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Job Requisition ID:
2026-00841
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Group:
Staff
Job Category:
Advancement and Alumni Engagement
Employment Type:
Permanent
Department:
Faculty of Science - Dean of Science Office
Hiring Range:
$123,660.99 - $154,576.24
Posting Information:
This posting is for an existing vacancy.
The internal posting deadline for this position is June 25, 2026 at 11:59PM.
Job Description:
Primary Purpose
The Director of Advancement uses professional expertise to oversee fundraising operations, alumni relations, marketing and communications, proactive leadership skills and outstanding communications and interpersonal skills. The Director must be sensitive to the needs and interests of schools, departments, and units in the Faculty and elsewhere in the University and have the ability to successfully manage competing development objectives.
Key Accountabilities
Proactive Leadership
- Creates and implements an effective, ongoing Advancement program for the Faculty of Science, aligned with the strategic goals of the Faculty;
- Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives and policies and operating procedures;
- Monitors and evaluates Advancement program effectiveness; effects changes required for improvement;
- Provides leadership, priority setting and management direction to staff in the Science Advancement Office;
- Ensures that all development programs and campaigns are kept on a deadline-driven timetable and that donor recognition and acknowledgement programs are in place to maintain, grow and evolve good relations with the Faculty’s supporters;
- Develops appropriate infrastructure and links for strategic fundraising and other advancement initiatives across all Science Departments including the School of Optometry and the School of Pharmacy;
- Advises Chairs and Directors on advancement plans and policies; provides consultation and ensures the development of effective advancement programs at the Department/School level;
- Recommends new advancement programming as appropriate.
Fundraising Operations
- Serves as a front-line fundraiser and manages their own portfolio of principal and major gift prospects and donors;
- Organizes and trains influential and affluent volunteers to assist and promote the Faculty in all aspects of the Advancement program including major gifts, alumni relations, co-op placements, government relations and communications;
- Manages fundraising and other special events intended to facilitate the advancement program for the Faculty.
- Plans, creates, organizes and executes the Faculty’s Major Gift Program; establishes a prospect review program to evaluate giving potential of individual, corporate and foundation prospects across Canada and internationally;
- Develops immediate and long-range plans for comprehensive programs to realize the potential from individuals for various levels of gifts;
- Works collaboratively with the Office of Development and other university units to match donors’ interest with university priorities;
- Consults with and obtains support and endorsement of senior University officials in the definition of program plans, projects, and goals;
- Provides strategic service support and assistance as required to members of the Faculty of Science involved in program implementation;
- Initiates relationships with potentially generous donors, develops and cultivates commitment and works toward its translation into financial and volunteer support;
- Initiates, leads, directs and manages programs designed to obtain maximum financial support from a wide range of potential individual donors;
- Directs proactive research on individuals identified as having significant donor potential;
- Collaborates with the Vice-President External Relations, the Faculty’s Executive Officer and Faculty Financial Officer, central donation management and other related staff to establish financial structures appropriate for the purposes set out by donors;
- Assumes primary responsibility for a significant portfolio of major gift prospects and donors; develops and implements tailored action plans, solicitation strategies and proposals for each prospect; makes face-to-face calls both with and without key volunteers and University faculty;
- Prepares notes for prospect tracking and clearance system;
- Plans and hosts campus visits for major donors and potential major donors.
- Liaises with the Associate Vice President (Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs) to create Science strategies and programs aimed at achieving the highest possible rate of participation by Alumni, Parents, Faculty, Staff, Retirees and Friends while paying special attention to those alumni who have the potential to make larger annual gifts.
Faculty and Alumni Relations
- Liaises with the Vice-President External Relations, Associate Vice Presidents (Principal Gifts and Campaigns), Associate Vice President (Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs), Sr. Director Government Relations and Development, Director of Communications and Public Affairs and Director of Alumni Affairs to determine common objectives and programs in areas including Capital Campaign, Development, Alumni Affairs, Government Relations and Communications; ensures Science Advancement programs are in line with overall university goals and objectives
- Develops a national and international network of senior volunteers and spokespersons as appropriate, identifying, motivating and advising on their activities;
- Promotes the needs of the Faculty at through public speaking engagements and personal contact
- Leads a process for collaboration with the Science Advancement team and Advancement staff embedded in other units within the Faculty of Science (School of Optometry and School of Pharmacy; IQC);
- In coordination with the Vice President External Relations and Director of Alumni Affairs, leads the development of an overall strategic direction for all Science alumni activities;
- Engages students before they leave the University of Waterloo; works closely with the Student Success Office and the Science Undergraduate Office to maximize opportunities for relationship building.
- Develops and implements a communications strategy for Advancement activities in the Faculty of Science, working in consultation and co-operation with Science and other Waterloo communications staff.
- Works with the Vice-President External Relations, Sr. Director, Government Relations & Development, and other members of the senior administration to ensure that strong and meaningful relationships are developed and maintained with all levels of government and business;
- Assists the Dean and Associate Deans, Chairs, Directors in maximizing government support by identifying and securing appropriate government funding opportunities.
Complexity, Judgement and Planning
- Works with the Vice-President External Relations, Associate Vice President (Principle Gifts & Campaigns), and Faculty Directors to ensure that prospect clearance policies are established and implemented;
- Meets particular challenges in the development and execution of multi-faculty donor strategies, requiring a high degree of coordination and consultation;
- Provides advice to senior university staff within the Faculty on the feasibility of fundraising goals;
- Develops strategic plans for all major gift activities of the Faculty of Science to meet specific financial objectives;
- In consultation with the Dean of Science and the Vice President External Relations, determines the feasibility and implementation of new programs and fundraising techniques;
- Defines and develops the role of volunteers in the Science advancement program;
- Directs, sets work priorities and objectives for professional advancement staff assigned to programs;
- Provides input to campaign and project themes;
- Selects consultants as needed in consultation with the Dean and the Vice President External Relations;
- Assumes responsibility for contact with alumni, volunteers and individual/corporate/foundation donors;
- Integrates effective fundraising in the Faculty into University-wide campaign/priorities as these are established;
- Manages the Science Advancement operating budget;
- Addresses and manages challenges in obtaining the best volunteer leadership
Contacts
- Develops and maintains contact with influential prospects and volunteers to develop and cultivate financial commitments, monitor campaign progress and communicate the needs of the Faculty; prospects and volunteers will include senior members of the corporate sectors, faculty, alumni, students and staff;
- Maintains frequent contact with the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs in the development of cooperative fundraising strategies, to provide information on campaign progress and fundraising procedures, guidelines and strategies;
- Maintains frequent contact with the Dean, Associate Deans, Department Chairs and School Directors, Executive Officer, Vice President External Relations, and advancement staff in the other Faculties, University Vice-Presidents, President, and other senior faculty members;
- Communicates regularly with alumni, development, marketing and communications staff, student engagement staff and with individuals who have made or might make major gifts to the Faculty.
Required Qualifications
Education
- Undergraduate university degree required; master’s degree preferred.
- Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification preferred.
Experience
- 10+ years of progressively responsible fundraising experience with a proven track record of success, including volunteer management, demonstrated major gift solicitations and campaign experience with a proven track record of achievement and success with raising funds at a level in the top 5% for their sector, with a minimum of $1M annually for the team they have led, or $250K individually.
- Experience producing strategic plans which consist of measurable objectives.
- Experience monitoring and revising strategic plans.
- Management experience demonstrating the ability to deal with diverse Human Resource related issues.
- Experience with complex giving vehicles and planned giving.
- Demonstrated experience using planning/project management tools to manage projects, timelines, and communications.
- Experience dealing with budget-setting.
- Working knowledge of the university environment and in particular, the Faculty of Mathematics, is a definite asset.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Adept at learning and using a CRM database in support of Advancement activities (ie. Raiser’s Edge).
- Understanding and appreciation of the key role of a university education and in particular Science, and the crucial importance of attracting and retaining the very best talent available (students, faculty, staff).
- Willingness to travel and work extended hours as required (some weekends and evenings), and the ability to travel internationally.
- Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently and effectively as part of a team with a broad mandate in a fast-paced, highly computerized, and challenging environment.
- Demonstrated relationship building skills, excellent time management, and proven ability to meet competing deadlines in an organized manner.
- Proven skills leading a team of high-performing, self-motivated professionals.
- Demonstrated understanding of not-for-profit climate in North America and internationally.
- Understanding of international alumni programs and fundraising.
- Ability to build relationships with Faculty members, staff members, and students.
- Understanding and appreciation of the key role of a university education.
- History of relationship building with volunteers, prospects, and organizational staff.
- Creative and effective communication skills (including electronic medium).
- Proven ability to share information and to cooperate with numerous stakeholders.
- Sound judgment, tact, diplomacy.
- Ability to take initiative where minimal direction is provided.
Equity Statement
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at [email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.
