Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts

About us:

The Division of University Advancement (DUA) aims to sustain and enhance the University’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.

DUA at the University of Toronto is engaged in a transformative agenda deeply rooted in the University’s vision for growth and innovation. We are focus on growing fundraising efforts; enhancing the effectiveness and satisfaction of alumni engagement and programs; building advancement talent capacity within and across divisions and creating an organization and culture that fosters diversity and inclusiveness.

Your opportunity:

Divisional Relations at DUA serves as principal liaison to divisional advancement teams: assisting divisions in defining and structuring funding priorities and cases for support, establishing fundraising goals, developing pipelines and strategies and deepening productivity to secure maximum results. Our team is comprised of talent supporting a multitude of specialties within fundraising, such as Advancement Research, Prospect Management and Major Gifts. We hire outstanding people from a variety of backgrounds and currently seek a Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts to join our diverse group of talent in the Major Gifts portfolio.

Reporting to the Director, Major Gifts, the Senior Development Officer will be responsible for independently managing a portfolio of prospects, in regional and local areas, with the potential to give $25,000+ to the University. The incumbent will execute individualized cultivation contacts with assigned prospects consistent with contact-goals set annually and solicit in support of the central priorities of the University as well as those of selected divisions.

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
• Providing orientation to volunteers on appropriate donor solicitation strategies
• Developing and implementing plans to support donor management and stewardship strategies and/or activities

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years’ experience with a proven success record in fund-raising, 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.
• Experience in volunteer engagement such as recruiting and training volunteer.
• 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.
• Ability to have complex financial discussions with donors and their financial representatives.
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers.
• Excellent organizational, project management, multi-tasking and leadership skills.
• Valid driver’s license required and ability to travel as necessary,

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Approachable
• Articulate
• Persuasive
• Self-directed
• Team player

Closing Date: 08/08/2022, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget – Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 15 — $86,011 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $109,993. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations
Recruiter: Stefanie Latham

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.