The Sunnybrook Foundation is seeking an Advancement Director to build relationships with donors, hospital staff and physicians who are committed to transforming health care.   Our philosophy is to concentrate on donor-centred philanthropy and quality of solicitation, finding the best match between donor interests and key priorities of Sunnybrook. Directly supervising one Advancement Associate, the successful candidate will play a crucial role in shaping and supporting the success of a vibrant advancement team, with a focus on raising over $50 million per year from major gifts. 

The Advancement Director will report to the President and CEO, Jon Dellandrea, and work collaboratively with peer Advancement Directors to lead and oversee all activities of the advancement team to achieve the Foundation's goals.  This role offers the opportunity to work on the front end planning stages of a large, comprehensive campaign that will see our total annual revenues grow from $56 million to $100 million within three years, as well as a unique opportunity to hone the candidate's exceptional relationship building skills.  Our new Advancement Director will be part of one of the most superior advancement teams and Foundations, at a world-renowned, extraordinary health care centre.

Ideal Candidate Profile

Possessing a solid knowledge of major gifts fundraising methodology, the ideal candidate will be a seasoned fundraising professional with proven major gift success at the five- and six-figure gift level and above. While superb sales and negotiation skills will be essential, the ability to expertly build and manage relationships with donors, from early education stages, to cultivation, to donation, to keeping the relationship and experience alive with superb stewardship will be vital. 

The Advancement Director will first and foremost value the benefits derived from a non-hierarchical approach, working collaboratively, sharing ideas and successes as a team. Self-confident, motivated and ambitious, the ideal candidate will also be goal-oriented and capable of working autonomously, acknowledging that their own goals are a vital part of the team goals. The new incumbent will possess positive energy and a sense of humour.

The successful candidate will have a strong interest in working in a health care environment and will take pride in having a leadership role within the Foundation and representing a leading-edge Hospital. 

Positive, enthusiastic and comfortable working within changing, creative environments, the new incumbent will recognize the advantage of taking informed risks.  A flexible thinker with a solutions-driven mentality and excellent analytical skills, the ideal candidate will anticipate and carefully examine problems with an eye to developing and recommending appropriate solutions. 

Intelligent and curious, the Director will quickly grasp the Hospital's complexities and will be capable of understanding our medical research and program objectives. The successful candidate will possess excellent written and verbal communications skills, and will confidently articulate opportunities to potential donors in a persuasive and convincing manner, telling the important stories of Sunnybrook. 

An authentic and polished professional, the successful candidate will be an experienced relationship manager with high profile boards and donors and also be keenly aware of the importance of establishing and maintaining a network of mutually beneficial relationships with Hospital staff, physicians and other health care professionals.  Operating with the highest level of integrity, the ideal candidate will be an approachable and respectful professional who works well with a wide range of individuals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate as an active member of the Strategic Advancement Team to develop and execute the organization's advancement plan to successfully reach annual goals for major gifts
• Directly contribute to the development of major charitable gifts to support the strategic priorities of the Hospital
• Concentrate on raising funds for capital, research and clinical care projects in the key focus areas of the Holland Musculoskeletal Program; the Schulich Heart Centre; and Trauma, Emergency and Critical Care Program. This portfolio will carry a goal of over $16 million from gifts over $25,000. Act as Foundation lead expert in these key focus areas
• Directly support the advancement activities of the President & Chief Executive Officer
• Work closely with Executive Vice President to ensure operational excellence within the Advancement team and to ensure seamless integration of work with other teams within the Foundation
• Work closely with volunteer leadership and other volunteer solicitors, guiding group and individual stakeholder meetings, implementing and managing tailored cultivation and solicitation activities, preparing briefing notes for solicitation calls, accompanying individuals on calls, etc
• Liaise with physicians and other hospital stakeholders to provide development support and assistance
• Supervise and mentor one Advancement Associate, providing positive and rewarding support, ensuring professional growth and on-going learning
• Take a leadership role in ensuring that Foundation resources are effectively marshalled to ensure excellence in donor experience by working closely and collaboratively with advancement services, marketing and communications, and donor base development teams
• Build and maintain a network of mutually beneficial relationships with donors, volunteers, Hospital and Foundation staff, physicians and other health care professionals to achieve advancement goals
• Promote a positive, collegial atmosphere within the advancement team and the broader Foundation, working cooperatively with all team members to achieve personal and overall advancement goals

Key Competencies:

• Experience as an advancement professional, with at least 5 years in a major gifts capacity
• Previous experience working in a hospital foundation and/or post-secondary institution or similar complex environment is preferable for this role
• Proven track record of success in securing major philanthropic gifts at the five- and six-figure level
• Interest and ability to work in a collaborative environment
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a mature level of poise, tact and judgment
• Self-directed with excellent organizational, problem-solving and time-management skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and weekends
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software suite and previous experience with Raiser's Edge
• A university degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• The position requires travel and thus a valid driver's license and access to an automobile is required

To explore this exciting opportunity with the Sunnybrook Foundation, please contact:

Julie Wirtanen, Senior Search Consultant at KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.)

Email: Sunnybrook@kciphilanthropy.com

Phone: 905.380.4237

Candidates who wish to apply for this position should ensure that a resume and letter of interest are sent to the above email address.  All enquiries will be kept in strict confidence.