Senior Development Officer - Limited Term

Ontario Tech University; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Ontario Tech University seeks a Senior Development Officer to manage donor relationships and drive fundraising initiatives. This role collaborates with faculty and volunteers to secure financial support, requiring strong interpersonal skills and strategic abilities. Ideal candidates should have significant experience in fundraising and a commitment to the university's mission.

Benefits

Equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives

Support for candidates requiring accommodation

Qualifications

• Completion of a university program (4 years) is required.
• Over 5 years of experience is mandatory.
• A combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a portfolio of prospects for major gifts of $50k and above.
• Develops strategies for donor engagement and fundraising.
• Identifies, recruits, and leads senior volunteers.

Skills

Superior writing skills

Presentation skills

Persuasive communications skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Relationship building skills

Multitasking

Prioritization

Advanced computer skills

Project management knowledge

Relationship management knowledge

Education

Completion of a University Program consisting of Four Academic Years

Tools

Microsoft Office Software

Client/donor relations management software

Raiser Edge database

Job description

Senior Development Officer - Limited Term

Tracking Code:req1601

Faculty/Department:Advancement Department

Number of Positions:1

Appointment Type:Limited Term 18 months

Hours of Work:35 hours per week

Salary Range:Level 10- Starting Salary, Step 1$89,358

Posting Date:June 16, 2025

Closing Date:June 27, 2025(7:00 pm EST)

Job Summary:

The Senior Development Officer (SDO) plays an important role in developing and stewarding Ontario Tech University relationships; in securing private sector donations; in advancing fundraising strategies and programs; and in recruiting and leading senior volunteers. The Senior Development Officer may manage Faculty specific or University wide fundraising initiatives, and special projects.

Under the leadership of the Director of Philanthropy, the SDO works closely with academic and administrative leaders and volunteers to identify and qualify prospects and to strategically engage, cultivate and solicit financial support and planned giving for university priorities that align with donor interests. The SDO creates strategies to promote ongoing and/or increased giving; this includes soliciting donations, sponsorship and funding, either independently or in concert with senior university leadership, volunteers, faculty and staff, appropriate to donor interests and university priorities.

Responsibilities/accountabilities:

1. Major Gift Development:

• Builds and manages portfolio of prospects and donors capable of making gifts $50k and above
• Works to identify and qualify new individual, corporate, foundation and institutional prospects and develops successful cultivation and solicitation strategies
• Manages approximately 150-200 face to face visits annually and maintains frequent and consistent activity in order to develop meaningful relationships
• Develops strategy, coordinates and communicates complex plans to move donor prospects through various stages of gift consideration and toward a contribution of significant support
• Creates briefing notes for faculty, senior administration and volunteer solicitors for meetings and events
• Identifies gift planning potential within the prospect pool and works with gift planning staff to secure deferred and outright planned gift commitments
• Provides input to joint campaign and philanthropic partnerships pipeline strategy as appropriate to assist with prospect clearance and ensures that cultivation and solicitation strategies are donor- centered
• Works collaboratively with research, communications, alumni and stewardship staff to obtain research profiles on donor prospects; drafts compelling proposals and gift agreements, connects with past graduates for potential speaking engagements and provides ongoing donor engagement strategies

2. Volunteer Development/Management:

• Identifies, recruits, develops and leads senior volunteers
• Works with volunteersto assistin developingstrong corporate and community relationships and advancing the strategic funding priorities of the university

3. Engagement:

• Reaches out to community stakeholders and shares information about the university, its mandate and present and future strategic plans
• Partners with faculty members and alumni staff to develop and implement alumni and donor engagement plans
• Sits on the working committee of events raising funds, offering advice and expertise ensuring the interests of the university are protected
• Works alongside advancement colleagues, faculty members and staff throughout the university and external on various internal and external events
• Provides expertise and advice on donors, external volunteers, the development of lists and strategy for cultivation, stewardship, engagement and Alumni events

Required Skills:

• Superior writing, presentation and persuasive communications skills
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Able to multitask and prioritize
• Advanced computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office S oftware applications and client/donor relations management software
• Working knowledge of project and relationship management
• Working knowledge of Raiser Edge database

Required Education:

• Completion of a University Program consisting of Four Academic Years
• A combination of Education and experience may be considered

* Verification of Academic credentials may be required

Required Experience:

• Over 5 years and including 7 years

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit in electronic format a covering letter and their resume. Applications will be accepteduntil June 27, 2025or until a suitable candidate is found. We appreciate all applications received; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

This position falls within the bargaining unit represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) and will be subject to the terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the university and the OPSEU. To the extent that policies are not included in the collective agreement, employment will also be governed by the university’s policies which may also be found on our websitehttps://ontariotechu.caand which may be amended from time-to-time.

Ontario Tech University is actively committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, indigenization and decolonization (EDIID), and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, while especially encouraging applications from First Nations, Metis, Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, permanent residents, Indigenous Peoples in Canada, and those eligible to work in Canada, will be given priority.

Ontario Tech University respects people's different needs and therefore will take all reasonable steps to ensure accommodation for applicants where appropriate. The University is also committed to ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout all aspects of the recruitment cycle.

If you require accommodation, please contactJulie Day, Health and Disability Management Specialist.For more informationabout the universities policies for accommodating employees with disabilities please review the university’sAccessibility Policy

The university acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation which is covered under the Williams Treaties. We are situated on the Traditional Territory of theMississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation which includes Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi.

Job Location:Oshawa, Ontario, Canada

Expected Start Date:8/18/2025

Expected End Date:3/1/2027