Director, Advancement Services – Advancement and External Affairs

Director, Advancement Services – Advancement and External Affairs

At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Director, Advancement Services to join our Advancement & External Affairs team.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Mary's, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Defined Contribution Pension plan
  • Vacation
  • Personal days
  • Flexible Workplace
  • Professional development
  • Holiday closure
  • Summer hour schedule
  • Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Job Information and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Vice President, Advancement & External Affairs, the Director, Advancement Services will:

  • Leading a team of 3-5 staff members, develops Advancement Services' operational and strategic plans, stressing the value of technical consistency and its role in realizing maximum effectiveness that will lead to engagement and philanthropic opportunities.
  • Consults and builds relationships with internal and external clients, while seeking input from all clients in the development of solutions and approaches to support Advancement success related to gift administration, information management, systems implementation, software services and support.
  • Coordinates, consults, and decides with respective University leaders on the implementation and integration of new technologies that will complement Alumni Engagement and Development programs across the university.
  • Represents Advancement in ongoing information sharing and system integration initiatives throughout the University. Makes decisions on information flow between various faculties and administrative departments. The Director has data custodial and security authorization privileges.
  • Oversees the development and compliance of and authorizes various security roles spanning multiple systems. Ensures Advancement staff are working within the confines of the University Responsible Computing Policy and Advancement policies.
  • Ensures that all information dissemination from Advancement Services adheres to all privacy guidelines including PIPEDA and the Freedom of Information/Protection of Privacy Act as it relates to data extracted from our records database. Works with other Advancement staff and other university departments to develop policies and procedures surrounding such activity.
  • Directs and oversees staff in the production of reports, statistics, metrics and official data submissions. Provides strategy and expertise related to various datamining and predictive modelling initiatives which have a direct link to fundraising, communication and marketing initiatives.
  • Advises and strategizes on the best approach to provide reports/data. Must have knowledge of which data elements to select, and where in the system particular data is stored. Knowledge of supplemental systems may be required for advanced extractions.
  • Assigns tasks and/or delegates responsibility to ensure a smooth workflow process within Advancement Services and reviews and implement process changes where necessary.
  • Analyses, advises and negotiates complex requests for adhoc reports, data requirements for internal and external sources, and official report submissions to Stats Can, MPHEC, Maclean's Magazine and Affinity Partners.
  • Ensures and oversees compliance to all Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) policies and guidelines as they relate to all Advancement business activity.
  • Accountable for ensuring all gift accounting best practices are adhered to, and any new processes that are identified are worked into day-to-day operations. These practices must conform to accepted accounting practices and be legally compliant.
  • Responsible for successful planning, implementation, training, and continuing operation of the CRM Advance database (Ellucian product) and all connected systems and tools.

Experience and Education Requirements

To be the successful Director, Advancement Services you will have:

  • Undergraduate degree in a relevant field of study.
  • A minimum of five to seven years' experience in multi-platform computing, with particular emphasis on information management, reporting analytics, networking, client/server applications, web programming and cloud computing.
  • Ability to research, process, organize and present information interestingly, and convincingly.
  • Demonstrated supervisory experience; unionized supervisory experience considered an asset.
  • Ability to multitask, prioritize work assignments and deliver by the appropriate deadlines.
  • Ability to work independently, and in a team setting.
  • Ability to handle and maintain confidential material.
  • Demonstrate capability with MS Office Suite, BOE, and Sisense/Tableau.
  • Working knowledge of E-commerce would be an asset.

Application Details

Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on "Apply Now" and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Three Professional References

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary's University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Black/African Nova Scotians, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities and women. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition at hr@smu.ca.

A little bit about us

Saint Mary’s University

Saint Mary's University is one of Canada's top primarily undergraduate universities known for its international collaborations, leadership in entrepreneurship, and research that benefits local and global communities. Our programs in Arts, Science, Graduate Studies and the Sobey School of Business are among Canada's best and feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Mary's provides our more than 5,511 students with a place that fosters possibility, excellent research opportunities, and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada's east coast, Saint Mary's University is marked by iconic buildings, green spaces and fresh ocean air. The Saint Mary's University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world-a World without limits.

Learn more about working at Saint Mary's University here and follow us on LinkedInFacebookTwitter and Instagram!

 

Position Summary


Posted:

March 2, 2026

Deadline:
March 20, 2026


Location:

Halifax, NS

Career Level:
Experienced

Compensation:

$78,724 - $101,455 annually

Type:
Full-Time