Development Officer – Athletics

University of Alberta

. Establish and evaluate annual fundraising targets and operational plans with the Development Manager and Director of University Development .

Posted 9/29/2026full-timeEdmonton • CanadaMid-LevelSenior💰 CA$76,958 - CA$128,255 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in fundraising strategies, donor relationship management, and project management within a higher education context. Proven ability to cultivate relationships, develop solicitation strategies, and engage stakeholders effectively.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fundraising ExperienceDonor Relationship ManagementProject ManagementCommunication SkillsSponsorship Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Fundraising StrategiesAnnual Gift SolicitationPlanned Giving KnowledgeDatabase ManagementProspect Identification

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsOrganizational SkillsTime ManagementProblem-SolvingTeamwork

Tools & Technologies

Advance Database

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationAthletics FundraisingDonor StewardshipCommunity EngagementSales and Marketing Experience

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Establish and evaluate annual fundraising targets and operational plans with the Development Manager and Director of University Development
Report progress toward annual fundraising targets through bi-weekly updates and annual performance evaluations
Manage a portfolio of approximately 80–100 donor relationships at a current giving level of $25,000+
Personally visit 75–125 gift prospects/donors annually
Lead fundraising for special projects such as class gifts and donor or community-facing events
Track, document, and communicate fundraising activity in the Advance database
Identify and engage volunteers as advisors to Athletics fundraising strategies
Identify potential major gift prospects and advance donor relationships
Support Athletic Sponsorship activities
Collaborate with University Development, External Relations, alumni, events, donor relations, planned giving, annual giving, prospect management, research services, and other partners
Collaborate on prospect identification and annual giving strategies
Support gift processing and donor stewardship
Participate in Development community activities, learning sessions, information sharing, and joint initiatives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Undergraduate degree in a related discipline
3+ years of progressive, full-time fundraising experience (preferred)
Related experience in sales, marketing, financial services, public relations or business development considered
Direct, face-to-face client/customer/public interaction experience
Project management experience with ability to manage multiple accounts/tasks simultaneously
Sponsorship experience considered an asset
Prior experience in sport considered an asset
Strong external relationships in sport considered an asset
Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Self-motivated, proactive, energetic, creative, and goal-oriented
Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
Knowledge of diverse fundraising tools and strategies, including the giving cycle
Knowledge of planned giving basics (preferred)
Excellent problem-solving, judgment, discretion, and decision-making skills
Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and resourcefulness
Ability to understand donor needs, cultivate relationships, and match them with philanthropic priorities and opportunities
Interest in higher education and dedication to promoting university fundraising priorities
Ability to develop and implement annual gift solicitation strategies
Ability and willingness to travel to meet donors and prospective donors

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive benefits package
Hybrid work arrangement with remote and in-person work