The world is changing. It needs our critical thinking to address today’s complex challenges. And the University of Victoria (UVic) is ready. Inspired by and honouring place, we are a community-minded, globally engaged university where we transform ideas into meaningful impact. The University of Victoria is seeking to hire a full-time, two-year term (with potential to extend) Senior Development Officer, Health as part of the Alumni and Development team, to connect alumni and community to UVic’s vision as outlined in the university’s 2023 strategic plan: Distinctly UVic.
Reporting to the Director of Faculty Development, the Senior Development Officer (SDO) is a strategic partner to the Dean of the Faculty of Health, VP Research and Innovation, and other health leaders across UVic. The SDO is responsible for creating the philanthropic fundraising strategy for UVic’s health theme and for advancing health-themed fundraising priorities through major and principal gift development, alumni engagement, and donor stewardship.
The SDO works with, and is supported by, colleagues from across Alumni and Development, including other major gift fundraisers, Advancement Services, Alumni Relations, Principal Giving and centralized University Development teams.
Daily tasks will include but not be limited to developing and executing strategic fundraising plans aligned with health leadership and institutional priorities, serving as a strategic advisor to Faculty leadership on advancement initiatives, drafting and editing correspondence, case statements, proposals and other communication pieces; research and stewardship activities; operations and project management; community relations; maintaining and updating confidential files and information systems, and liaising with all areas of Alumni and Development. This role provides the incumbent the chance to learn about and share initiatives across UVic, work with a variety of subject matter experts, and act as a community citizen in fundraising.
This role will be required to work independently and demonstrate a high level of initiative while being in a dynamic team environment where flexibility and multi-tasking is essential.
Work Environment:
The SDO works both on and off campus, as appropriate, to attend in-person and virtual meetings and events with the Director, Dean/Unit Head, Development Officer, volunteers, Faculty members, staff and donors. UVic seeks to provide a vibrant on-campus experience and responsive suite of services for our students, faculty, staff and community. Connections to campus, students, clients and colleagues are necessary to some degree in all roles.
About our focus on health:
For 50+ years, the University of Victoria has been leading the way in unique health and wellness programs. At UVic, we’re at the forefront of innovative and community-responsive research on the social, cultural and biomedical determinants of health and wellness. Our work also includes disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care and cure.
The university’s intention is to lift up all faculties across the university while also serving vital community needs, including through Indigenous-led scholarship and addressing systemic barriers to healthcare. The Faculty of Health is the University of Victoria's first new faculty in 30 years and officially started on May 1, 2025. Many complex factors contribute to health and wellness across the lifespan.
The complexities of health care in Canada are growing, and with them come greater demands for health care professionals and specialized research. The Faculty of Health is committed to providing a supportive environment that attracts and retains a diverse and flourishing community. We promote equity in terms of gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, Indigeneity and abilities. With more than 200 faculty members working in health and wellness on campus, the new faculty builds on UVic’s existing strengths in health and wellness education, training and research. It brings together a diverse and talented community of students, faculty and partners to address systemic barriers to health care and create healthier communities. The vision of the group is to elevate the Faculty of Health to become a national beacon of inclusivity and excellence in Canada.
About Alumni and Development:
Alumni Relations and Development is the division of the university responsible for creating strong relationships and building philanthropic commitment between the University of Victoria and its alumni and friends. UVic offers a combination of dynamic learning, vital impact and an extraordinary academic environment that can’t be found anywhere else.
The university's Development team has been growing steadily, raising over $30 million annually, and is in the early stages of a comprehensive campaign.
About the position
The SDO, Health is a two-year term position, with potential for permanence after this time. The SDO will have responsibility for projects designed to cultivate major gifts, such as:
- meeting activity metrics of 100-120 donor meetings per year.
- achieving a monetary fundraising goal as set in collaboration with the Director.
- identifying and qualifying major gift prospects to ensure a rich fundraising portfolio.
- developing donor strategy individually and in collaboration with health leadership and fundraising colleagues.
- drafting inspirational major and principal gift level donor proposals.
- soliciting and stewarding donors.
- drafting and editing correspondence, case documents and other communication pieces.
- conducting prospect research.
- philanthropic project management.
- related administration, including maintaining and updating confidential files and information systems.
- creating briefing notes for the faculty and university leadership for donor meetings; and
- scheduling and accompanying the Dean or subject matter experts to donor meetings.
What We Offer:
- Professional experience: be part of working with a team of professionals on a post-secondary comprehensive fundraising campaign.
- Professional development: stay current in your field and work towards your professional growth goals with opportunities for professional development such as attending conferences, workshops or courses in addition to professional memberships in AFP and CASE.
- Values-based work. The Alumni and Development values are:
- Integrity
- Collaboration
- Respect
- Passion
- Teamwork
- Flexibility
- Creativity
- This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.
- Generous vacation leave with 22 vacation days, pro-rated in the first year.
- When on campus, enjoy the park-like atmosphere working in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Additional Information:
If you are an experienced major gifts officer with proven success in major gift fundraising, preferably in higher education, and strong leadership and team management experience, seeking to grow your career, or someone who has transferable relationship building skills, please consider joining our dynamic major gifts fundraising team. UVic has been chosen as one of BC’s top employers and one of Canada’s best diversity employers. We encourage members of historically underrepresented groups to apply for this role, even if you aren’t sure that you have all the qualifications listed.
