling cases for support.
• Overseeing production of all campaign materials from initial concept to final distribution.
• Developing charter, scope, resources and schedule for advancement writing project(s), including liaising with writers outside of Advancement to ensure work is completed on time and correctly.
• Provides support to the advancement team by proof-reading and editing donor communications.
• Provide consistent voice and tone for campaign and fundraising messaging for the team and faculty.
• Work with the Engineering Strategic Communications Office to produce content for publication featuring our donors and significant gifts to the faculty.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in English, communications or related field or equivalent combination of experience in communications.
• Minimum five years in an advancement communications role.
• Demonstrated experience crafting compelling narratives and writing proposals for major gifts proposals and impact reports at the $1,000,000+ level.
• Experience working with senior program members to elicit compelling stories for a fundraising narrative.
• Working experience with proposal, case development and campaign communications.
• Strong critical thinking and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work independently and as part of team to ensure that projects are completed.
• Ability to conduct focused interviews with constituents to develop content.
• Ability to handle multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft suite, including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Teams.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Highly inquisitive and comfortable working with ambiguity to find clarity.
• Working knowledge of graphic design software.
• Experience crafting STEM communications.
• Strong familiarity with academic culture, including the cultures of research, teaching and student experience.
• Project management experience.
• Experience working with cross functional teams to complete proposals.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Articulate
• Diplomatic
• Meticulous
• Persuasive

Work location: This role may be eligible for an Alternative Work Arrangement in accordance with the University of Toronto's Alternative Work Arrangements Guideline.

Note: This is a term position ending in January 2027.

Closing Date: 10/28/2025, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: USW

Appointment Type: Budget - Term

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:

USW Pay Band 15 - $97,348. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $124,491. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.

Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations

Lived Experience Statement

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.