Development Associate

Location – This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Dean, Development, the Development Associate will be responsible for building relationships with individuals, corporations, associations, and foundations who are interested, able and willing to support the Faculty of Engineering.

The Development Associate works collaboratively with faculty leaders and members of the Engineering development team to build and advance strong personal and professional relationships that result in alumni, donor, and community engagement with the Faculty’s philanthropic priorities. The Development Associate will align donor interests with institutional and faculty priorities, develop funding proposals, and negotiate and structure complex gifts to the Faculty. The successful candidate will be comfortable interfacing with colleagues and senior executives across the institution, the Dean of Engineering, volunteers, stakeholders, and supporters.

The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America’s top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.

• Participates in strategy development and execution for faculty fundraising; working with the Dean of Engineering, Assistant Dean, Development, and faculty leaders to develop and support faculty fundraising priorities
• Works with the Assistant Dean, Development, to establish and evaluate annual fundraising targets and operational plans
• Cultivates and nurtures a major donor/prospect portfolio of relationships and personally visits major gift prospects/donors regularly and as required
• Works in partnership with Development and Alumni Relations on fundraising program strategies, alumni engagement strategies, prospect identification, and annual giving strategies for the faculty
  Partners with the Office of the Recording Secretary on gift processing (including agreements, terms of reference, etc.) and appropriate gift acknowledgement and jointly manages and coordinates stewardship of major donors with Donor Relations
• Collaborates with the Assistant Dean, Development and External Relations colleagues on writing projects such as cases for support, proposals and stewardship reports
• Collaborates with other faculty-based and central fundraisers, faculty-based academic leaders and senior university representatives
• Participates in Development community activities, training opportunities, information sharing and implementation of joint initiatives
• Assists in creating and executing plans that involve the Dean in the faculty fundraising goals and visits with their top prospects and donors
• Prepares and provides briefing materials to the Dean, Assistant Dean, Development and faculty leaders to execute strategies with donors
• Participates in coaching and leadership as necessary to engage faculty members in strategic fundraising activities, including appropriate preparation and follow-up
• Schedules and plans travel as necessary to facilitate personal visits with top prospects

• An undergraduate degree is required; an advanced degree is considered an asset

• Minimum of five years of experience in major or planned gift fundraising with a track record of closing gifts of $50,000 and greater, preferably in higher education. Related experience in sales, financial services and business development would be considered

• Proven ability to develop strategies for and implement major gift solicitations

• Ability to prepare, coach and brief academics and faculty-based leaders for fundraising activities

• Proven ability to work autonomously and to handle multiple accounts simultaneously

• Demonstrated ability to be a contributing member of multidisciplinary teams

• Knowledge of a variety of fundraising tools and strategies and demonstrated experience with activities throughout the giving cycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship

• Ability to understand the needs and interests of major gift donors to match priorities and develop relationships between them and the University of Alberta

• Interest in all aspects of Engineering and a dedication to promoting the university’s fundraising priorities through developing excellent relationships with faculty and academic leaders, volunteers, and representatives from External Relations

• Demonstrated project management, organizational and time management skills

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written)

• Ability to meet deadlines and juggle competing priorities in a high-paced environment

• Regular travel to visit donors and prospective donors is required

• Possession of a CFRE certification is considered an asset

Application Instructions

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This position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $82,715 -$137,865.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule F of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.