Senior Development Officer

McGill University; Montreal; On-site; CAD 92,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Pension plan

Job summary

McGill University in Montreal seeks a Senior Major Gifts Officer to identify, cultivate and solicit gifts of $100K+ while stewarding key donors. You will manage a 100–150 prospect portfolio, develop fundraising plans, and collaborate with alumni, volunteers and academic leaders to advance McGill's priorities.

This full-time role requires 5–8 years of direct fundraising experience, a strong knowledge of university priorities, and willingness to work evenings/weekends and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years direct fundraising experience with a proven major gifts track record.
• Knowledge of university priorities and planned giving is a strong asset.
• Results-driven self-starter with the ability to analyze and adjust strategies.
• Ability to build constructive relationships and collaborate with diverse partners.
• Strong communication skills; flexible to evenings/weekends and travel.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of 100–150 prospects to secure gifts $100K+.
• Qualify, cultivate and solicit prospects aligned with university priorities.
• Coordinate visits, prepare proposals and document activities in CRM.
• Partner with academic leaders and volunteers to engage donors.
• Ensure donor stewardship and ongoing engagement for long-term support.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Portfolio management

Donor cultivation

Relationship building

Communication skills

Evenings/weekends travel

Education

Tools

MS Office

Prospect Management System

Client-server database software

Job description

University Advancement (UA) promotes McGill to its global community and to the public, engaging alumni, volunteers and friends of the University, and building on McGill’s record of fundraising success in support of University priorities. To find out more about UA, please visit us at www.mcgill.ca/advancement/ua-careers

Position Summary

Under the general direction of the supervisor, the incumbent will develop, plan and implement strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing and stewarding Major Gifts of at least $100K. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of 100 – 150 prospects and will develop and implement a fundraising plan for major gift prospects including the qualification, cultivation and solicitation of individuals (alumni, parents, friends, etc) capable of contributing major gifts of $100,000 or more to University priorities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage a prospect portfolio (approx. 100 – 150) and carry out significant steps (moves) in accordance with a strategy designed to result in increased philanthropic support for McGill University.
• Qualify, cultivate and solicit prospects capable of contributing major gifts of $100,000 or more to University priorities.
• Through personal visits, qualify individuals to determine capacity, inclination and interests in providing special and major gift support to the University.
• Evaluate and recommend appropriate next steps for newly qualified potential donors and current donors.
• Develop major gift fundraising strategies and timetables, to secure gifts of $100,000 or more from top prospects in the SDO portfolio.
• Participate in Prospect Management System; file timely and appropriate contact reports, recording of proposals, etc.
• Work closely with the supervisor to ensure that messages and communications (e.g., proposals) are consistent with the University’s case for support and fundraising priorities and with colleagues throughout the University Advancement Development Office to achieve university-wide fundraising goals.
• Partner with academic leaders, faculty, senior administrators, volunteers and advancement colleagues to develop and implement donor engagement and solicitation strategies.
• Ensure appropriate stewardship and ongoing engagement of donors to strengthen long-term philanthropic relationships with McGill.
• Undertake special projects.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• A minimum of 5 to 8 years of direct fundraising experience with a proven track record of success in the cultivation, solicitation, and closing of major gifts ($100k+) preferably in an academic/higher education, healthcare, or non-profit organization.
• Knowledge and understanding of the University and its priorities is a strong asset.
• Knowledge of planned giving and planned giving vehicles.
• An extremely results-driven, self-starter, with the ability to analyze successes and failures to take corrective action.
• Demonstrated ability to build constructive and effective relationships.
• Professional attitude, diplomacy, and ability to collaborate with others to reach objectives in a team environment.
• Client-focused, with demonstrated skills in listening, planning, organizing, priority setting, analyzing and problem solving.
• Ability to quickly establish credibility and gain the respect of both internal and external partners; achieves a high level of trust in relationships.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to effectively manage multiple projects within tightly prescribed timetables.
• Ability to work highly autonomously and manage own schedule with the ability to regularly work on evenings and/or weekends and to travel as required for meetings with prospects, donors, etc.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a PC environment, using MS Office, and client-server database software.
• Bilingual proficiency in French and English.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) \"Summer Fridays\" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Employment Details

Job Profile: MPEX-COM3C - Development & Alumni Relations - Senior Professional/Manager

Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor: Director of Development

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply: 2026-11-23

Salary

Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 07) $92,150.00 - $115,190.00 - $138,230.00

Eligibility & Working Conditions

To work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 on a scale of 0-4.

Equal Opportunity Statement

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future. McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer. Grandescunt Aucta Labore. By work, all things increase and grow. Find a sense of purpose. Develop your future. Join us today.