Senior Development Officer Continuing and Term

Senior Development Officer (2 vacancies - Continuing and Term)

Date Posted: 01/14/2026
Req : 46621
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Office of Advancement
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number:

Description:

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.

As a frontline fundraiser, you will proactively build and manage a portfolio of prospective and current donors capable of making major gifts at the $50,000 to $4M+ level. You will develop and execute tailored strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors in support of Faculty and University priorities. This role requires a strategic, relationship‑focused fundraiser who thrives in a complex, decentralized environment and values collaboration, diplomacy, and mission focus.

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. The successful candidate will be motivated, proactive, and committed to inclusive excellence.

• Assessing needs and proactively contributing to the development and implementation of plans for major gift prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
• Meeting face‑to‑face with current and prospective donors to discuss philanthropic interests and align giving opportunities with Faculty priorities
• Identifying, evaluating donor readiness and capacity, and recommending the necessary steps to bring the prospect closer to making a major financial commitment to the University
• Conducting advanced research and analysis from a variety of sources to provide detailed background data on donors
• Developing and implementing tailored fundraising initiatives that support Faculty and University strategic priorities
• Writing high‑quality briefing materials, solicitation strategies, proposals, donor reports, call reports and correspondence
• Conducting advanced research and analysis to 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.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressive experience in a frontline fundraising role, with a demonstrated record of…