Advancement Executive Director

Description:

Executive Director, Advancement
Position Type: Full-time, 3-year renewable contract.
Status: This posting is for an existing vacancy.
Application Deadline: Monday, February 23, 2026, at 11:59PM.
About Ivey Business School:

Ivey Business School acknowledges and respects the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak, and Attawandaron peoples, where Western University and Ivey Business School are located. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous peoples, whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of the community.

Ivey Business School (www.ivey.ca) at Western University (www.uwo.ca) is Canada’s leading provider of real-world, case-based business education. Drawing on extensive research and business experience, Ivey’s faculty provides the best classroom experience, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and capabilities they need to confidently take on today’s leadership challenges and opportunities through Case-Method Learning. Ivey offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as Executive Education at campuses in London, Toronto, and Hong Kong.

Position Overview:

As the Executive Director of Advancement at Ivey Business School you will be at the forefront of the Advancement department, contributing to our mission of bolstering philanthropic support and inspiring greater alumni engagement. In this pivotal role, you will lead a team and work collaboratively with cross-functional departments to drive key institutional priorities and significantly increase the school’s philanthropic potential.
The Executive Director role requires a results-oriented and innovative professional to make a significant impact on our department growth and support the Dean as the School plans for a new Campaign.

Qualifications: 

1. Donor Engagement Strategy 

Build on existing donor engagement programs to support initiatives such as new teaching programs, research centres, faculty support, and space naming opportunities.
Formulate long-term strategy and operating plans for Advancement, including campaign development and alumni relations program evolution.
Collaborate with the Dean and senior faculty to craft compelling proposals and presentations for prospective donors.
Develop and implement strategies for cultivation, solicitation, communication, and stewardship programs for key external constituents.
Oversee modernization of donor tracking systems and stewardship processes to ensure donor relations are personalized, timely, and strategic.
Personally manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, including individuals and corporations.

2. Strategic Advancement Operations and Internal Alignment 

Build and manage relationships with key external constituents and allocate senior volunteer resources to optimize the effectiveness of development efforts.
Work closely with cross-functional departments and leadership teams to align Advancement strategy with institutional goals.
Develop and allocate the budget for Advancement programs to align with Ivey-wide strategic objectives.
Engage external support agencies (consulting, design, communications, and printing) to amplify Ivey’s advancement initiatives.
Lead the development of robust information, research, and data management systems to identify, rank, track, and prioritize prospects, enabling data-informed decision making.

3. Strategic Leadership for Advancement Excellence

Secure active participation of faculty, staff, and students in Advancement initiatives to strengthen program authenticity and community support.
Lead, motivate, and empower a high-performing Advancement team to achieve bold fundraising and engagement goals.
Manage a portfolio of donors and prospects (individuals and businesses) as part of the comprehensive campaign, with direct involvement in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
Provide strategic guidance to academic leadership in shaping Advancement priorities that reflect Ivey’s core mission and strengths.

4. Volunteer Engagement 

Nurture mutually beneficial relationships with alumni, business partners, and key stakeholders, including managing, with the Dean the Ivey Advisory Board (IAB) and Ivey Asia Advisory Board (IAAB) and engaging with the Ivey Alumni Network (IAN).
Encourage volunteer engagement, philanthropic support, and advocacy to advance Ivey’s mission and initiatives.
Work with senior school leadership and the communications team to develop unified messages that resonates with stakeholders and reinforces Ivey’s key messages.
Ensure external communications with key audiences are consistent, purposeful, and aligned with Advancement and Ivey-wide priorities.
Support volunteer leaders in their roles as ambassadors and champions.

Education & Experience

University degree; graduate degree preferred.
Minimum of 15 years’ experience in progressively senior leadership roles in a related advancement environment.
Possess a passion for and demonstrated track record of success establishing a quality, sustainable advancement program.
Demonstrated success in the areas of capital campaigns, major gifts, planned gifts, corporation and foundation relations, and alumni programs.

Skills & Abilities

Superior written and oral communications; knowledge and understanding of communications and marketing strategy is essential.
Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to build relationships; professional in presence and demeanour.
Ability to manage multiple conflicting deadlines, assess priorities, and stress in an autonomous mode is critical.
Possess a significant understanding of the Canadian and U.S. philanthropic environment and an awareness of and sensitivity to other international philanthropic environments.
Recognized track record of successful performance in a competitive fundraising environment.
An in-depth understanding and commitment to the needs and goals of Ivey Business School and its corporate environment and an ability to articulate these to key stakeholders.
Demonstrated understanding of the nature and direction of Canadian, U.S. and global competitive environments, illustrated by an awareness of pressing issues and concerns facing business leadership.
Demonstrated leadership with an evolved level of emotional intelligence; demonstrated success motivating and empowering staff to achieve goals; ability to create a positive work environment and develop talent.
Demonstrated diplomacy through all interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
Possess strong planning, evaluation, budgeting, and resources management skills.

What We Offer:

A collaborative and engaging work culture
Opportunity to join a community of people-focused professionals
Market competitive compensation with annual increases available
Generous benefits package with employer-paid premiums, including a comprehensive Health and Dental Plan, Health Care Spending Account, short- and long-term disability programs, no waiting period required.
Enhanced mental health benefits coverage and resources.
Life and AD&D insurance for you and your family.
Out-of-country travel insurance.
Employee and Family Assistance Program.
Pregnancy and Parental top-up leave program.
A generous group retirement savings plan with 7.5% employer contributions.
Vacation starting at 20 days per year plus 2 paid Ivey Personal Days.
Paid time off during the School’s December holiday closure.
Numerous campus-wide arts, culture, and sport events.
Supports for professional development and career progression opportunities.