Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts

About us

The University of Toronto Scarborough is a place of energy, enthusiasm and passion. Our commitment to inclusive excellence attracts the brightest learners, scholars and employees from around the globe. Our success has been made possible by the opportunity given to us by our Indigenous hosts to operate on their territory, and we cherish our continuing partnerships with these communities. The University of Toronto Scarborough is an exciting campus with unlimited potential.

Join us on our journey.

Leading the fundraising and alumni relations activities for University of Toronto Scarborough, the Development & Alumni Relations Office (DARO) supports the campus and over 65,000 alumni. At this time, UTSC is undertaking an ambitious strategic plan with an approach of inspiring inclusive excellence. As we prepare for our next big challenge, DARO seeks an experienced, detail-oriented individual who exemplifies a customer-oriented, hospitality-focused approach to stakeholders.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

The Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts (SDO) is part of a team working under the general direction of the Director of Development. The incumbent will mainly be responsible for the fundraising of various projects across the campus through tailored solicitation programs. The incumbent identifies, cultivates and solicits donors at the major gift level ($50,000+). The incumbent is responsible for developing tailored strategies to identify and gain/enhance the interest and involvement of individuals, corporations, foundations and associations who directly or through other sources, are capable of making gifts at this level.

The incumbent will meet with donors to identify, cultivate and solicit for support and interest in UTSC. The incumbent will also ensure proper stewardship takes place following a gift to maintain the donor's involvement, interest and support. The SDO, Major Gifts will also be responsible for preparing call reports, proposals, progress reports and prospect correspondence; collaborating with other members of the University’s Advancement community to develop and execute strategies, and realize goals.

The SDO, Major Gifts will be involved in the training of volunteers in cultivation and solicitation activities. The active involvement of key members of the university community and volunteers is essential to the overall success of such a program.

• Assessing needs and contributing to the development and implementation of plans for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and recognition
• Determining the appropriate involvement of members of the university community and volunteers in the cultivation, solicitation and recognition process
• Providing orientation to volunteers on appropriate donor solicitation strategies
• Writing project-specific proposals related to fundraising campaigns and drafting donor acknowledgment and recognition communications
• Meeting face-to-face with current and potential donors to discuss giving interests and opportunities
• 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
• Maintaining detailed records of donor interactions to support prospect pipeline development

• Bachelor's Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum five years of related experience in a fundraising role with a proven track record of success.
• Demonstrated major gift development experience (gifts of $25,000 and above) is required.
• Demonstrated experience in the identification, cultivation, solicitation of donors and prospective donors.
• Demonstrated success in building collaborative relationships…