The University of Victoria (UVic) is one of Canada’s best universities.  Ranked #2 in the country in the 2025 Maclean’s ranking of comprehensive universities, UVic is widely recognized for teaching and research strengths in ocean and climate health, Indigenous knowledge, health sciences and sustainable communities.

UVic’s fundraising team has achieved multiple milestones in recent years and successfully laid the foundation for the largest campaign in the University’s history.

With this ambitious project underway and realizing the need for a dedicated principal gifts leader, UVic now seeks a dedicated and accomplished professional to lead principal gifts fundraising across the University and play a pivotal role in the Campaign’s success. The newly created position of Associate Director, Philanthropic Partnerships (Principal Gifts) will lead and grow a Principal Gifts program (of $1 million+ gifts) that comes with both University-wide interest and support, a history of significant gifts to build on, and ambitions to expand the number of $1 million+ gifts.

Reporting to the Director of University Development and leading a Coordinator, the AD will work directly with UVic’s leadership (including the President, VP, AVP and Deans across campus) and have the lead role with the Campaign’s largest donors.

This could be a career-defining opportunity for an experienced fundraiser to:

• Advance the Principal Gifts program;
• Galvanize University-wide interest and support for deep donor conversations;
• Build on a history of large gifts, and an exceptional pipeline of principal gift prospects;
• Play a lead role with the Campaign’s largest donors;
• Be in Victoria, one of Canada’s best cities for a globally renowned university.

 Job Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Include: 

The ideal new Associate Director will possess:

• Progressive fundraising experience with a proven track record of achievement and success with raising significant gifts (ideally at the $1 million level) from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Excellent instincts and curiosity related to donor engagement, a nuanced understanding of complex gift structures and legacy needs.
• Experience in a university or similarly complex organization will be a tremendous asset. Open-mindedness to adapt their style and background to UVic’s unique culture.
• Exceptional consensus-building and collaboration abilities and be able to quickly move initiatives ahead. A strong negotiator with the ability to navigate difficult conversations.
• A strategic, persistent, and driven mindset. Can build and keep momentum; proactive and laser-focused on their portfolio.
• Confident to engage with the university’s highest levels of leadership to ask questions, engage, and tactfully encourage.
• A holistic view of the institution coupled with the ability to draw out specific areas of donor interest. Creative to think outside box while thriving in an institutional environment.
• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment.
• Demonstrated competency in critical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to identify and analyze issues, develop solutions, and implement effective strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ability to collaborate, build and maintain positive relationships with diverse individuals both internal and external to the University.
• Excellent administrative, project management, teamwork, planning, and organizational skills with the ability to thrive under pressure and juggle multiple timelines.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
Excellent judgment and ability to nurture key relationships.
• Understands the importance of strategic thinking and collaboration.

How to Apply:

This search is being led by University of Victoria’s search partner, Christoph Clodius at The Discovery Group, at christoph@thediscoverygroup.ca.  If you or someone you know is interested or curious, please be in touch. We welcome questions and enquiries.

Application Timing and Selection Process

All submissions should be received by May 9, 2025.  Please apply to Christoph with a cover letter/expression of interest and resume/CV, together in a single document.

Compensation & Benefits:

This position has a starting salary range of $106,897 – $133,623 and a performance ceiling of $153,666 to grow to in time through annual performance increases.  UVic’s excellent benefits package (with 75% of premiums paid by the university) includes extended health and dental coverage, matching RRSP program, Employee Assistance Program, Professional Development support, and on-site gym and meal program. Time off includes five weeks of vacation with additional paid time off during winter break. A relocation package is also possible for candidates seeking to move to Victoria for this role.

Location: 

Victoria is a vibrant city with an exceptional quality of life. Residents enjoy its social life, arts and culture scene, easy access to nature, and a cutting-edge food scene. With cheaper housing and less congestion than other major cities in Canada, and some of the best weather, people seldom leave.

Located on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is BC’s capital city. With a regional population of about 397,000 residents, Victoria is a big city with a small-town feel. As one of the most beautiful and photogenic cities in the world, it enjoys beautiful heritage architecture and a modern cityscape framed by stunning ocean views and mountain vistas.

The region is made for an active lifestyle. Outdoor recreational activities are boundless, and many people walk and cycle to work. Victoria may be surrounded by rainforest but is actually a lot drier than nearby Seattle or Vancouver. Home to the warmest winters in Canada, snow is uncommon in the city, allowing golfers, hikers, sailors, rowing, rugby, soccer, tennis, and gardening enthusiasts to play outside all year long. Along with the outdoors, there is a great selection of things to do in Victoria and environs. In addition to the Royal BC Museum, the Art Gallery of Victoria, and Butchart Gardens, there is a myriad of cultural attractions, festivals, and activities to enjoy.  The food scene thrives here, with exceptional restaurants, outstanding brewpubs, award-winning spirits, and of course, an outstanding west-coast café culture.

Travel to mainland Canada and USA is simple, either by ferry (a scenic 90 minutes to the mainland), or by air via Victoria International Airport or Victoria Inner Harbour Airport (a 30-minute flight to Vancouver).  Victoria is also exceptionally well-connected to the west coast’s network of smaller islands for day trips to the Gulf Islands or longer getaways.

Please see the full Candidate Brief here: 

https://thediscoverygroup.ca/portfolio/university-of-victoria-2/