Development Officer

Primary Purpose:
To significantly increase and diversify revenue by obtaining philanthropic support from donors and prospects in the form of significant major gifts that support the University of Saskatchewan. The incumbent will plan, develop, solicit, and manage a portfolio of donors and prospective major gift donors with the goal of maximizing and diversifying financial support for projects and university-determined campaigns and goals.

Nature of Work:
The Development Officer reports to the Director, College Development and works collaboratively across University Relations and across colleges and departments with college and unit leaders, faculty and University Relations staff to build strategic relationships with prospects and donors.

This position not only engages donors in key programs and initiatives, articulating the opportunities and impact of their financial investments, but also may support specific fundraising programs or initiatives. The Development Officer is required to garner an in-depth understanding of Campaign initiatives with the mandate to build relationships that support major and principal gift programs.

The work requires a proactive approach in a complex environment and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences by a variety of methods and communication mediums. Establishing and maintaining positive relationships and modeling best practices is essential to success. This position makes discretionary decisions and uses excellent judgment to determine appropriate procedures in alignment with legislative requirements and institutional policies. Accuracy and attention to detail is essential to ensure information provided to others is correct. The environment is dynamic and fast-paced.

University Relations is responsible for institutional advancement programs and as such is dedicated to supporting the related needs of all colleges, units and the university as a whole. University Relations is comprised of specialized teams that work together as an integrated team to ensure that the University of Saskatchewan has the reputation, relationships and resources necessary to take its place among the most distinguished universities in Canada and the world.

The University of Saskatchewan values diversity and Indigenous engagement is a strategic priority. In support of this priority, the position will contribute to a team environment which recognizes and supports the importance and value of diversity in achieving the mission of the University, and actively seek out those with diverse cultural backgrounds, perspective and experiences to support the mission.

In University Relations, the nature of our work centers on our guiding principles of being:

• Inspiring: We are confident in ourselves and our goals. We instill confidence and excitement in others to bring them along with us.
• Committed to each other’s success: We look for opportunities to make all our teams and the University successful.
• Collaborative and integrated: We work together toward shared goals.
• Solutions- and action-oriented: We continuously seek a path forward and we get things done.
• Brave and courageous: We expect to encounter obstacles. We face these challenges head-on.
• Respectful: We demonstrate our regard for others through listening, understanding, and acknowledging the contributions of all.

Accountabilities:

• Provide strategic fundraising expertise and leadership for Campaign fundraising initiatives identified by senior leadership. This includes providing high-level support for programs and projects requiring major and principal gift support;
• Actively manage a portfolio of current and prospective major donors with a focus on those who have the ability to make significant major gifts to support institutional priorities and campaign goals;
• Strengthen long-term relationships with the university’s major and principal gift donors by ensuring they are stewarded and recognized in ways that are meaningful to them and that are in alignment with institutional recognition guidelines;
• Work collaboratively with college advancement colleagues and appropriate members of the UR team relative to ensure all aspects of college and university advancement activity are closely aligned with relevant institutional policies and guidelines;
• Establish, enhance and promote the university as a leader in donor-centered development;
• Through collaboration and meaningfully engagement, actively contribute to creating a university environment that is engaged with and inspired by the philanthropic work undertaken by University Relations.

Education:
An undergraduate degree and/or appropriate training and experience in a related field. Experience in an academic setting and recognized professional accreditation such as CFRE would be considered assets.

Experience:
Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in fundraising or closely related discipline preferably within a higher education or comparably complex environment; demonstrated success in goal and priority setting, experience working with senior leadership, success in building and managing collaborative relationships, managing multiple projects, identifying target audiences and managing prospect relationships and strategies through to successful solicitation. Working with and managing volunteers and an interest in community/stakeholder engagement would be preferred. Experience utilizing a computerized database to manage donor records for research and solicitation purposes, as well as knowledge of the University of Saskatchewan and an understanding of strategic planning, sales, events management and/or alumni relations would be an asset.

Skills/Competencies:
Goal driven with a high level of energy, enthusiasm and dedication to the mission and goals of the institution; demonstrated integrity, professional maturity, discretion, judgment, and decisiveness to inspire confidence among internal and external stakeholders; results driven with proven ability to take initiative; superior facilitation and creativity in negotiating win-win agreements to motivate volunteers and to inspire confidence working with donors and/or their professional advisors; ability to work independently and collaboratively as an effective team member; strong interpersonal relationship-building skills and the capacity to build consensus and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders; demonstrated analytical and organizational skills, including effective planning and management of multiple projects; ability to problem-solve, think and act strategically and creatively; excellent communication skills, both written and oral including public speaking; and proficiency in computer applications, including database expertise.

Department: University Relations

Status: Permanent

Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $66,030.00 – 103,174.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 3/4/2024

Closing Date: 3/17/2024 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where ‘Yes’ is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver’s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable