Director of Development, VP Advancement

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Districts 5 and 6.

Position Overview

The Department of  Medicine Development in VP Advancement is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Director of Development for approximately 26 months.

 Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, Cumming School of Medicine. The Director of Development will be responsible for fund development activities and is involved in strategic planning that will guide successful development outcomes. The Director has access to highly sensitive and confidential information, requiring the ability to make discretionary decisions which impact fund development programs and services. The impact of decisions made by this position will be University wide.This position is responsible for directly managing a significant number of key donor relationships and driving a significant portion of the School’s annual fund raising budget.

The sucessful incumbent your primary purpose is to be accountable and responsible for the short and long-term planning, development, delivery and evaluation of major gift fund raising efforts on behalf of the Cumming School, and the University.  You will be directly involved in the development and implementation of procedures that impact the School’s fundraising, which will also impact the University. You will also identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors on behalf of the School and in collaboration with its partners. The position is expected to exercise independent managerial discretion in the development of strategic and annual plans to engage sponsors and donors in the development program.  

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Development and implementation of strategic fund raising plans.
• Develop, build and maintain key relationships with the members of the medical school, staff and various University departments. 
• Secure donations at the major gift level, $25,000 and higher, in support of identified fundraising priorities.
• Build strong relationships with donors; develop stewardship and ongoing cultivation plans.
• Develop prospect lists, and assist faculty members and volunteers in identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors.
• Recruit and support community volunteers; build and maintain effective relationships with existing volunteers.
• Ensure confidentiality and strong sense of professional ethics, demonstrating honesty, integrity, high standards, and understanding and commitment to an academic environment.
• Work with central Advancement Office to integrate and coordinate fundraising planning and execution with that of the University as a whole.
• Plan to achieve fund raising targets, while recognizing that achievement of financial targets is not the only measurement of success for a fundraiser. Define and achieve other measurable targets with the Senior Director of Development.
• Consult with the Senior Director of Development on all matters pertaining to fund development.
• Practice ethical fund raising in keeping with the University’s mission and values and in accordance with charitable giving standards.
• Ensure ongoing familiarity with current trends in fund development.
• Ongoing personal development as a professional fundraiser.
• Ensuring confidentiality related to donations and the development program is critical.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A university degree in a related field, preferably in Business, Communications, or other related field with a minimum of 7-10 years fundraising experience.  
• Previous experience working within the non-profit sector, a post-secondary educational setting or a large, complex organization is preferred.
• Demonstrated consistent experience in complex major gift (>$100,000) solicitations.
• Proven ability to build and manage ongoing relationships with donors and community leaders
• Proven leadership capability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Strong listening and negotiation skills.
• Sound judgment and decision-making capabilities and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• The ability to coach and train people in the area of fundraising.

Application Deadline:  January 22, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is classified in the Management & Professional Career Band, Level 4 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework. 

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website .

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups . Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected] ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected] ).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.