Development Officer, Digital Fundraising

Job Summary

Responsible for administering fundraising programs, including research, developing strategy, preparing proposals, stewardship and moving fundraising accounts through the donor cycle and raising an average minimum of $.75-1.5M annually; or responsible for supporting development related activities of senior university administration by managing complex relationship with multi-unit stakeholders. Participates in comprehensive plans for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects and donors. Assists in developing strategies for closing gifts.

Annual targets to be set by workplan goals and objectives. If position has direct donor contact, metrics are included. If no direct donor contact, annual targets to be set by workplan goals and objectives.

Organizational Status

Reports to: One of: Manager, Director, Senior Director/Assistant Dean, or Executive Director of Development.

Works with: UBC faculty and staff involved in fundraising.

Contacts: Donors and outside community groups and organizations.

Supervises: May supervise Development Coordinators, Development Associates and support staff.

Work Performed

• Works in partnership with senior management to facilitate maximum private and public sector support for the unit;
• Develops and implements a plan for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects and donors;
• Develops and implements strategies for closing major gift solicitations and coordinates staffing for major gift solicitations;
• Develops and manages a portfolio of major gift prospects (75-125) making face-to-face visits (100-125 annually) for the purpose of discovery, cultivation and solicitation strategies for major gift prospects (a major gift is defined as a donation of $50,000 or more); or is responsible for supporting development related activities of senior university administration by managing complex relationships with multi-unit stakeholders;
• Develops proposals and works with donors to generate gifts for priority projects, with an expectation to make solicitations (20-25 annually) at the major gift level; or administering fundraising programs, conducting research, developing strategies and preparing proposals;
• Ensures that appropriate donor recognition, acknowledgment and stewardship programs are in place;
• Generates donor/prospect solicitation materials and correspondence;
• Performs other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

The position is a critical point of contact for donors and university staff in relation to development activities. Incorrect interpretation or communication of university policy and procedures or lack of tact, diplomacy or sensitivity in dealing with major donors and senior administrators could potentially result in damaged relationships and credibility, leading to the potential loss of significant donations.

The position shares responsibility for ensuring proper interpretation and implementation of academic and fiscal policies. If inappropriate advice is given, policies are interpreted incorrectly, or erroneous financial information is provided, the University could be in direct violation of stewardship and trusteeship obligations to donors.

The nature of the work involves a high level of judgement and decision-making. The incumbent participates in decisions concerning the planning, organization and utilization of staff, providing input into staff selection and job performance reviews.

Supervision Received

Works independently with general direction from manager to achieve objectives. Difficult technical problems and matters non-conforming to UBC policy can be referred to manager.

Supervision Given

May supervise Development Coordinators, Development Associates, and support staff.


Minimum Qualifications

University degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of three years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

A degree in commerce, marketing or economics would be an asset.

Requires UBC wide knowledge and understanding of priorities, projects and opportunities. Thorough knowledge of the university environment and academic structure is preferred.

Ability to work independently while exercising good judgement at all times. Computer experience required; MS Windows environment, Microsoft Office preferred. Experience working with a centralized fundraising system an asset.

Ability to plan, co-ordinate and supervise the work of others, execute a variety of complex projects, and meet imposed deadlines.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, both verbal and written, having the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively with donors, co-workers and other campus departments.