Date Posted: 10/10/2024
Req ID: 40108
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Office of Advancement
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

ABOUT US:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY:

Under the general direction of the Executive Director of Advancement & AVP of College Relations, the Director, Strategic Content is responsible for leading the development of strategic content in support of the Faculty’s priorities.

The Director, Strategic Content will play an instrumental role in conceptualizing and executing highly persuasive multi-million-dollar fundraising proposals, cases for support and other related projects.

The incumbent will keep abreast of significant developments at the University to ensure all deliverables effectively reflect the latest thinking; while helping to identify, research and develop compelling ideas and narratives to shape the Faculty’s external profile as a significant destination for engagement and investment. Director, Strategic Content will prepare complex messages for each intended audience, ensuring that messages are delivered effectively and on time, taking into account the sensitivities of diverse groups of stakeholders.

The Director, Strategic Content will develop the Office of Advancement’s strategic communications plans and will act as a conduct by coordinating communications activities within the Office of Advancement and the Faculty’s Communications team. Acting as a liaison, and working collaboratively with the Communications team, the incumbent will prepare integrated communications products on behalf of the Faculty and Colleges, creating ensuring consistency within the Faculty of Arts and Science. The incumbent will work with the Communications Team to ensure final deliverables are of impeccable quality and address the stakeholder’s business objectives.

The incumbent will lead and execute advancement projects and strategic initiatives, and issues and response management, within the Office of Advancement that require a high degree of responsiveness, and a need to maintain absolute confidentiality as it relates to donor and stakeholder data. They will draft complex and confidential communication materials on behalf of the ED&AVP. The incumbent works in a complex environment that requires a high degree of sensitivity, and ability to engage stakeholders, senior administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, and community and industry leaders, with competing interests, while maintaining confidentiality, responsiveness and diplomacy.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

I. EDUCATION

University degree from a recognized institution, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

II. EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in progressively responsible senior communications positions with experience in developing strategic content for high-profile marketing and communications initiatives, including complex multi-million-dollar proposals for fundraising purposes.
• Demonstrated experience developing strategic positioning for new and reimagined initiatives
• Demonstrated experience in understanding a variety of audiences and how to develop messaging and hone content to reach those audiences effectively.
• Demonstrated experience conceptualizing and developing highly persuasive and successful proposals at the principal gift level.
• An in-depth knowledge of fundraising
• Significant experience working in a post-secondary setting.
• Demonstrated experience managing projects involving multiple senior stakeholders; experience overseeing the work of others.
• Experience advising and consulting with senior university leadership on proposal strategy and messaging matters.
• Excellent understanding of the University and the Faculty’s missions and intersection with the broader community.
• Excellent knowledge of the Faculty of Arts and Science, and the University of Toronto, as well as general knowledge of the post-secondary education system and the fundraising sector.

III. SKILLS

• Excellent writing, and editing skills are essential requirements; proficiency in writing different types of correspondence, documents, and mediums for different audiences; attention to detail.
• Demonstrated conceptual, strategic, analytical and decision-making skills
• Demonstrated outstanding communications judgment, and; ability to communicate on politically sensitive issues.
• Expert in-depth knowledge of advancement communications best practices and trends.
• Demonstrated skill in managing relationships and requests with tact, diplomacy and persuasion. Ability to conduct focused interviews with constituents and to create compelling and persuasive narratives.
• Excellent computer skills, including a strong facility for Microsoft 365 software programs, including Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, spreadsheets and database management programs (experience with Donor Information Systems (DIS) is a strong asset), and social media platforms; sound design concepts and understanding of best practices in print and digital medial
• Demonstrated excellent research skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Strong story development abilities, and ability to conduct interviews with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to translate highly technical research, financial data, and other information into understandable, donor-friendly materials
• Ability to excel in a results-oriented environment and meet deadlines

IV. OTHER

• Superior oral and written communication, interpersonal, decision-making, organizational skills.
• Ability to proactively manage a large and constantly fluctuating workload and to meet deadlines.
• Professional demeanour and ability to exercise tact, judgment, and discretion.
• Ability to maintain strict standards of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated initiative and flexibility. Meticulous attention to detail. Ability to remain calm under pressure and to meet deadlines.
• Ability to navigate a complex environment and communicate effectively and professionally with a wide range of individuals across all levels of the University, alumni, external community stakeholders and donors.
• Demonstrated diplomacy. Proven ability to work both independently and to collaborate and participate effectively within a team environment.
• Proven ability to multi-task and be reliable under pressure.
• Proven ability to source accurate information quickly. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to work in a consistently supportive manner with colleagues across departments. Ability to collaborate quickly and productively across divisional boundaries.
• Political acumen and sensitivity; high degree of professionalism.
• Commitment to and experience with promoting and enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion

This role is currently eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, pursuant to University policies and guidelines, including but not limited to the University of Toronto’s Alternative Work Arrangements Guideline.

Closing Date: 10/23/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 3 -- Hiring Zone: $91,937 - $107,259 -- Broadband Salary Range: $91,937 - $153,227
Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations