Senior Development Officer
The University of Victoria is ready to tackle today’s changing world by transforming ideas into meaningful impact. As part of this work, the Alumni and Development team is seeking to hire a full time Senior Development Officer position to support the new Faculty of Health and connect alumni and the community to UVic’s vision, as outlined in the 2023 strategic plan: Distinctly UVic.
Alumni Relations and Development is the division of the university responsible for creating strong relationships and building philanthropic commitment between the University of Victoria and its alumni and friends. The university's Development team has been growing steadily, raising over $30 million annually, and is in the early stages of a comprehensive campaign. This position will support the Dean of the Faculty of Health, VP Research and Innovation and other health leaders across campus, in creating the philanthropic fundraising strategy for UVic’s health theme through major and principal gift development, alumni engagement and doner stewardship. To learn more about our focus on health, please visit our website.
This role will be required to work independently both on- and off-campus and demonstrate a high level of initiative in relationship building with students, clients and colleagues.
As a senior fundraising role, we are seeking candidates who have a proven track record of securing major gifts of $50,000+, are able to articulate giving opportunities, and possess the ability to lead donor strategy conversations with university leadership.
This is a two-year term with the potential for permanence after this time. We are committed to an inclusive hiring process and encourage applications from candidates with a proven ability to secure $50,000+ gifts and manage major donor relationships end-to-end.
*This position is eligible for a Hybrid Work Arrangement*
*Posting is ongoing until filled, but application review will commence on June 1, 2026*
The salary range for this position is:
- Recruitment range: $87,035 to $95,971 and maximum starting salary is determined through knowledge, experience and internal equity.
- Performance range: $ 113,217 salary range ceiling is available through annual performance increases.
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.
Territory Acknowledgement: We acknowledge and respect the Lək̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Xʷsepsəm/Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the university stands, and the Lək̓ʷəŋən and WSÁNEĆ Peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
Equity Statement: UVic is committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion and human rights in our living, learning and work environments. In pursuit of our values, we seek members who are eager to actively participate in that shared responsibility. We actively encourage applications from members of historically and systemically marginalized groups.
Read our full equity statement here: www.uvic.ca/equitystatement.
Accessibility Statement: If you anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application and hiring process contact: [email protected] Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.
What UVic Offers: To learn more click here
