Development Officer, Awards

The University of British Columbia; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 86,000 - 124,000; Full time

Job summary

UBC in Vancouver seeks a Development Officer in Awards & Development & Alumni Engagement to lead fundraising programs, including research, strategy and proposals, targeting roughly CAD 0.75–1.5M annually. The role advances donor engagement and stewardship across units.

The position oversees a portfolio of major gift prospects, conducts 100–125 donor visits yearly, and partners with senior administration to secure critical gifts. Strong communications are essential.

Qualifications

• University degree and at least 3 years related experience.
• Ability to develop fundraising strategies and proposals.
• Commitment to equity and diversity in fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a plan for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects and donors.
• Develops proposals and works with donors to generate gifts for priority projects.
• Manages a portfolio of major gift prospects (75-125) with numerous face-to-face visits annually.
• Coordinates staffing for major gift solicitations and ensures donor recognition programs.
• Generates donor materials and contributes to stewardship activities.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Skills

Donor relations

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Project management

Education

University degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

MS Windows environment

Microsoft Office

Fundraising CRM software

Job description

Staff - Non Union Job Category M&P - AAPS Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Development & Alumni Engagement, Level C Job Title Development Officer, Awards Department Awards | Development | Development & Alumni Engagement

Compensation Range $7,727.33 - $11,112.00 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date September 15, 2026 Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date. Job End Date Ongoing This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

Responsible for administering fundraising programs, including research, developing strategy, preparing proposals, stewardship and moving fundraising accounts through the donor cycle and raising an average minimum of $.75-1.5M annually; or responsible for supporting development related activities of senior university administration by managing complex relationship with multi-unit stakeholders. Participates in comprehensive plans for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects and donors. Assists in developing strategies for closing gifts. Annual targets to be set by workplan goals and objectives. If position has direct donor contact, metrics are included. If no direct donor contact, annual targets to be set by workplan goals and objectives.

Organizational Status Reports to: One of: Manager, Senior Associate Director, Director/Assistant Dean, or Executive Director of Development. Works with: UBC faculty and staff involved in fundraising. Contacts: Donors and outside community groups and organizations. Supervises: May supervise Development Coordinators, Development Associates and support staff.

Work Performed

• Works in partnership with senior management to facilitate maximum private and public sector support for the unit;
• Develops and implements a plan for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects and donors;
• Develops and implements strategies for closing major gift solicitations and coordinates staffing for major gift solicitations;
• Develops and manages a portfolio of major gift prospects (75-125) making face-to-face visits (100-125 annually) for the purpose of discovery, cultivation and solicitation strategies for major gift prospects (a major gift is defined as a donation of $50,000 or more); or is responsible for supporting development related activities of senior university administration by managing complex relationships with multi-unit stakeholders;
• Develops proposals and works with donors to generate gifts for priority projects, with an expectation to make solicitations (20-25 annually) at the major gift level; or administering fundraising programs, conducting research, developing strategies and preparing proposals;
• Ensures that appropriate donor recognition, acknowledgment and stewardship programs are in place;
• Generates donor/prospect solicitation materials and correspondence;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The position is a critical point of contact for donors and university staff in relation to development activities. Incorrect interpretation or communication of university policy and procedures or lack of tact, diplomacy or sensitivity in dealing with major donors and senior administrators could potentially result in damaged relationships and credibility, leading to the potential loss of significant donations.

The position shares responsibility for ensuring proper interpretation and implementation of academic and fiscal policies. If inappropriate advice is given, policies are interpreted incorrectly, or erroneous financial information is provided, the University could be in direct violation of stewardship and trusteeship obligations to donors. The nature of the work involves a high level of judgement and decision-making. The incumbent participates in decisions concerning the planning, organization and utilization of staff, providing input into staff selection and job performance reviews.

Supervision Received

Works independently with general direction from manager to achieve objectives. Difficult technical problems and matters non-conforming to UBC policy can be referred to manager.

Supervision Given

May supervise Development Coordinators, Development Associates, and support staff.

Minimum Qualifications

University degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of 3 years related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Requires UBC wide knowledge and understanding of priorities, projects and opportunities. Thorough knowledge of the university environment and academic structure is preferred. Ability to work independently while exercising good judgement at all times. Computer experience required; MS Windows environment, Microsoft Office preferred. Experience working with a centralized fundraising system an asset. Ability to plan, co-ordinate and supervise the work of others, execute a variety of complex projects, and meet imposed deadlines. Strong verbal and written communication skills, both verbal and written, having the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with donors, co-workers and other campus departments.

About UBC

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities globally. A large part of what makes us unique is the community of engaged students, faculty, and staff who are collectively committed to shaping a better world. Recognized as a leading employer in British Columbia and Canada, UBC supports inspired students, faculty and staff on their journey of discovery, and challenges them to realize their greatest potential. New ideas, changing infrastructure, innovative technology, and fresh approaches are opening up possibilities for the future of research, teaching, and work. Are you ready to embrace the future together?

Equity and Diversity

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, and/or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. If you have any accommodation or accessibility needs during the job application process, please contact the Centre for Workplace Accessibility at [e-mail].