Development Officer, University Relations
Primary Purpose:
To significantly increase and diversify revenue through philanthropic support from donors and prospects, particularly in the form of major gifts benefiting the University of Saskatchewan. The incumbent will plan, develop, solicit, and manage a portfolio of donors and potential major gift contributors to maximize and broaden financial support for projects and university-determined campaigns and projects.
Nature of Work:
The Development Officer reports to the Director of Advancement, College of Engineering and works collaboratively with University Relations staff and College of Engineering leaders, faculty and staff to build strategic relationships with prospects and donors.
This role involves engaging donors in key programs and initiatives, clearly articulating the opportunities and impact of their financial contributions and may support specific fundraising efforts. The Development Officer must develop a deep understanding of college fundraising initiatives with the mandate to build relationships that support leadership and major gift programs.
Success in this role demands a proactive approach in a complex setting, the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences across various mediums, and a commitment to modeling best practices. 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. The position involves coordinating with donors and affiliated partners in administering awards and scholarships, with an emphasis on precise execution and continuous process improvement to maintain transparency and trust.
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:
Proactively manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors with capacity to provide major gifts aligned with college and institutional priorities
Collaborate with advancement colleagues and University Relations to ensure College of Engineering fundraising aligns with university 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 the College of Engineering.
Responsible for donor stewardship and effective communication of awards and scholarship information to stakeholders, requiring continued process improvement. This administrative-heavy role demands precision, coordination, and attention to detail to maintain trust and transparency with donors.
In consultation with the Director of Advancement, College of Engineering:
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with donors, ensuring appropriate engagement and resolution of concerns.
Execute donor relations and fundraising strategies across all donor tiers to increase financial support for the College of Engineering and university-wide initiatives.
Provide support to college leaders, faculty, and staff in their donor-related activities including preparing briefing materials and organizing/attending meetings.
Develop proposals, reports, correspondence, and fundraising materials for donor communications
Education:
An undergraduate degree and/or appropriate training vand experience in a related field. Experience in an academic setting and recognized professional accreditation such as CFRE would be considered assets.
Experience:
Minimum of 2 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, 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 $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 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: 7/28/2025
Closing Date: 8/10/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.
