THE OPPORTUNITY
Tel Aviv University Canada (TAU Canada) is seeking a results-driven Director of Development to lead and grow philanthropic support, with a primary focus on Ontario and opportunities across Western Canada. This senior leadership role is ideal for a strategic fundraiser, connector, and skilled relationship builder who thrives in a collaborative environment and is inspired by TAU's global leadership in research, innovation, and education.
Reporting to the CEO and as an integral member of the team, the Director will play a pivotal role in advancing TAU Canada’s fundraising strategy, expanding its philanthropic footprint, and securing support for the University’s priorities. The successful candidate will be a proactive self-starter who excels at building authentic, lasting relationships with donors, volunteers, and community leaders, translating meaningful connections into philanthropic investments and engagement.
With a demonstrated track record in major gift fundraising, the Director will cultivate and steward a portfolio of donors and prospects, building on TAU Canada’s loyal supporter base while leveraging data, research, and community networks to identify new opportunities for growth.
The Director will work closely with senior volunteer leaders and an engaged national board, including growing volunteer leadership in Western Canada, helping to strengthen TAU Canada’s visibility and philanthropic presence across key communities where opportunities exist.
A passionate ambassador for the organization, the Director will maximize TAU Canada’s signature events and other engagement opportunities to deepen donor relationships, enhance stewardship, and inspire ongoing support.
The Director will have the opportunity to leverage the investments that TAU Canada has been making in strengthening fundraising capacity and infrastructure, including a new donor database (Raiser’s Edge NXT), enhanced prospect research support, and operational efficiencies, allowing more time dedicated to donor relationships.
Travel within Canada for donor meetings will be required, as well as to Israel (up to once per year).
ABOUT TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY
Tel Aviv University (TAU) is Israel’s largest and most dynamic institution of higher education, known globally for its cutting-edge research, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to innovation.
Founded in 1956, TAU has grown into the most influential university in Israel today. From ground-breaking research to life-saving technology, TAU is shaping the future of Israeli society and producing alumni who become tomorrow’s leaders, teachers and innovators. Many of Israel’s leaders in medicine, technology, law, music, film, and government are graduates. The university has been ranked 7th among the top 10 schools globally for producing successful, venture capital-backed founders of companies in a survey of over 13,000 entrepreneurs worldwide (Pitchbook 2026). TAU remains the only non-U.S. university to make the top 10.
TAU Partners in Canada: Carleton University, McGill University, Queen’s University, Simon Fraser University, Toronto Metropolitan University, University of Montreal, University of Ottawa, University of Toronto, York University, University of British Columbia
At Tel Aviv University (TAU), innovation is driven by the talented faculty members and students working under their guidance. These researchers illuminate our world with brainpower, determination and creativity.
Investment in Research is critical for future generations to thrive and reach their full potential, as well as for the advancement of knowledge and scientific discovery.
Here are just a few highlights of the incredible studies from that past year that exemplify how TAU is achieving revolutionary progress:
- World First: Breakthrough human spinal cord implant using a patient’s own cells, that could allow paralyzed patients to walk again.
- Parkinson’s Research: The early diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease—up to 20 years before symptoms appear.
- Cancer Breakthrough: A mechanism that eliminates tumours, including those resistant to immunotherapy.
- Autism Study: Insights into brain mechanisms involved in genetically based autism, paving the way for effective treatments.
- Neural Discovery: A breakthrough in understanding neural stability, offering hope for treating depression, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and more.
Are You Optimistic? Campaign Priority Projects
School of Medicine
TAU recently secured a $125M gift to name its School of Medicine, Israel’s largest and most influential medical school, known for ground breaking biomedical research and training 20% of the country’s physicians. This gift will enable TAU to expand cutting-edge research, advance medical education, and enhance Israel’s global impact on healthcare.
Biomed Building
A new state-of-the-art Biomedical Sciences Building will expand TAU’s achievements in biomedicine and strengthen its multidisciplinary research. This much-needed facility will unite scientists, hospitals, biotech firms, and global partners, providing advanced labs and flexible research space to accelerate the pace of discovery and produce further breakthroughs to help ease suffering and save lives.
Environment & Sustainability
TAU is boosting the field of Environment & Sustainability and tackling urgent climate change challenges. The vision is to elevate, coordinate, and dramatically enhance research and teaching activities across campus units, serving as a dynamic research hub for state-of-the-art, creative, and viable solutions that contribute to policymaking and foster sustainability in Israel and globally.
Faculty Recruitment
The ongoing war and global rise in antisemitism underscore the need to strengthen Israel as a safe haven for the Jewish people. The Faculty Recruitment Fund will help attract world-class researchers to ensure Israel’s technological and scientific leadership, combat brain drain, and maintain its global competitive edge. To do so, TAU requires attractive recruitment packages for lab renovations, equipment, fellowships, and start-up costs.
Student Success
To properly nurture and strengthen Israel's future innovators and researchers, TAU's newly expanded Student Success Center requires significant funding to support its broad mandate and the growing needs of its students. Funds will be used to launch a special projects fund, reinforce career development services, expand the Center’s physical space, and establish a permanent endowment to ensure long-term sustainability.
ABOUT TEL AVIV UNIVERSITY CANADA
Tel Aviv University Canada (TAU Canada) bridges the university and its Canadian community of supporters, driving philanthropy, academic collaboration, and strategic engagement from coast to coast.
We are a passionate, mission-driven team committed to advancing education, research, and innovation that help shape a stronger Israel and a better world.
Tel Aviv University Canada provides direct funding support for the educational and research goals of Tel Aviv University (TAU), facilitated by enhanced public awareness of the University’s achievements and programming through the development of a strong local network of support.
As part of a global network of friends’ associations, TAU Canada facilitates academic and research partnerships between Canada and Israel, while also establishing scholarships, supporting research, cultivating student and faculty exchanges, and recruiting Canadian students to participate in the TAU International Program.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Financial Statements and Annual Reports
TAU Campaign: Are you Optimistic?
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Fundraising Leadership:
- In collaboration with the CEO, contribute to the development and execution of TAU Canada’s overall fundraising strategy, focusing on major gifts and long-term donor engagement.
- Develop, monitor, and report on goals and objectives aligned with organizational strategies and budgets.
Donor Cultivation & Stewardship:
- Build and actively manage a robust personal portfolio of high-net-worth prospects and donors, including individuals, foundations, corporations, and community partners.
- Support the CEO and senior volunteers with all donor relations activities and resources so that they may successfully activate and engage their networks.
- Build and oversee a major gift stewardship framework inclusive of all reports, events, and activities.
- Proactively seek opportunities to engage donors and volunteers in Western Canada.
Strategic Collaboration:
- Work closely with the CEO and national team to align regional efforts with national and international priorities, including university campaigns and special initiatives.
- Work in partnership with marketing and communications colleagues on fundraising collateral, including but not limited to proposals, cases for support, stewardship materials, impact reports, event materials, etc.
Event & Mission Planning:
- Assist in planning and executing donor cultivation events, briefings, and delegations to Tel Aviv University, enhancing donor connection and impact.
- Actively participate and support TAU Canada fundraising events; leverage events for donor and sponsor cultivation and giving opportunities.
Data and Technology:
- Utilize Raiser’s Edge NXT to manage donor pipelines, track engagement, and generate actionable insights.
- Leverage current and emerging technologies for pipeline development, donor qualification, etc.
Community Engagement:
- Represent TAU Canada at key events and within relevant networks to elevate the organization’s visibility and influence.
QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
- Progressive experience in fundraising, with a strong emphasis on major gifts and donor relations.
- Proven success growing a portfolio of donors/prospects and securing gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Proactive, driven, a self-starter; personally motivated to uncover leads and build lasting donor relationships.
- Experience engaging and supporting volunteers in a major gift capacity.
- Strong understanding of donor stewardship with experience developing plans, materials, and activities that strengthen donor engagement.
- Experience leading and driving support for fundraising and cultivation events.
- Understanding of the philanthropic landscape in Ontario. Familiarity with other areas of Canada is an asset.
- Experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT or other CRM systems is a strong asset.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills with the ability to persuade and motivate giving.
- Strategic thinker with a high degree of initiative, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.
- Willingness to travel regionally and occasionally internationally.
- Knowledge of the Toronto Jewish and philanthropic communities, with an understanding of its leaders, institutions, and philanthropic culture, and the ability to build trusted relationships that inspire engagement and giving.
- Passion for higher education, Israel, and global impact.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
KCI Search + Talent has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of TAU Canada. For more information about this opportunity, please contact Ellie Rusonik, SVP/Lead, KCI Search + Talent by email at: [email protected].
Interested candidates are invited to send a resume and letter of interest to the email address listed above. We will be reviewing applications and interviewing candidates as submissions are received; early applications are encouraged. All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence
To see the full position profile, visit www.kcitalent.com
The salary range for this position is $120,000 - $140,000 plus a comprehensive benefit package. TAU Canada offers a flexible, hybrid work environment with 3-4 days in-office, 1-2 days remote. This position will be based out of the TAU Canada office at 3130 Bathurst Street in Toronto.
Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require any accommodations, please notify the Search Consultant.
Please note that this posting is for an existing vacancy. Artificial intelligence will not be used to screen resumes or assess candidates in this search.