Senior Project Lead - Advancement Counsel

Date Posted: 09/30/2024
Req ID: 39926
Faculty/Division: VP - Division of University Advancement
Department: Office of the VP Advancement
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

Position Summary:

Working under general direction, the Senior Project Lead, Advancement Counsel is responsible for identifying issues, advising on strategy options, recommending solutions, implementing project plans, and responding to the objectives and priorities of the Office of Advancement Counsel and Office of the Vice-President Advancement. Working closely with the Director, Advancement Counsel and Counsel, Business Affairs & Advancement, as well as other senior university administrators, the Senior Project Lead, Advancement Counsel is responsible for project management and implementation to ensure the work of the Advancement Counsel office can be carried out efficiently and effectively.

Such project management and implementation includes: (a) creating and implementing supports and best practices (b) leading implementation of projects to improve and advance the goals and objectives of the Advancement Counsel Office (c) providing administrative support and strategic advice related to issues management (d) undertaking detailed in-depth research and analysis on a wide range of issues and topics e) facilitating project work to ensure deliverables are met within the required timelines (f) following-up on decisions made and monitoring these supports and best practices to ensure there is ongoing maintenance of the highest level of pro-activity, support and service for the Office.

The Senior Project Lead, Advancement Counsel will be responsible for creating systems to track status and approvals of all draft gift agreements; Answering questions on use of agreement templates, general questions on policies, procedures and best practices from divisional colleagues; Facilitating quarterly reporting for philanthropic research grants for inclusion into fundraising campaign numbers, including review of grants and eligibility, working with colleagues from Research and Reporting Services; Preparing quarterly reports for governance disclosure and supporting materials for leadership for Academic Board/Business Board; Providing support for the activities of the Associates of the University of Toronto, acting as the primary contact, monitoring email and administration of activities, coordinating all aspects of Annual General Meeting; Tracking status of matching programs, answering general questions on eligibility and guidelines; Providing administrative/project support for issues management and FIPPA requests involving the Division of University Advancement; Assisting with preparing requests for fundraising naming approvals to be submitted to President’s Office/Governing Council; Assisting with special projects as assigned based on evolving priorities and new initiatives, including creating efficiencies and streamlining processes.

The Senior Project Lead, Advancement Counsel will coordinate, assist with and advance projects, initiatives and daily activities within the Office of Advancement Counsel that require knowledge of confidential information about legal counsel initiatives and activities. The role of the Senior Project Lead, Advancement Counsel will continue to evolve and the individual must be willing to respond to the given priorities of the day and be willing to work cooperatively in a challenging and dynamic environment.

Required Qualificiaion:

Education:

• University degree required, post graduate degree (Master's or Ph.D) an asset, or equivalent in education and experience.

Experience:

• Minimum four (4) years’ experience in a University setting in progressively senior positions.
• Extensive experience with the University, knowledge of university policies and procedures, and an understanding of the university’s organizational structure, including its governance.
• Experience leading complex and multi-stakeholder projects. Knowledge about donation agreements, protocol, diplomacy and an excellent understanding of the University’s mission and intersection with the broader community.

Skills:

• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office (must be able to set up templates and macros in Word and Excel, set up Excel spreadsheets and graphics, and prepare sophisticated PowerPoint presentations), and scheduling software.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Sharepoint and project management and relationship management software preferred.
• Familiarity with Acrobat and other Adobe software an asset.

Other:

• Strong research, writing, communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• High degree of political acuity and judgment. 
• Ability to deal with senior University Officers in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building.
• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, discretion, and tact.
• Ability to work under pressure; superior organizational skills in planning, project management and task coordination.
• Flexibility and problem solver orientation; and strong leadership capabilities.

Closing Date: 10/15/2024, 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: Administrative / Managerial