Development Officer, University Relations

Development Officer, University Relations

Primary Purpose

To significantly increase and diversify revenue to the College of Law and its key projects by obtaining philanthropic support from donors and prospects who have the interest and capacity to make gifts. The incumbent will plan, develop, solicit, and manage a portfolio of donors and prospective major gift donors with the goal of maximizing and diversifying financial support for College of Law and institutional priorities and goals.

Nature of Work

The Development Officer reports to the Dean, College of Law and the Interim Associate Vice President, Development in University Relations (UR). The Development Officer has a significant focus on external relationship building and philanthropic support while continuing to work closely with a wide range of college stakeholders, including the Dean, University Relations, other college advancement staff, the college’s donors, alumni, senior administrators, department heads, faculty, staff, and students.

This position not only engages donors in key programs and initiatives, articulating the opportunities and impact of their financial investments, but also may support specific fundraising programs or initiatives. The Development Officer is required to garner an in-depth understanding of the college priorities, programs, initiatives and stakeholders with the mandate to build relationships that encourage philanthropic support.

The incumbent will work both independently and collaboratively with advancement, alumni relations and communications specialists, college faculty and administration and key stakeholders to meet strategic goals. Establishing and maintaining positive relationships and modeling best practices is essential to success. This position makes discretionary decisions and uses judgment to determine appropriate procedures in alignment with legislative requirements and institutional policies. Accuracy and attention to detail is essential to ensure information provided to others is correct. The environment is dynamic and fast-paced. The Development Officer must be knowledgeable about and ensure alignment with university fundraising policies and procedures and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines and Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) ethical principles and standards.

Travel, evening and weekend work may be required. Consequences of error are significant to the reputation and profile of the college and the university.

Accountabilities

• Actively manage a portfolio of 80-90 current and prospective donors at all levels, who have the ability to make gifts to support college and institutional goals.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects through to gift closure.
• Develop knowledge of the college research, programs, and priorities to align donor interests with funding opportunities.
• Contribute to annual and multi-year fundraising planning in collaboration with the Dean and Interim AVP, Development.
• Collaborate with communications, advancement, and alumni relations teams, as appropriate, to prepare fundraising materials, donor communications, and stewardship reports.
• Strengthen long-term relationships with college donors by ensuring they are recognized in ways that are meaningful to them and in alignment with institutional recognition guidelines.
• Maintain accurate and timely donor records in the alumni and donor database and compile reports to support metrics.
• Participate in professional development, team planning, and university initiatives supporting advancement goals.
• Build and implement alumni engagement opportunities that build affinity and foster engagement.
• Manage post-event activities, including evaluation, recognition and recommendations on ongoing improvement and adaptation.
• Keep the Dean informed of donor participation in alumni and reunion events and attend as appropriate to strengthen relationships.
• Responsible for leadership and management of donor relations coordinator position within the college.

Education: A relevant undergraduate degree and appropriate training and experience in a related field. CFRE designation would be considered an asset.

Experience: Three to five years of fundraising experience with a demonstrated progression in level of responsibility. Knowledge of the University of Saskatchewan and an understanding of strategic planning, fundraising, sales, financial services, events management or alumni relations will be an asset. Experience working in a diverse and inclusive environment is required.

Skills: Demonstrated integrity, professional maturity, discretion, judgment, and decisiveness to inspire confidence among internal and external stakeholders; goal oriented and results driven with proven ability to take initiative; ability to work independently and collaboratively; strong customer ethic, interpersonal relationship-building skills; strong ethics with the capacity to build consensus and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders; demonstrated analytical and organizational skills, including the effective planning and management of multiple projects; ability to problem-solve, think and act strategically and creatively; excellent communication skills, both written and oral including public speaking; proficiency in computer applications.

Department: University Relations

Status: Permanent

Employment Group: ASPA

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 5/25/2026

Closing Date: 6/14/2026 at 6:00 pm CST

Number of Openings: 1

Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action .

We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.

The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us for assistance.