Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations
Reporting to the Principal, the Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations is responsible for all fundraising, alumni relations, and communications.
As a senior leader in the College, in the department of advancement, they set the direction for external relations. They should be a strategic, big picture thinker with an empowering leadership style. Focused on building relationships, they are energized by connecting people to the mission of Knox College.
Position is Filled for this Role
Who Are We
Knox College is a Christian theological school in the Reformed Protestant tradition which offers academic degree programs at the post-baccalaureate level. A seminary of The Presbyterian Church in Canada, Knox is a federated College of the University of Toronto, and a founding member of the Toronto School of Theology. Knox College is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada.
Our Mission
Knox College educates people to think deeply about God, live authentically in Christian faith, and lead courageously in shifting spiritual and social landscapes.
Our Vision
A world where people of faith build vibrant communities of God’s love and hope.
Opportunity
Reporting to the Principal, the Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations is responsible for all fundraising, alumni relations, and communications.
As a senior leader in the College, in the department of advancement, they set the direction for external relations. They should be a strategic, big picture thinker with an empowering leadership style. Focused on building relationships, they are energized by connecting people to the mission of Knox College.
The Director will have an understanding of the church constituencies of Knox College and its vision and mission, they are a confident public speaker, open to speaking in various settings.
The Director will serve as a lead team member in the Advancement and Alumni Relations Office. Other members of the department include the Constituent Relations and Database Management Associate and the Communications Officer (currently a contract role).
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising
- Lead all fundraising efforts, including capital campaigns, major, middle, and direct mail programs.
- Set and maintain the advancement budget.
- Develop a legacy giving program.
- Grow the major donor program while directly managing a roster of major donors.
Congregational and Denominational Relations
- Connect with denomination and congregation leaders on behalf of Knox College.
- Understand and connect with Presbyterian donor culture.
- Share Knox College vision in supporting congregations.
Alumni Relations
- Strengthen a network of alumni across Canada and beyond.
- Develop relationships with graduating students to maintain relationship with the College .
- Partner with Registrar and Recruitment to support church relations.
- Liaise with alumni association (KEGA) and former resident association (KnoxFRA).
Communications and Marketing
- Oversee of all materials promoting Knox College, including our magazine Vocations.
- Oversee creation and implementation of marketing plan.
Qualifications/Skills Required
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Active member of a fundraising association and professional certification in fundraising (CFRE or equivalent) preferred.
- Significant experience in a major gift role.
- Experience leading and developing an advancement team, including volunteers.
- Proven track record of success in cultivation and solicitation.
- Experience working with a Board of Governors and its committees .
- Capacity for strategic thinking, analysis, planning, and implementation.
- A natural relationship builder and networker, able to mobilize alumni and supporters around key college objectives.
- An intelligent and compassionate listener and good interpersonal communicator.
- A contemporary practitioner who is cognizant of and comfortable with the technologies available to them, including social media.
Compensation
- The hiring range for this role is $89,000 - $98,000, plus benefits. Compensation will be determined by the candidate’s experience and capabilities brought to the position.
- Contract Duration: full-Time, three-year renewable with 3-month preliminary review, 6-month probation review, and annual performance review.
