Assistant Dean – Development

University of Alberta

. Lead the strategic development and execution of faculty fundraising .

Posted 10/8/2026full-timeEdmonton • CanadaSeniorLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in major gift fundraising, including the ability to develop and execute strategic fundraising initiatives, manage donor relationships, and lead high-performing teams. Proficient in building compelling cases for support and engaging diverse stakeholders in the fundraising process.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Major Gift FundraisingDonor Relationship ManagementTeam LeadershipFundraising Strategy DevelopmentCommunications and Marketing

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Fundraising ToolsGift ClosingProspect ManagementFunding Proposal DevelopmentStewardship Planning

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingCommunicationInfluencingNegotiationDecision-Making

Industry Keywords

Equity, Diversity and InclusionAlumni RelationsStakeholder EngagementUniversity FundraisingPlanned Giving

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the strategic development and execution of faculty fundraising
Manage an active donor portfolio and complex relationships with multi-interest stakeholders
Provide strategic leadership and direction to the faculty fundraising team
Manage a high-performing team building relationships with academic and research leaders, alumni, learners, donors, partners, and prospective supporters
Plan and develop fundraising priorities, projects, prospective campaigns, and prospect pipelines with the Dean and Director, Faculty Development
Identify and implement communications and marketing requirements to build compelling cases for support
Report regularly to the Dean and Director, Faculty Development on annual fundraising targets, including quarterly updates and annual performance evaluations
Oversee donor-experience strategies and prepare cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans
Advise the faculty leadership team on strategic development initiatives, partnership strategies, and goals
Lead engagement between donors and faculty academic leaders
Identify and engage volunteers as fundraising strategy advisors
Represent the faculty in university-wide fundraising strategies and joint initiatives
Collaborate with Communications and Alumni Relations partners on donor and alumni communications, events, publications, and faculty development communications
Prepare briefing materials and coordinate fundraising visits involving the Dean and other faculty leaders
Match donor interests with institutional and faculty priorities, develop funding proposals, and negotiate and structure complex gifts
Collaborate with University Development and External Relations partners across communications, alumni relations, events, donor relations, corporate and foundation relations, planned giving, annual giving, prospect management, scholarships, and research services

Requirements

What you’ll need

Undergraduate university degree required; graduate degree preferred
Seven or more years of experience in major or planned gift fundraising
Track record of closing gifts of $5 million+
Related experience in sales, financial services and business development will be considered
Extensive background in managing a high-performing team
Ability to coach and brief organizational leaders on fundraising activities, including operational planning, objective setting, and establishing fundraising priorities
Experience working with communications, marketing, stewardship and engagement, and alumni relations teams
Knowledge of fundraising tools and strategies for major gift fundraising
Demonstrated experience throughout the giving cycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
Interest in education and dedication to promoting university fundraising priorities
Demonstrated understanding of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion principles and commitment to related initiatives
High level of political acumen, integrity, discretion, decisiveness, and professional commitment
Ability to build relationships, communicate, influence, advocate, and negotiate with a wide variety of stakeholders
Skilled decision-making with appropriate consultation and transparency
Ability to meet deadlines and juggle competing priorities in a high-paced environment
Travel to visit donors and prospective donors is required
Resume and cover letter required for application

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits package
Annual salary commensurate with qualifications
Hybrid work arrangement with a mix of remote and in-person work