Senior Development Officer, Science

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the academic heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. Home to the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, Arts & Science spans 29 departments, seven colleges, and more than 45 interdisciplinary centres, institutes, and programs. Our teaching and research excellence drive discovery, innovation, and impact locally and globally.
We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging, collaboration, and curiosity. The diversity of perspectives within Arts & Science reflects the communities we serve and the global landscape in which we operate. Our success depends on the talent, creativity, and dedication of our staff and faculty, working together to advance the University of Toronto’s mission.
The Advancement team at the Faculty of Arts & Science plays a critical role in supporting the Faculty’s strategic priorities by generating private philanthropic support. Through meaningful engagement with alumni, donors, and volunteers across more than 190 countries, we build enduring relationships that enable excellence in teaching, research, and student experience.
We are seeking a Senior Development Officer (SDO), Major Gifts to join the Faculty of Arts & Science Advancement team. Reporting to the Associate Director of Development, you will be part of a high-performing, collegial, and collaborative group of advancement professionals working closely with Alumni Relations, Stewardship, Communications, and Advancement Services colleagues.
You will work closely with faculty leaders, senior administrators, volunteers, and colleagues across the University to deepen donor engagement and secure philanthropic investments that advance Arts & Science priorities. Assessing needs and proactively contributing to the development and implementation of plans for major gift prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
Conducting advanced research and analysis from a variety of sources to provide detailed background data on donors
Writing high-quality briefing materials, solicitation strategies, proposals, donor reports, call reports and correspondence
Conducting advanced research and analysisto inform donor strategies and strengthen the prospect pipeline; Verifying activities, outcomes and progress towards goals are accurately tracked using CRM and database systems
Determining the appropriate involvement of members of the university community and volunteers in the cultivation, solicitation and recognition process, to ensure meaningful donor recognition, engagement, and long-term relationship building
Bachelor's Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
Ability to build credibility and effective partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including alumni, donors, volunteers, faculty members, and senior leaders
Demonstrated commitmentto equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging, and experience working effectively in diverse environments
Excellent writing skills, including experience preparing proposals, briefing notes, solicitation strategies, and donor communications
Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment
Demonstrated initiative, sound judgment, diplomacy, and creative problem-solving skills
Strong computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and CRM/database systems
Assets (Nonessential):

Experience working with senior-level volunteers and academic leaders
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the Greater Toronto Area and occasionally beyond, as required

Schedule: Full-Time
Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Administrative / Managerial
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.