Development Specialist

**Development Specialist**:
**Primary Purpose**:The purpose of the Development Specialist is to work collaboratively with various departments within University Relations to manage and support projects and implement strategies aligned with the unit goals.

**Nature of Work**:Reporting and working under the guidance of the Director, College Development, the Development Specialist is a member of the development team and is responsible for working with faculty, staff, student groups and University Relations colleagues to help identify funding opportunities and support key projects.

This position requires an experienced level of organizational oversight to achieve project goals and objectives. The incumbent will have a proactive approach to self-directed work as well as demonstration of independent judgment in managing projects, serving campus units, prioritizing responsibilities and time, and the ability to communicate effectively to team members. Establishing and maintaining positive relationships and modeling best practices is essential to success. Accuracy and attention to detail is vital to ensure information provided to others is correct.

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 support on projects and tasks related to the comprehensive campaign and college development.
- Provide support to ensure the successful execution of special projects.
- Review, support and develop the process for student award administration. Liaise with stakeholders to determine scope and solutions.
- Work with faculty, staff, and student groups to identify projects and initiatives that align with donor interests.
- Collaborate with the stewardship team to enhance donor recognition activities across campus.
- Collaborate with college advancement colleagues and appropriate members of the University Relations team to ensure all aspects of college and university advancement activity are closely aligned with relevant institutional policies and guidelines.
- Through collaboration and meaningful engagement, actively contribute to creating a university environment that is engaged with and inspired by the philanthropic work undertaken by University Relations.
- Undertake related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.

**Education and Experience**:
A bachelor’s degree and/or appropriate training and experience in a related field is required. Minimum 5 years of related experience with project coordination in an academic setting will be considered an asset.

Demonstrated success in project coordination, goal and priority setting, success in building and managing collaborative relationships, managing multiple projects, a working knowledge and familiarity with the University of Saskatchewan environment and existing policies and procedures would be an asset.

**Skills/Competencies**:

- Strong decision making, problem solving, and research skills;
- Excellent communicator with strong interpersonal skills, tact, and diplomacy;
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
- Demonstrated organizational skills, including effective coordination of multiple projects;
- Ability to problem solve and think strategically and creatively;
- High degree of motivation and superior work ethic;
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively as an effective team member;

**Department**: University Relations
**Status**: Term 1 y