Senior Development Officer

University of Victoria; Victoria; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senior Development Officer at University of Victoria partners with the Dean and Faculty leadership to advance fundraising priorities through major gifts, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship. The SDO collaborates with central advancement teams and aligns Faculty initiatives with institutional advancement strategies.

The role includes developing solicitation strategies, securing major gifts, advising leadership on fundraising priorities, mentoring staff, and ensuring accurate gift

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree plus 5 years of relevant fundraising experience.
• CFRE designation preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and donor relations skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop solicitation strategies and tactics for each portfolio constituent and coordinate with Dean/unit leadership and volunteers.
• Secure major and principal gifts aligned with Faculty priorities and the University’s mission.
• Partner with university leadership to articulate fundraising priorities and proposals.
• Advise Dean/unit leaders on donor strategy and fundraising best practices.
• Mentor staff and support team development, ensuring accurate gift tracking and reporting.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor stewardship

Leadership & team management

Communication & relationship building

Project management

Travel for donor engagement

Education

Undergraduate degree

Job description

Mandate

The Senior Development Officer (SDO) is a strategic partner to the Dean and Faculty leadership, responsible for advancing the Faculty’s fundraising priorities through major gift development, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship. The SDO collaborates with central advancement teams and plays a key role in aligning Faculty initiatives with institutional advancement strategies.

Mandate

The Senior Development Officer (SDO) is a strategic partner to the Dean and Faculty leadership, responsible for advancing the Faculty’s fundraising priorities through major gift development, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship. The SDO collaborates with central advancement teams and plays a key role in aligning Faculty initiatives with institutional advancement strategies.

Objectives

• Develop detailed solicitation strategies and tactics for each constituent in portfolio and work with the Dean/unit Head, volunteers and faculty members to execute these strategies
• Secure major and principal gifts aligned with Faculty/unit priorities and the University’s mission.
• Partner with university and faculty/unit leadership, as a trusted advisor, to articulate fundraising priorities and proposals
• Assume a confident and informed relationship with the Dean/unit leader in advising on donor strategy and fundraising best practices
• Support team development and operations by mentoring staff and ensuring accurate gift tracking and reporting.

Work Environment

The SDO works both on and off campus, as appropriate, to attend in-person and virtual meetings and events with the Director, Dean/Unit Head, volunteers, Faculty members, staff and donors. The SDO maintains a working space within their assigned Faculty/unit(s).

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree plus 5 years of relevant experience. A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is preferred

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Include

• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment.
• Knowledge of Canadian Income Tax Act, Canada Revenue Agency guidelines, complex gift agreements and some knowledge of gift planning vehicles
• Proven success in major gift fundraising, preferably in higher education.
• Knowledge in Development practices and processes as well as systems used for day-to-day business is an asset
• Proven experience in project management within a large, complex institution is an asset (preferably post-secondary institution)
• Strong leadership and team management experience with measurable outcomes.
• Expertise in fundraising strategy across the giving cycle (identification to stewardship) with the ability to identify and analyze issues, develop solutions, and implement effective strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ability to apply project management best practices to achieve project goals/tasks on time.
• Advanced ability to communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and tailor communication style for different audiences and situations.
• Ability to build relationships with donors, faculty, and institutional leaders.
• Political acumen and ability to navigate complex institutional structures.
• Willingness to travel regularly for donor engagement.
• Organized self-starter with mentoring and coaching abilities.
• Knowledge of the local philanthropic market is an asset.