Associate Vice-President, Development

Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lunaapéewak and Chonnonton peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) whom Western recognizes as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.

Ranked among the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide, Western University is Canada’s third largest research-intensive university, and is a founding member of the U15 group of Canada’s distinguished research universities. As Western looks towards its 150th anniversary in 2028, the University is poised for even greater impact, with a focus on educating, supporting, and encouraging leaders who think and act boldly in response to the grand challenges of our times.

Western’s Advancement portfolio is dedicated to engaging and building long-term relationships with alumni and donors and raising funds to support students and priority areas of excellence by playing a leading role in strengthening awareness of and support for the University’s mission and goals by leading alumni relations and fundraising efforts across campus and beyond.

At an exciting time of opportunity and impact, Western seeks an Associate Vice-President, Development (AVP). Reporting to the Vice-President (University Advancement) and serving as a member of the Western Advancement senior leadership team, the AVP will drive the strategic vision and execution of Western’s fundraising initiatives by leveraging relationships with leaders on campus, external partners, and donors. This high-profile role involves leading a passionate team, forging strong relationships with donors, alumni, internal and external partners, and spearheading transformative fundraising projects. The AVP inspires and leads the Development team, represents Western locally and internationally, and champions innovation to enhance fundraising efficiency and effectiveness. They ensure long-term growth and support for academic programs, scholarships, research, and facilities, aligning with the bold objectives within Western’s institutional strategic plan.

Successful candidates will possess an undergraduate degree in a related field as well as strong strategic and change leadership skills. Proactive and innovative, the AVP will enable the Development team to excel towards an integrated model of service delivery and fundraising. A well-developed skillset towards building collaborations and developing relationships will be crucial. The role requires experience leveraging data analytics to oversee multi-year fundraising plans, donor portfolios, and support strategies that honor donors’ wishes in alignment with institutional goals. A Master’s degree or the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation will be considered strong assets.

Western has partnered with Andrea Patrick and Nick Ketley at Odgers Berndtson for this recruitment. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online by March 28, 2025 at https://careers.odgersberndtson.com/en-ca/30160. It is expected that the successful candidate will take office in June 2025.

For more information or to submit a nomination, please contact Nick Ketley of Odgers Berndtson at nick.ketley@odgersberndtson.com.
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Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process by contacting Odgers Berndtson. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority.