#Senior Director, Development, University Relations

Summary:

The senior director, development is responsible for leading and growing philanthropic revenue for the institution through the development and execution of strategic fundraising initiatives. This role provides senior-level leadership in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding high-capacity donors, while building long-term relationships that advance the university’s mission. The senior director partners closely with executive leadership and key stakeholders to align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities, drive major and transformational gifts, and strengthen a culture of philanthropy across the organization. This role is responsible for leading a team of fundraisers, directors and development officers, who support the priority fundraising initiatives at USask.

The senior director is a recognized leader in the field of fundraising and serves as a key advisor to departmental and unit leaders and their leadership teams, senior administrators, development staff across campus, volunteers, and the university more broadly.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads advancement strategies by setting, implementing, monitoring and evaluating long-term strategies and campaigns for the university in collaboration with departmental leadership
• Leads university-wide projects and initiatives related to development and supports the creation of strategic campaign plans for the institution
• Plans, develops, solicits and manages a portfolio of high-level principal gift donors and prospective donors
• Leads the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of a portfolio of principal and transformational gift prospects, securing significant philanthropic investments aligned with institutional priorities
• Provides strategic leadership for comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including planning, execution, pre- and post-campaign donor engagement, in partnership with senior leadership and advancement colleagues
• Designs and implements complex, multi-year gift strategies that integrate individual, corporate and foundation giving opportunities
• Contributes to internal and external communications, briefing notes, research profiles, funding proposals, gift agreements and stewardship reports in collaboration with development colleagues
• Advances a strong culture of philanthropy by modeling leading practices in donor-centered engagement, and mentoring and advising advancement staff on major and principal gift fundraising
• Monitors for alignment between donor intent, campaign priorities, and institutional goals in collaboration with advancement and campus partners
• Oversees accurate prospect strategy, documentation, and forecasting within the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to support pipeline management and long-term revenue planning
• Monitors fundraising performance against goals, providing regular updates, insights, and recommendations to advancement and institutional leadership
• Partners with volunteer leaders, board members, and campaign chairs to engage, solicit, and steward principal gift prospects, including briefing, coaching, and follow-up support
• Establishes and maintains positive relationships and models leading practices
• Manages the full employee lifecycle, functions and workflow of a team of development professionals
• Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment, and models these behaviours across the institution
• Builds and leads diverse teams, champions inclusive leadership, and values different perspectives
• Engages in and supports the understanding and growth of employees with the frameworks, initiatives and activities relating to equity, diversity and inclusion and Indigenous engagement
• Sets and achieves actionable goals in alignment with Indigenous engagement and equity, diversity, and inclusion frameworks; addresses systemic inequities affecting underrepresented equity groups
• Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field; a master’s degree is preferred
• Professional accreditation as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) is preferred
• Minimum of seven years demonstrated experience in fundraising or a related discipline, preferably within higher education or a comparably complex environment
• Fundraising campaign management experience is preferred
• Experience in alumni relations and events management is an asset
• Experience working with volunteers and engaging with community and stakeholders is preferred
• Ability to build and manage collaborative relationships
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities to meet deadlines
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences in a variety of mediums
• High attention to detail
• Sound judgement in decision making
• Strong organizational and prioritization skills
• Ability to travel locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally
• Ability to work outside of regular hours as required
• Knowledge of university culture, issues, goals, and stakeholders is an asset
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications, web-based content management systems and applications, and digital and social media platforms; knowledge of Blackbaud CRM (BBCRM) and Engage CRM is preferred

**Department:**University Relations
**Status:**Permanent

**Employment Group:**Exempt
**Full Time Equivalent (FTE):**1.0

**Salary:**The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $121,333.00 - 203,113.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): **Salary Phase/Band:**Salary Band 5

**Posted Date:**3/18/2026

**Closing Date:**3/24/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
**Number of Openings:**1
**Work Location:**On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve:EDI Framework for Action**.** We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by thedeybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policyand the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, pleasecontact usfor assistance.