Associate Director, Advancement Communications

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Advancement Communications

🔹 Company: University of Toronto

🔹 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-site

🔹 Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations

🔹 Date Posted: May 5, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading and managing the advancement communications team
• Developing and executing multi-faceted alumni and stakeholder relations communication strategies
• Overseeing web content, social media, and marketing materials for advancement
• Supporting development activities and providing operational support to the Rotman Advancement department
• Collaborating with cross-functional teams on strategic initiatives and activities

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of professionalism, independence, diplomacy, and sound business judgment. The incumbent must possess a clear understanding of business and university administration, and demonstrate resourcefulness, tact, discretion, and sensitivity to confidential matters.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Overseeing Advancement communications, including web content, social media, and marketing materials

✅ Supporting development activities, such as Annual Giving, cases for support, and proposals

✅ Providing administrative, budgeting, and operational support to the Rotman Advancement department

✅ Leading cross-functional teams and working collaboratively on strategic initiatives and activities

✅ Managing and motivating a highly successful advancement communications team

ASSUMPTION: This role involves working in a dynamic environment, managing complex, evolving agendas, and adjusting priorities as needed.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: University degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Journalism or communications degree an asset.

Experience: Minimum 8 to 10 years' experience in an advancement communications, strategic planning, communications/marketing role, preferably in a university environment in a senior portfolio.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional oral and written communications skills
• Expertise in proposal writing and all forms of digital communications
• Strong leadership, management, and interpersonal skills
• Excellent analytical, organizational, strategic decision-making, planning, and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, and internet software; keyboarding skills; familiarity with donor management systems; knowledge of Blackboard an asset

Preferred Skills:

• Experience developing and executing multi-faceted alumni and stakeholder relations communication strategies and plans
• Knowledge of the priorities of the School, the Dean's office, and the Advancement Department

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a proven track record of working effectively and collaboratively with a wide variety of stakeholders at different levels of the School, University, and externally.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The salary range for this position is CAD 91,937 - CAD 107,259 per year. This is an estimate based on the provided pay scale group and hiring zone.

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Dynamic and inclusive learning community

Working Hours: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some flexibility may be required to meet deadlines or attend events.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the information given and may vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education. The University of Toronto is a global centre of research and academic excellence, with a strong focus on transformative learning, insights, and public engagement.

Company Size: Large (over 20,000 employees). This size offers a wide range of opportunities for collaboration, growth, and exposure to diverse perspectives.

Founded: 1827. The University of Toronto has a rich history and a strong reputation for academic excellence and innovation.

Company Description:

• Part of the University of Toronto, a global centre of research and academic excellence
• Committed to creating value for business and society through transformative learning, insights, and public engagement
• Offers a dynamic and inclusive learning community, bringing together diverse views and initiatives

Company Specialties:

• Research and academic excellence
• Transformative learning and insights
• Public engagement and community building

Company Website: https://www.utoronto.ca/

ASSUMPTION: The University of Toronto is a large and complex organization, with many departments and initiatives. This role will require a clear understanding of the priorities of the School, the Dean's office, and the Advancement Department to ensure the School's growth, impact, brand, marketing, and public relations objectives are met.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior-level position, reporting directly to the Executive Director, Strategic Communications, and working in close collaboration with the Executive Director, Advancement.

Reporting Structure: The Associate Director, Advancement Communications will oversee the advancement communications team and collaborate with cross-functional teams on strategic initiatives and activities.

Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site position. Some flexibility may be required to meet deadlines or attend events.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to grow within the Advancement department or explore opportunities within the broader University of Toronto
• Chance to work on strategic initiatives and activities, supporting the mission and interests of the School
• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the dynamic and inclusive learning community

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of communications, marketing, and business development, supporting the growth and impact of the Rotman School of Management.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, located at the St. George (Downtown Toronto) campus.

Office Location(s): 252 Bloor St W, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1V6, Canada

Geographic Context:

• Toronto is a multicultural city with a vibrant arts scene, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong economy
• The St. George campus is located in downtown Toronto, offering easy access to public transportation, restaurants, and cultural attractions
• The University of Toronto is a prestigious institution, with a strong reputation for academic excellence and innovation

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Some flexibility may be required to meet deadlines or attend events.

ASSUMPTION: The on-site work arrangement offers opportunities for face-to-face collaboration, networking, and mentorship within the dynamic and inclusive learning community.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other stakeholders
• Final round interview with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication and presentation skills
• Strategic planning and problem-solving abilities
• Leadership and team management skills
• Understanding of the University of Toronto's mission, values, and priorities

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of the University of Toronto's mission, values, and priorities in your application materials
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Advancement Communications, Marketing, Digital Communications, Proposal Writing, Leadership, Team Management, Interpersonal Skills, Analytical Skills, Organizational Skills, Problem-Solving Skills, Budget Management, Stakeholder Engagement, Risk Assessment, Public Relations, Collaboration

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may be competitive, and applicants should take the time to tailor their application materials and prepare thoroughly for interviews.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Email and internet software
• Donor management systems
• Blackboard (asset)

ASSUMPTION: Proficiency with the listed tools and technologies is essential for success in this role. Candidates should be comfortable using these tools and be open to learning new technologies as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Excellence in research and teaching
• Inclusion and diversity
• Integrity and accountability
• Collaboration and partnerships

Work Style:

• Dynamic and inclusive learning community
• Collaborative and cross-functional teams
• Focus on transformative learning, insights, and public engagement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with the University of Toronto's mission and values?
• How do you approach working collaboratively with cross-functional teams in a dynamic environment?
• How do you balance independence, diplomacy, and sound business judgment in your decision-making processes?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should carefully consider how their personal values, work style, and decision-making processes align with the University of Toronto's mission, values, and the requirements of this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing complex, evolving agendas and adjusting priorities in a dynamic environment
• Working effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders at different levels of the School, University, and externally
• Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risk in operational contexts and the development and dissemination of sensitive information
• Balancing the demands of multiple projects and deadlines

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to address these potential challenges and demonstrate their ability to work effectively in a dynamic and complex environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on advancement communications and strategic planning within the Rotman School of Management
• Similar roles in other departments or universities may have different priorities, stakeholders, and operational contexts
• Career progression in this role may involve growing within the Advancement department or exploring opportunities within the broader University of Toronto

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research similar roles within the University of Toronto and other institutions to better understand the unique aspects of this position and the opportunities for growth and development.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a multi-faceted alumni relations communication strategy
• Managing the creation and distribution of marketing materials for advancement initiatives
• Supporting the development and implementation of cases for support and proposals

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that the Associate Director, Advancement Communications may be involved in, demonstrating the strategic and operational nature of the role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role support the mission and priorities of the Rotman School of Management?
• What are the key challenges facing the Advancement department, and how can this role address them?
• How does the University of Toronto support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the expectations for collaboration and communication with cross-functional teams and stakeholders?
• How does the University of Toronto approach risk assessment and mitigation in operational contexts and the development and dissemination of sensitive information?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the department, and the University of Toronto, enabling them to make informed decisions about their application and career prospects.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Research the University of Toronto, the Rotman School of Management, and the Advancement department to demonstrate your understanding of the organization and its priorities
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR representative within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.