Senior Development Officer, Sobey School of Business Advancement & External Affairs

Date Posted: January 6th 2026

Posting Deadline: January 22nd 2026

Department: Advancement & External Affairs

Type of Employment: 1 year contract Full-Time

Group Affiliation: APC Group Group 7 ($78724 - $101455 annually)

At Saint Marys University you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility diversity and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the Universitys success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Senior Development Officer to join our Advancement team.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Marys we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

• Competitive compensation
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Defined Contribution Pension plan
• Vacation
• Personal days
• Flexible Workplace
• Professional development
• Holiday closure
• Summer hour schedule
• Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Job Information and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director of Philanthropy the Senior Development Officer will:

• Manages a portfolio of major and mid-level giving prospects and donors.
• Develops implements and manages major and mid-level giving initiatives to ensure that results support attainment of the stated objectives of the University with a special emphasis on the Sobey School of Business.
• Identifies and implements monitoring strategies and initiatives related to the solicitation and attainment of significant gifts to the University.
• Identifies major and mid-level giving fundraising and sponsorship/partnership opportunities.
• Provides guidance support education and assistance to the Development Office staff members of the Office of Advancement University leadership and other University staff on activities associated with the field of donor relations.
• Provides guidance support education and assistance to potential major and mid-level giving prospects and donors about the Universitys initiatives and priority needs.
• Ensures proper stewardship takes place following a gift to maintain the donors involvement interest and support.
• Develops fundraising strategies for executes and secures major gift requests for support.
• Conducts strategic research to determine the feasibility of a fit with donor prospects.
• Develops personalized proposals that match the Universitys and donor needs.
• Liaises with and supports the efforts of the President Vice-President Advancement & External Affairs Director of Development Dean of the Sobey School of Business Faculty Staff and certain key external volunteers to initiate maintain and strengthen relationships with donors and donor prospects.
• Keeps abreast in the field of fund development through attendance at conferences and maintaining memberships and actively participating in professional organizations

Experience and Education Requirements

To be the successful Senior Development Officer you will have:

• University degree or College diploma.
• Demonstrated fund raising experience with a minimum of three to five years in a directly related major gift setting.
• Demonstrated understanding of regional business context.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills.

• Above average interpersonal oral and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.

• Demonstrated capability with the MS Office Suite of products and spreadsheets.

• Working knowledge of Ellucian Banner would be an asset.

• Willingness to travel.

Application Details

Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on Apply Now and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Three Professional References

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Marys University equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect we encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Black/African Nova Scotians Indigenous peoples racialized persons/visible minorities persons with disabilities and women. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process please contact Talent Acquisition at emailprotected.