Senior Advancement Officer

Full-Time, Permanent

Join a relationship-based school community where your work is valued, your growth is supported, and collaboration is part of everyday work. At The York School, a co-educational independent school in midtown Toronto offering the International Baccalaureate from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, you will work alongside dedicated colleagues in an environment grounded in Challenge, Community and Curiosity. Every role contributes to the school’s mission by helping create an environment where students feel known, challenged and supported.

If you are energized by meaningful work, strong relationships, and continuous growth in a forward-thinking school environment, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

Given the dynamic and collaborative nature of our school environment, this role is an on-site position requiring to be in the office five days a week. Candidates should be prepared to contribute actively to this in-person, community-focused environment.

JOB PURPOSE

The Advancement Office at The York School is entering an exciting new chapter of growth and momentum as we expand our philanthropic programs to support the School’s bold vision for the future. The Senior Advancement Officer will have the unique opportunity to build and lead a robust portfolio of major donor prospects while partnering with the Director of Advancement and Associate Head of External Relations on transformational giving opportunities.

As a key member of the Advancement team, this individual will play a pivotal role in shaping and strengthening a thriving culture of philanthropy across the School community. Through the development and execution of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship initiatives, the Senior Advancement Officer will inspire philanthropic investment that advances The York School’s mission and fuels its long-term aspirations. This role will lead ambitious fundraising efforts and foster meaningful donor relationships.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned fundraising professional to make a lasting difference, take ownership of a growing major gifts program, and contribute to an exciting period of innovation, growth, and philanthropic success at The York School.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and grow a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, including parents, grandparents, alumni, and friends of the school, with a focus on securing gifts of $25,000 and above

• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and engagement strategies that advance prospects through the fundraising cycle

• Conduct donor visits, meetings, presentations, and solicitation conversations, both independently and in partnership with school leadership

• Prepare compelling cases for support, gift proposals, briefing materials, and donor communications aligned with the school's strategic priorities and funding needs

• Identify, qualify, and develop new major gift prospects through relationship-building, prospect research, referrals, and data-informed fundraising strategies

• Collaborate with the Director of Advancement, Associate Head, External Relations, and school leaders to engage high-capacity donors and advance priority fundraising opportunities

• Support the planning and execution of major fundraising initiatives, capital projects, endowment fundraising efforts, and special campaigns as required

• Provide strategic input into donor engagement, stewardship, and recognition practices to strengthen long-term donor relationships and retention

• Partner with the Advancement team to ensure coordinated donor engagement, effective stewardship, and a seamless donor experience across all advancement activities

• Maintain accurate donor records, activity tracking, and pipeline management within Raiser’s Edge, ensuring timely documentation of donor interactions and fundraising progress

• Monitor portfolio performance and fundraising results, leveraging prospect research, analytics, and emerging technologies to inform strategy and maximize philanthropic support

• Represent The York School at events, meetings, and community engagements, serving as an ambassador for the school's mission, vision, and fundraising priorities

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Postsecondary education in a related discipline; CFRE designation considered an asset

• Minimum 5-7 years of progressive fundraising and advancement experience, with demonstrated success securing major gifts and achieving fundraising targets.

• Proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing five- and six-figure gifts

• Experience managing donor portfolios and developing strategic cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans

• Strong understanding of major gifts fundraising, donor engagement, prospect development, stewardship, and volunteer engagement best practices.

• Demonstrated ability to build credibility and influence with senior leaders, volunteers, donors, and community stakeholders

• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage donors and prospects with professionalism, confidence, and discretion

• Strong strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and translate insights into fundraising opportunities

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Collaborative team player who contributes to an inclusive, relationship-based culture

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with sound judgment and discretion

• Service-oriented and professional in interactions with students, families and colleagues

• Organized and adaptable, able to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a dynamic environment

• Comfortable in a technology-rich workplace; Google Workspace experience is an asset

EMPLOYEE  COMPETENCIES

At The York School, we seek individuals who demonstrate the following core and role-specific competencies:

• Flexibility & Adaptability

• Breadth of Contribution

• Relationship Focused

• Service Orientation

• Communication & Collaboration 

• Inclusivity

• Integrity & Trust

• Technical Expertise in Area of Discipline

WORKING REQUIREMENTS

• This is an on-site role requiring presence on campus five days per week and meaningful engagement in our collaborative school community

• Occasional evening and weekend events required

WHAT WE OFFER

The target hiring range for this position is $90,000 to $110,000 annually. Placement within the range is determined by job-related skills, experience and education. 

Within the Greater Toronto Area, The York School is among the top CIS Ontario Schools for compensation. Our comprehensive benefits package includes health and dental coverage that is effective on your first day of employment, and a generous RRSP matching plan.

Learn more about the benefits of working at The York School. [https://www.yorkschool.com/about-us/come-work-with-us]

THE YORK SCHOOLS’ COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY,  INCLUSION AND ACCESSIBILITY

The York School is committed to an inclusive and accessible workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including those from equity-deserving communities. We value the diverse perspectives and experiences that strengthen our school community.

Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment and selection process.

HOW TO APPLY

If York’s values of Challenge, Community and Curiosity resonate with you, and you are motivated to contribute to a high-performing, relationships-based learning environment, we encourage you to apply.

Please submit your application online. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.

This posting is for a newly created position.

Artificial intelligence may be used during the initial screening call to assist with note-taking. All hiring decisions are made by the hiring team.

All offers of employment are conditional upon a successful criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening, verification of education and employment history, satisfactory reference checks, and a review of publicly available online information in accordance with school policies.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.