Annual Giving and Donor Relations Officer

Annual Giving and Donor Relations 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 period of growth as we expand our philanthropic programs to meet the evolving needs and ambitions of the School. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced fundraising professional to take ownership of a well-established annual giving and donor relations program and elevate it to the next level.

The Annual Giving and Donor Relations Officer plays a key role in advancing The York School's philanthropic priorities by developing and delivering annual giving and donor stewardship initiatives that inspire engagement, participation, and support. Working closely with the Director of Advancement, volunteers, donors, alumni, parents, and colleagues, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to support fundraising strategy and deepen donor engagement.

For someone who is energized by building relationships, creating exceptional donor experiences, and growing fundraising programs, the Annual Giving and Donor Relations Officer will help strengthen a culture of philanthropy and ensure donors feel connected to and valued in support of the school's mission and strategic goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• In collaboration with the Director of Advancement, develop and execute annual giving strategies and campaigns that increase donor participation, engagement, and annual fund revenue

• Manage annual fundraising initiatives, including staff giving, graduating class campaigns, digital appeals, and volunteer-supported fundraising activities

• Partner with Marketing & Communications to create and deliver integrated fundraising and donor engagement campaigns across multiple communication channels

• Build and steward relationships with donors through meaningful engagement, personalized communications, acknowledgement processes, and stewardship activities

• Prepare donor and prospect profiles, gift agreements, stewardship materials, and donor communications that support cultivation, recognition, and fundraising efforts

• Lead donor recognition programs, including donor walls, naming opportunities, signage, plaques, and related recognition initiatives

• Collaborate with the Advancement Services Specialist to maintain accurate donor records, recognition tracking, campaign reporting, and stewardship documentation

• Monitor and analyze annual giving and donor engagement performance, leveraging data, analytics, and emerging technologies to identify trends, measure outcomes, and inform future strategies

• Collaborate with internal stakeholders, volunteers, and external vendors to support fundraising, stewardship, and donor recognition initiatives

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Postsecondary education in a related discipline

• 4+ years of experience in advancement, fundraising, donor relations, stewardship, or a related role, preferably within an independent school, post-secondary, or nonprofit environment

• Demonstrated experience planning and executing fundraising campaigns, stewardship initiatives, and donor engagement programs

• Experience working with constituent relationship management databases; Raiser's Edge experience considered a strong asset

• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines

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

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to leverage data and reporting to evaluate fundraising performance and donor engagement outcomes

• 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 $70,000 - $88,000 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.

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.