Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts

Date Posted: 10/08/2025

Req ID: 45437

Faculty/Division: VP - Division of University Advancement

Department: Campaign and Marketing

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Position Number:

Description:

About us:

The Division of University Advancement (DUA) aims to sustain and enhance the University of Toronto's academic mission, leadership, and worldwide impact, by engaging alumni and private sector constituents meaningfully in the mission of the University, building mutually beneficial relationships of increasing value and satisfaction over time.

Through our current Defy Gravity campaign, the team supports U of T's commitment to inclusive excellence – the idea that every member of our community should thrive in an environment of belonging – and helps the University bring together top minds from every conceivable background to create a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world. In this ecosystem, there is an emphasis on collaboration, diplomacy, teamwork and mission focus as the Division of University Advancement supports our Faculties, Campuses and Divisions as a shared service.

The Division of University Advancement at the University of Toronto is committed to a transformative agenda deeply rooted in the University's vision for growth and innovation. We are focused on growing fundraising efforts; doubling the number of newly engaged alumni; achieving Advancement goals through the foundational integration of Alumni Relations and Development both centrally and through collaborations with divisional colleagues; creating an organization and culture that fosters diversity and inclusiveness.

Your opportunity:

We hire outstanding people from a variety of backgrounds and currently seek a Senior Development Officer (SDO) to join our diverse group of talent. The mission of the Major Gifts team within DUA is to drive fundraising success at the $50K-$5M+ level in support of a broad array of programs and priorities across the university. Our driven and collegial team of frontline fundraisers and operations staff contribute to and support the ambitious fundraising objectives of partner divisions, university leaders, and special initiatives. We also take a special focus on regional fundraising in North America and Europe. This requires taking a collaborative approach across a complex and decentralized fundraising environment.

As a SDO, you will build and proactively manage a portfolio of prospective donors whom you will solicit in support of the university's fundraising priorities. The SDO is responsible for developing strategies to engage the interest and involvement ofindividuals who directly, or through other sources, are capable of making major gifts. The SDO will also ensure proper stewardship takes place following a gift to maintain the donor's involvement, interest and support.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Cultivating and soliciting current and prospective major gift donors through tailored stewardship programs
• Assessing needs and contributing to the development and implementation of plans for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and recognition
• Developing tailored fundraising initiatives that support strategic initiatives
• Identifying, evaluating and recommending the necessary steps to bring the prospect closer to making a major financial commitment to the University
• Developing and implementing plans to support donor management and stewardship strategies and/or activities
• Writing briefing notes, solicitation plans and call reports to track donor interaction
• Writing project-specific proposals related to fundraising campaigns

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years' experience with a proven success record in fundraising, or equivalent professional experience in outside sales.
• Experience developing prospect relationship, from identification to stewardship.
• Experience managing a caseload of active gift prospects and implementing strategies for solicitation of these prospects.
• Demonstrated experience in consistently meeting deadlines/deliverables and standards for quality work.
• Entrepreneurial approach to problem solving and demonstrated success in exceeding goals and expectations.
• Ability to initiate and build relationships with prospects and interact via telephone, digital platforms, and in-person to secure donations.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a diverse student body, faculty, staff, volunteers, alumni and high-level donors to build relationships.
• Ability to persuasively communicate a compelling case for philanthropic support.
• Ability to present tangible and intangible concepts and garner the confidence of stakeholders, both verbally and in writing.
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers.
• Excellent organizational, project management, multi-tasking and leadership skills.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Achievement oriented
• Articulate
• Diplomatic
• Perceptive
• Persuasive

Closing Date: 10/23/2025, 11:59PM ET

Employee Group: USW

Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing

Schedule: Full-Time

Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:

USW Pay Band 15 - $97,348. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $124,491. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.

Job Category: Administrative / Managerial

Recruiter: Fiona Chan

Lived Experience Statement

Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.