Director, Donor Relations

Position Information

Position Title

Director, Donor Relations

Department/Unit

Advancement

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number

S223-25

Employee Group

DPMG

Position Type

Regular, On-Going

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

Employment Type

Full Time

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

1.0

Salary

$80,471 - $107,943 per annum

Classification

ADM-07

Provisional Statement

This is a provisional classification. Formal regular review classification procedures may be initiated at any time by the incumbent or supervisor after the incumbent has worked a minimum of six months in the role.

About Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada's leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region's intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

Dalhousie University's Office of Advancement is responsible for all fundraising and alumni engagement activities at the institution. A team of advancement professionals cultivate relationships with alumni and friends of the university and works with donors to help them achieve personal fulfilment through philanthropic investments. Dalhousie donors collectively commit over $80 million each year to support student success, scientific research, and community impact. Reporting to the Executive Director, Donor Experience & Operations, the Director, Donor Relations is responsible for strategically planning, designing, and implementing an innovative, comprehensive, and donor-centric program that acknowledges, recognizes and stewards Dalhousie's donors, resulting in long-term philanthropic support for the University.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage a strategic, integrated donor relations and communications plan that supports Advancement's fundraising strategy across all giving levels, including annual, major, principal, and legacy gifts.
• Provide strategic advice to senior institutional and Advancement leaders pertaining to donor relations strategy.
• Lead the development of new, and manage existing, stewardship plans, including events for donors, as well as specialized funds and special projects as opportunities arise.
• Provide strategic advice on recognition, stewardship, and naming aspects of all University gift agreements.
• Set donor relations standards across campus to foster an energetic, enthusiastic internal stewardship culture and build long-term relationships with donors and potential donors to maximize their involvement and investment in the University.
• Lead the Donor Relations team by providing leadership and strategic direction, establishing annual performance metrics, and evaluating performance.

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

The successful applicant will be required to perform evening and weekend work occasionally and to travel for the purpose of attending donor relations-related events and donor meetings.

Required Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree, with considerable progressive experience in a high-touch relationship management field (or an equivalent combination of training and experience).
• Ability to work effectively with internal and external constituencies, including donors, faculty, staff, and others.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills. The ability to listen is essential. Ability to ask insightful questions that encourage prospects and donors to talk about themselves and their interests.
• Ability to balance competing priorities, complex situations, and tight deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to create efficient systems are required.
• Confidence, professionalism and the interpersonal effectiveness and proven ability to work co-operatively with senior administration, alumni, and department leaders.

Assets

• Leadership experience in stakeholder relations, fundraising, public relations, or communications in a large institutional or complex environment.
• Experience leading integrated communication strategies.
• Experience leading high-touch events.

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie's core and leadership competencies, in particular:

• Respect & Inclusion
• Adaptability
• Thinking and Acting Strategically
• Relationship Building
• Accountability for Performance & Results

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a defined benefit pension plan, health and dental plans, a health spending account, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Applications from current university employees and external candidates are assessed concurrently. Current university employees will be given special consideration.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

1

Open Date

11/24/2025

Close Date

12/12/2025

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

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