Development Associate, Principal Gifts, Strategy and Initiatives

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Temporary Librarian, Administrative and Professional Staff Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $76,792 to $128, 171. This position has an initial appointment of 14 months.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus Edmonton.

Reporting to the Director of Principal Gifts, Strategy, and Initiatives, the Development Associate is a key member of a highly collaborative team working to inspire and secure transformational philanthropic commitments that advance the University of Alberta's most ambitious priorities.

Working closely with the Director, and collaborating closely with the Associate Vice-President of Development and Alumni Relations and the Office of the President, the Development Associate plays a central role in engaging, cultivating, and soliciting principal gift donors. In this role, the Development Associate helps shape and advance principal gift proposals—developed and managed collaboratively across the team—while leading complex, high-visibility initiatives with U of A stakeholders. The position identifies and evaluates funding opportunities, designs memorable donor engagement experiences, and creates compelling donor communications and comprehensive donor reports. The Development Associate also conducts research and analysis to inform thoughtful, strategic approaches to engaging the University's most significant supporters.

The ideal candidate will bring exceptional communication skills, sound judgment, and strong relationship-building abilities, along with a proven track record of managing multiple, complex initiatives in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment. This is an opportunity to help secure gifts that will have a lasting, generational impact on the University and the communities it serves.

The Vice-President - External Relations leads the University of Alberta's efforts to enhance and protect its reputation locally, nationally, and globally. This role oversees the development and execution of strategic initiatives that shape how internal and external audiences perceive the university.

With a focus on communication, engagement, and relationship-building, the Vice-President provides leadership for Communications and Marketing, Alumni Relations, Advancement, and Government and Community Relations. These teams collaborate to support the university's brand, foster donor and alumni engagement, and establish strong connections with public and community partners.

Through these coordinated efforts, the Vice-President - External Relations ensures the university's image, influence, and impact are advanced in alignment with its mission, values, and long-term goals.

Donor Engagement, Cultivation, and Solicitation

• Work alongside the Director to support the Associate Vice-President of Development and Alumni Relations and the Office of the President of the University of Alberta in engaging, cultivating, and soliciting principal gift donors. We have approximately 100 Principal Giving Accounts assigned to our team
• Plan and execute high-impact donor engagement experiences that strengthen relationships and inspire transformational giving.
• Prepare briefing materials, communications, and follow-up reports for high-level donor meetings and events.

Project Leadership

• Lead complex, high-visibility projects involving multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate timelines, resources, and deliverables to ensure successful project execution.
• Anticipate and resolve challenges to keep projects on track.
• Donor Communications and Reporting
• Draft compelling donor communications, including stewardship reports, proposals, and event materials.
• Ensure that all materials reflect the University's mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Collaborate with internal partners to maintain consistent, high-quality messaging for donors.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with faculty, researchers, and senior administrators to understand funding needs and opportunities.
• Serve as a liaison between University leadership and donors, ensuring clear communication and follow-through on commitments.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to support institutional fundraising priorities.

Program and Initiative Support

• Contribute to the planning and execution of principal gift programs and initiatives.
• Support tracking, evaluation, and reporting on progress toward principal gift goals.

• Provide leadership in refining processes and tools to enhance principal gift fundraising effectiveness.

• Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 3–5 years of progressive development experience, preferably within a post-secondary or similarly complex environment.

• Proven ability to develop and implement successful fundraising strategies and to achieve ambitious objectives.
• Highly self-motivated, proactive, energetic, and creative, with a track record of taking initiative and delivering results.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple, shifting priorities and meet tight deadlines in a high-paced environment.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes ayant une orientation sexuelle ou une identité et une expression sexospécifique; et tous ceux qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.