Senior Development Officer

CASE; London; On-site; CAD 76,000 - 109,000; Full time

Job summary

Western University is seeking a Senior Development Officer within the Western Advancement division to lead major gifts fundraising across a portfolio of prospects and donors. The role focuses on discovery, cultivation, solicitation, recognition and stewardship to advance Western’s priorities.

The position requires a University Degree and 5+ years of major gifts experience, CFRE preferred. It is a 3-year temporary full-time contract with benefits, based on a base salary in the range listed below,

Qualifications

• Education: University Degree; CFRE accreditation preferred.
• Experience: 5 years’ experience securing six and seven-figure financial agreements within the private sector or similar levels of major gifts in the charitable sector.
• Demonstrated donor strategy development, implementation and evaluation.
• Experience managing multiple projects to tight deadlines.
• Experience fundraising with a university or complex non-profit environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of prospects and donors to secure major gifts.
• Design and implement fundraising strategies aligned with Western’s priorities.
• Cultivate relationships, solicit gifts, recognize donors and steward ongoing support.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Donor strategy development

Proposal development

Negotiation

Oral & written communication

Project management

Diplomacy

Interpersonal skills

Fundraising in university setting

Education

University Degree

CFRE accreditation preferred

Job description

44055 Job ID

Faculty/Unit

VP Western Advancement

Department

Development

Employee Group

Non Union

Appointment Type

Contract

Appointment Status

Temporary Full-Time

Closing.

October 5 2026

Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade 16

The base salary will be $76,490 - $109,190 per annum. Starting salary will be aligned with the successful candidate’s experience, skills, and demonstrated qualifications.

Please note, this is a 3-year temporary full-time contract opportunity with benefits. There are multiple vacancies available.

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" — an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

The Western Advancement division plays 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. All departments within the Division build enduring alumni and public trust through understanding and support for Western University in a coordinated campus-wide effort that results in the engagement and funding needed to make an impact. There are 3 departments within the Division – Departments of Development, Alumni Relations and Advancement Operations.

This is an exciting time to join the Western Advancement Team. We are in a period of growth, currently searching for new Senior Development Officers to join our team.

Responsibilities

The Senior Development Officer (SDO) is a key position in the department of Development and plays a pivotal role in helping the University meet and exceed funding priorities and goals. The SDO is responsible for the full scope of development activities within their portfolio relating to the discovery, cultivation, solicitation, recognition and stewardship of a portfolio of prospects and donors. The role will design, develop, implement, evaluate and manage effective, innovative and transformational fundraising strategies supporting the goals of Western.

The activities of the role match the University’s engagement objectives and financial needs with the highest philanthropic aspirations of donors. The SDO will develop meaningful relationships and strengthen loyalties with individuals and organizations who have a passion for higher education and research.

Qualifications

• Education:
• University Degree
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) accreditation is preferred
• Experience:
• 5 years’ experience securing six and seven-figure financial agreements within the private sector or similar levels of major gifts in the charitable sector
• Demonstrated record of donor strategy development, implementation and evaluation
• Experience successfully managing multiple projects from conception to completion within tight prescribed deadlines
• Demonstrated experience in compiling cases for support
• Experience fundraising with a university or other complex non-profit environment preferred
• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
• Demonstrated success in confirming major and principal gifts preferably in an academic setting
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on proposal development and presentations to internal and external contacts
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution and interpersonal skills
• Flexible, resourceful, creative and proactive work style with a can-do, enthusiastic attitude
• Influential interpersonal skills that build positive and strong relationships at all levels of the organization

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. 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 of 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. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone [phone].

Please Note

This position is an existing vacancy. This position is fully in-person, on-site. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be cont