McMaster University

The McMaster Institute for Research on Aging is a research center at McMaster University focused on aging optimization. It pursues this goal through interdisciplinary teams that work with older adults and key stakeholders. The institute leverages platforms like the McMaster Optimal Aging Portal and collaborates with the Labarge Centre for Mobility in Aging. Its work spans biology and behavior, aging-related mobility, and health outcomes to reduce costs and improve well-being. The initiative aims to impact Canadian aging populations at scale through education, research collaboration, and public-facing resources.

CanadaEducationEngineeringHamiltonHealth SciencesInnovationPublic UniversityResearchmcmaster.ca

McMaster University

CanadaEducationEngineeringHamiltonHealth SciencesInnovationPublic UniversityResearchmcmaster.ca

HQHamilton, CA

Team Size25

Open Jobs207

Total Funding$250K

Latest FundraiseUnknown

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Manager, Donor Relations

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Job ID

74031

Job Title

Manager, Donor Relations

Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

02/04/2026

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

02/17/2026

Employee Group

TMG

Favorite Job

Department

UA Health Sciences Advancement

Full/Part Time

Full-Time

Salary Grade/Band

Band K

Salary Range

$78910.00 - $118366.00 (annual)

Job Code

006228

Hiring Range

$78910.00 - $103471.00

Existing Vacancy

Yes - Backfilling as Existing

Contract Duration

24.3 Months

Target Number of Openings

Hours per Week

Posting Details

Schedule

8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Education Level

University Degree

Career Level

6 years plus of relevant experience

Job Description

Should the successful applicant be a Unifor Unit 1 bargaining unit member, who meets the eligibility conditions of Article 19.02 of the Unifor Unit 1 Collective Agreement, then the Limited Term Assignment will be defined as a Career Growth Opportunity in accordance with Article 19 of the Unifor Local 5555 Unit 1 Collective Agreement.

The University Advancement division of McMaster University is an integrated department that encompasses the areas of Communications & Public Affairs, Marketing, Development, Alumni Advancement, Stewardship & Donor Relations, Volunteer Engagement and Advancement Services; areas that coordinate their activities and work as a team to build reputation, relationships and resources.

As a key member of the University Advancement team, the Manager, Advancement is to be a leader in advancement priorities designed to build and maintain positive relationships with University Advancement’s key stakeholders by providing high-quality and meaningful opportunities for engagement with McMaster University. This will include events and interactions with funders, influencers, alumni, government officials, students, media, community members, Faculty, staff and senior university leaders. This position is responsible for making a positive commitment to University Advancement’s mission, vision and values, and principles: Integrity, Quality, Respect, Service, Strategy and Teamwork. Due to the nature of this position some evening and week-end work as well as some travel will be required.

The Manager, Advancement is a leader in advancement priorities designed to build and maintain positive relationships with key University funders, influencers, alumni, government officials and friends. The Manager, Advancement, in collaboration with their Director and other senior University leaders as required, leads and is accountable for planning, organizing and executing a variety of engagement priorities and events in support of the University and University Advancement strategic goals, to build and enhance relationships, reputation and resources.

The Manager, Advancement works in collaboration with their Director and University leaders (e.g. President, Vice-Presidents, Deans, etc.) to develop a consistent philosophy and practices around advancement priorities and events of significant size and scope (e.g. recognition, stewardship, alumni, etc.) across the University that are funder-stakeholder centered and informed by best practice, ensure strategic and coordinated engagement of the President, Chancellor and Vice-President, University Advancement and act as a community of practice for others doing similar advancement work across the University.

Accountabilities:

Strategic Leadership

Model a culture of collaboration, integration and service to support the University’s core research and academic missions
In collaboration with their Director and other senior leaders, leads the development, execution and evaluation of engagement priorities and events for a diverse group of stakeholders

Operational Leadership

Qualifications

Education

A University degree
A McMaster degree is an asset

Experience

Minimum 6 years relevant experience
Proven track record of success in engaging and recognizing senior-level individuals, preferably within the post-secondary system

Qualifications

Must have the following skills and abilities:

Must be knowledgeable about:

University Advancement policies and procedures
McMaster University policies and guidelines
Volunteer management

Event planning/management

Experience in planning bespoke, complex events
Experience leading and managing teams of high-performing, stakeholder-centred professionals
Strong volunteer management experience
Post-secondary experience in advancement, events and/or volunteer management is considered an asset

Supervision

Supervisors between 2-4 staff

Why Join McMaster University?

Joining McMaster at this exciting time means becoming part of a vibrant community dedicated to world-class research, an exceptional student experience, and meaningful community engagement. Our advancement team plays a critical role in supporting the university’s ambitious vision, working in partnership with academic and administrative leaders across all campuses. With the support of thousands of alumni and donors who believe in our mission, we are shaping the next generation of leaders and making a significant impact on the world.

As one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers, McMaster is committed to advancing inclusive excellence and employment equity in the workplace. We encourage qualified candidates to apply from equity deserving groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ2SIA+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

Pay Transparency Statement

The posted hiring range represents McMaster's typical hiring range for this position. Actual starting salary will depend on factors such as relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions.

Individuals with extensive experience, deep specialized expertise, and/or those who can demonstrate exceptional past performance, as applicable, may be hired at a higher rate within the full range, in accordance with the University compensation policies.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.

Lead the overall implementation of University-wide alumni, community, funder, influencer, government and volunteer engagement and funder engagement priorities and events

Work with University and University Advancement senior leadership (e.g. President and other Vice-Presidents, Deans, etc.) to develop strategic engagement plans aligned with and stemming directly from the area’s strategic priorities

Engage with and support volunteer’s leadership (e.g. high-profile influencers), in collaboration with other senior advancement leaders, that aligns with University Advancement’s volunteer engagement strategy

Work closely with other areas of University Advancement to support the success of the operation’s annual goals as well as Advancement’s mission and strategic goals

Build a high-performance team that is committed to fulfilling the vision, goals and priorities necessary to achieve the short and long-term goals of the Faculty or unit

Support ongoing stewardship plans (e.g. strategy and events) for McMaster’s principal-level funders

Provide leadership and direction in collaboration with their Director and other senior leaders on creation, coordination and implementation of a diverse range of priorities and events for the University's most significant funders, alumni and influencers

Act as a subject matter expert during all decision-making processes that impact key engagement priorities and events

Develop and implement University-wide engagement and events standards and protocols expected of a world-class University

Consult, advise, and direct on best practices and is positioned as an expert across campus of how to execute and ensure an "outstanding stakeholder experience"

Develop, implement and evaluate a comprehensive annual operating plan and budget for engagement priorities and events

Provide support to the strategic engagement of the President, Vice-Presidents and senior university leaders, as well as volunteers as required, in strategic engagement priorities and events

Plan, organize and execute a variety of high-profile local, national and international advancement and university events, in support of the University and University Advancement strategic goals, to build reputation, increase revenue or deepen engagement with the University

Execute strategies that create awareness for university priorities and to help promote McMaster as a world-class university through local, national and international celebrations, events, and programs

Collaborate on idea generation and consultation for all University Advancement events; support the strategic and creative vision for signature events with the desired outcome to further the goals and strategies of the initiative

Ensure all key stakeholders are appropriately briefed and that relevant follow-up action is taken following the priority or event

Proactive in keeping current and having a significant depth of knowledge of Faculty or unit priorities in both research and teaching, and apply this knowledge in aligning the engagement interests and needs of key stakeholders (e.g. funders, alumni, influencers)

Represent the Faculty or unit and University, with the team, at all relevant community and University events, nationally and sometimes internationally

Collaborate with various stakeholders across campus, in all Faculties and units, as well with the President's Office

Develop and manage project budgets, stakeholder expectations and vendor relationships

Design and implement tools to evaluate events and programs, internally and externally; review findings and prepares recommendations for future delivery

Maintain accurate alumni, funder and friend’s profiles and program information in the University's database in a timely, accurate and appropriate manner

Work with colleagues across campus to help develop engagement communications including invitations, web presence and content, social media content, and general communications

Work in conjunction with University Advancement’s senior leaders to establish goals and objectives including annual professional development plans for team members to support a culture of continuous improvement and readiness for change

Vision, and the ability to think strategically with a creative and entrepreneurial mindset

Superior skills in critical analysis, judgement, decision-making, building effective relationships, and communications (oral, facilitation and written);

High level of initiative, tact and diplomacy

Excellent judgement and discretion

Ability to work in fast-paced, stressful situations

Deep understanding of the mission of a research-intensive university

Superior skills in volunteer and budget management, event planning, human resources, with strong project management abilities

High level of comfort and credibility working with senior academic leaders, as well as donors/funders, government and volunteers

Ability to work at the highest strategic levels of a faculty/department/unit, to gain and maintain the trust of senior academic leadership and supporters and also take strategy and move it through to tactics and action

Experience staffing senior leaders

Ability to navigate and be effective within a complex organization that values collaboration in addition to individuality and creativity

Superior interpersonal skills;

Stakeholder-centred and goal-oriented with a reputation for integrity and transparency

Competencies to understanding the philanthropic landscape

Strong skills with computers and relational donor databases (Advance)