Job Description

Date Posted: 08/10/2026
Req ID: 49743
Faculty/Division: VP - Division of University Advancement
Department: Campaign and Marketing
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00051924
Existing Vacancy: Yes

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.

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 contributes to and supports 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. 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.

Your opportunity:

As Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts (SDO) you will build and proactively manage a portfolio of prospects whom you will solicit in support of the central priorities of the University, as well as, those of selected divisions. The SDO is responsible for developing strategies and tailored programs to engage the interest and involvement of individuals who directly, or through other sources, are capable of making gifts at the $50K+ level. This will entail developing customized campaign strategies and individualized strategic approaches to targeted donors, as well as managing projects with either volunteers or divisional staff. The SDO will also ensure proper stewardship takes place following a gift to maintain the donor's involvement, interest and support.

The successful candidate will be seasoned and successful frontline fundraiser, highly organized and able to coordinate prospect management and projects to meet deadlines under pressure. In this highly collaborative role, the SDO must build effective working partnerships with fundraising colleagues in central and divisional advancement programs, and with faculty, administrative leaders, and staff across the institution, as well as volunteers and other external constituencies.

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 track record of success or equivalent professional experience in outside sales.
• Experience developing and managing prospect relationships across the full donor cycle, from identification through 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, cultivate, and strengthen relationships with prospects.
• 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.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts and inspire stakeholder confidence.
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers and key stakeholders.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Achievement oriented
• Articulate
• Entrepreneurial
• Goal oriented
• Persuasive
• Thoughtful

Note: This is a term position ending March 2028.

Closing Date: 08/19/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type Budget - Term
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.

s are available upon request for internal applicants.