Senior Development Officer

Please refer to the How to Apply for a Job (for External Candidates) job aid for instructions on how to apply.

If you are an active McGill employee (ie: currently in an active contract or position at McGill University), do not apply through this Career Site. Login to your McGill Workday account and apply to this posting using the Find Jobs report (type Find Jobs in the search bar).

University Advancement (UA) promotes McGill to its global community and to the public, engaging alumni, volunteers and friends of the University, and building on McGill’s record of fundraising success in support of University priorities.

By joining UA, you can be part of a dynamic, exciting and growing team of professionals that is making an extraordinary impact on the world by advancing the philanthropic and engagement ambitions of McGill University.

To find out more about UA, please visit us at www.mcgill.ca/advancement/ua-careers

Position Summary:

Under the general direction of the supervisor, the incumbent will develop, plan and implement strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing and stewarding Major Gifts of at least $100K. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of 100 – 150 prospects and will develop and implement a fundraising plan for major gift prospects including the qualification, cultivation and solicitation of individuals (alumni, parents, friends, etc) capable of contributing major gifts of $100,000 or more to University priorities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Manage a prospect portfolio (approx. 100 – 150) and carry out significant steps (moves) in accordance with a strategy designed to result in increased philanthropic support for McGill University.
• Qualify, cultivate and solicit prospects capable of contributing major gifts of $100,000 or more to University priorities.
• Through personal visits, qualify individuals to determine capacity, inclination and interests in providing special and major gift support to the University. Evaluate and recommend appropriate next steps for newly qualified potential donors and current donors.
• Develop major gift fundraising strategies and timetables, to secure gifts of $100,000 or more from top prospects in the SDO portfolio.
• Participate in Prospect Management System; file timely and appropriate contact reports, recording of proposals, etc.
• Work closely with the supervisor to ensure that messages and communications (e.g., proposals) are consistent with the University’s case for support and fundraising priorities and with colleagues throughout the University Advancement Development Office to achieve university-wide fundraising goals.
• Partner with academic leaders, faculty, senior administrators, volunteers and advancement colleagues to develop and implement donor engagement and solicitation strategies.
• Ensure appropriate stewardship and ongoing engagement of donors to strengthen long-term philanthropic relationships with McGill.
• Undertake special projects.
  

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• A minimum of 5 to 8 years of direct fundraising experience with a proven track record of success in the cultivation, solicitation, and closing of major gifts ($100k+) preferably in an academic/higher education, healthcare, or non-profit organization.
• Knowledge and understanding of the University and its priorities is a strong asset.
• Knowledge of planned giving and planned giving vehicles.
• An extremely results-driven, self-starter, with the ability to analyze successes and failures to take corrective action.
• Demonstrated ability to build constructive and effective relationships.
• Professional attitude, diplomacy, and ability to collaborate with others to reach objectives in a team environment.
• Client-focused, with demonstrated skills in listening, planning, organizing, priority setting, analyzing and problem solving.
• Ability to quickly establish credibility and gain the respect of both internal and external partners; achieves a high level of trust in relationships.
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to effectively manage multiple projects within tightly prescribed timetables.
• Ability to work highly autonomously and manage own schedule with the ability to regularly work on evenings and/or weekends and to travel as required for meetings with prospects, donors, etc.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a PC environment, using MS Office, and client-server database software.
• Bilingual proficiency in French and English

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 on a scale of 0-4.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree 5 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary:

(MPEX Grade 07) $92,150.00 - $115,190.00 - $138,230.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-COM3C - Development & Alumni Relations - Senior Professional/Manager

Hours per Week:

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Director of Development

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply:

2026-11-23

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].