Director of Development – Start Date: Spring of 2024

TMS School

Director of Development

TMS is seeking a motivated and inspiring professional as its next Director of Development. This

is an outstanding opportunity to work with a supportive leadership team, talented faculty, staff,

and students, and highly engaged parents and volunteers in a School that has a great story to

tell. Ideally, the appointment will be effective in the spring of 2024.

Internationally recognized since 1961, TMS is a leading independent school offering a unique

combination of Montessori and International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes in exceptional

facilities on two campuses in Richmond Hill, Ontario. A Montessori approach to learning is

expertly delivered at the Lower School from Toddler through Grade 6 before students transition

to the Upper School, where the IB curriculum is delivered through both the Middle Years and

Diploma Programmes. With approximately 900 students ranging in age from 18 months to 18

years, TMS delivers an engaging, highly acclaimed educational experience focusing on knowing

every child uniquely. It encourages every learner to become a compassionate, curious, and

connected citizen in a complex and changing world. The school desires to inspire and challenge

students to discover the best of who they are, to achieve their full potential, and to strive and

excel in academics, arts, athletics, and citizenship. As a member of CIS Ontario and accredited

by CCMA, CAIS and IBO, TMS pursues ongoing improvement in all areas. Additional

information about TMS and its recent growth and direction is available at www.tmsschool.ca

The ideal candidate is an engaging visionary with strong strategic and conceptual fundraising

skills. They have experience with building a culture of giving within organizations and are

respected by peers and staff as a compelling communicator, a trusted and sought out

relationship builder, and a highly effective motivator. The capacity and commitment to drive

fundraising/development growth in times of economic pressure and the flexibility and resilience

to act as a public face for the School with current and prospective donors will be highly valued.

As an experienced fundraising/development leader, they are known to set clear priorities,

achieve targets and deadlines, and rally internal and external communities around a shared

vision. Prior experience in independent schools or the not-for-profit sector will be an asset.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Community Development and working closely with the

Head of School, the Leadership Team, and the Directors of Enrolment Management, Marketing

& Communications, and Alumni & Community Relations, the Director of Development will

advise on all aspects of matters related to philanthropy in policies, procedures, best practices,

and emerging trends. TMS offers opportunities for professional development and the chance

to work in a vibrant, collegial workplace. Compensation is highly competitive.

The consultants will begin review of candidates immediately, with committee consideration

later in the new year, and will continue until the role is filled. Applications should include a letter

of interest, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references (who will not be contacted

without the consent of the candidate), and should be submitted in confidence to the School’s

executive search consultants:

Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.

[email protected]

TMS is an equal opportunity employer. We provide any needed accommodations as laid out in the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Promoting diversity is one of our core values and we are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming culture within our school community.