Senior Development Officer (Waterloo)

Primary Purpose

Accountable to the Director of Advancement, Faculty of Mathematics, and working in cooperation with the Development and Alumni Affairs team, the Development Officer will be responsible for the corporate and individual fundraising of gifts within the Faculty of Mathematics. Primary responsibilities carried out as a member of the Development team and as a member of the Faculty of Mathematics will include identification, evaluation, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of corporate, foundation and individual donors for the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Mathematics, and interdisciplinary priority projects.

Key Accountabilities

• Portfolio & Prospect Management
  • Develops and maintains a good working knowledge of the faculty, and the University of Waterloo’s activities, priorities and needs in both teaching and research.
  • Has a thorough working knowledge of the Faculty of Mathematics fundraising priorities and the University of Waterloo’s priority projects and progress.
  • Using this knowledge, and in consultation with the Director, coordinates fundraising strategies for the corporate, foundation, and individual sectors, including cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects.
  • Actively seeks out new prospects for the faculty and coordinates prospect identification and research activities.
  • Has knowledge of giving vehicles and non‑complex gifts, refers planned giving.
• Communications & Coordination
  • Creates fundraising materials suitable for presentation to prospective contributors by soliciting technical content from faculty members and working with the Faculty of Mathematics Communications team, Office of Advancement, Creative Services, and University Relations as required.
  • Develops proposals for projects tailored to the specific interests of corporations, foundations, individuals and associations in conjunction with the faculty.
  • Maintains/updates the database by ensuring that meeting notes are recorded and significant moves are tracked in the system.
  • Gives direction and advice to student fundraising initiatives (including sponsorship) within the Faculty.
  • Coordinates special projects and campaigns as assigned.
  • Provides functional direction to administrative staff involved in these activities, where applicable.
• Relationship Management
  • Establishes and maintains relationships with the corporate sector (donations officer, senior officers, etc.), including calls to companies, arranging site visits to campus, special events, announcements, information exchanges.
  • Recruits, trains and manages volunteer teams as assigned.
  • Supports the work of the Senior Advancement Officer in coordinating communications and building relationships with students, young alumni and graduates.

Required Qualifications

• Education
  • University degree or equivalent education or experience.
• Experience
  • 3-5 years of progressive fundraising experience in securing major gifts and volunteer recruitment and management and experience with the full scope of development activities including discovery, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, recognition and stewardship at the major gift level.
  • Successful record of developing and implementing strategies for major gift solicitations with demonstrated success in personally securing and closing major gifts.
• Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • Understanding and appreciation of the key role of a university education and in particular Mathematics, and the crucial importance of attracting and retaining the very best talent available (students, faculty, staff).
  • Understanding of the university environment including the integration of research and teaching.
  • Knowledge of giving vehicles and non‑complex gifts.
  • Proven competence in project management, multi‑tasking, planning, analytical and organizational skills.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, oral and writing skills including the expertise to create promotional materials and proposals.
  • Political acumen and problem solving skills are required.
  • Willingness to travel and work extended hours as required (some weekends and evenings).
  • Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently and effectively as part of a team with a broad mandate in a fast‑paced, highly computerized and challenging environment.
  • Knowledge and excellence in working with fundraising software is an asset.
  • Demonstrated relationship building skills, excellent time management and proven ability to meet competing deadlines in an organized manner.
  • Must have solid communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
  • Computer literacy and working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Constituent Management Software.
  • CFRE or fundraising certificate an asset but not required.
  • Willingness to travel and occasional evening and weekend work.

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti‑racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.