Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts

Date Posted: 02/11/2026
Req ID: 46863
Faculty/Division: UofT Scarborough
Department: UTSC:Development & Alumni Relations
Campus: University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC)
Position Number: 00018789
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

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.

Your opportunity:

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.

Your responsibilities will include:

• 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

Essential Qualifications:

• 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 with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage and motivate high net worth prospective donors, alumni and friends (i.e., volunteers).
• Exceptional inter-personal and communications (written and verbal) skills.
• Strong computer skills with experience in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook), email and Internet.
• Experience working with Arbor or a similar database management system.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.
• Evidence of leadership, initiative, and creativity.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, tact, diplomacy, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Must be able to multi-task and meet deadlines; and exercise accuracy and attention to detail.
• Applicants are expected to show evidence of a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Previous experience working in post-secondary or not for profit organization is an asset.
• Experience working with senior level volunteers considered an asset.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Achievement oriented
• Communicator
• Diplomatic
• Organized
• Resourceful
• Team player

Closing Date: 03/04/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 15 -- $97,348. with an annual step progression to a maximum of $124,491. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial

Lived Experience Statement
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.