Staff - Non Union
M&P - AAPS
AAPS Salaried - Development & Alumni Engagement, Level E
Director of Development, Principal Gifts
Strategic Opportunities Leadership | Development | Development & Alumni Engagement
$9,859.25 - $15,380.75 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
July 6, 2026
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Ongoing
The Director of Development, Principal Gifts will support principal and transformational gift strategy by identifying prospects, developing clear and collaborative strategies, creating concepts for gift solicitation, executing on gift documentation and the university approval process, and ensuring recognition and stewardship for principal gift level donors.
The Director is responsible for contributing to the preparation and monitoring of unit goals, and for managing, evaluating, and coordinating the design and development of complex fundraising opportunities. The role also includes actively supervising, supporting and mentoring junior colleagues.
The position requires sensitivity and diplomacy, along with a deep understanding of the relationship-building and strategies involved in securing complex gifts. The successful candidate will bring strong team management, project management and writing skills. A generous team player and natural collaborator, the Director will have demonstrated experience in major gift fundraising strategy. Reporting to the Senior Director of the unit, the Director will work closely with leadership, faculty and colleagues across the university to prepare and support senior university leaders in securing maximum support from philanthropy.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
This position is responsible for assisting with the preparation and monitoring of unit goals, managing and evaluating design, development, and coordination of projects. Broad responsibility for unit's operations in Senior Director/Assistant Dean's absence. Also responsible for components of a defined development program at an average $20+million level with 10+ staff, or managing resource development activity at an average of $4+million annually and responsibility for dealing with complex, confidential information where consequence of error is high. If position has direct donor contact, metrics are included. If no direct donor contact, annual targets to be set by work plan goals and objectives.
Organizational Status
Reports to: One of: Senior Director/Assistant Dean or Executive Director of Development.
Works with: UBC faculty and staff involved in fundraising including the VP Development, AVP, Development, the President of the University and other senior administrators as appropriate.
Contacts: Donors and outside community groups and organizations.
Supervises: May supervise Associate Directors, Development Officers, Development Coordinators, support staff.
Work Performed
Works closely with the Senior Director/Assistant Dean or Executive Director and senior management to facilitate maximum private and public sector support for the University;
Assists with the preparation and monitoring of unit goals, manages and evaluates design, development, and coordination of projects;
May oversee daily operations of the program or unit including: development and implementation of strategies for closing major gift solicitations; coordinating staffing for major gift solicitations.
Oversees administrative functions of the program or unit including: development and implementation of individual plans for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects and donors; oversees implementation of appropriate donor recognition; ensuring acknowledgement and stewardship programs are in place;
Develops and manages a personal portfolio of major gift prospects (75-150) making face-to-face visits (125-200 annually) for the purposes of discovery, cultivation and solicitation (20-25 annually) for prospects at the major gift level (defined as $50,000 and up). Or annual targets to be set by work plan goals and objectives as approved by Executive Director;
Develops proposals and works with donors to generate gifts for priority projects;
Manages the donor pipeline, ensuring that appropriate strategies are in place and acted on;
Involved in managing and motivating staff; may also be responsible for: planning and approving professional development for staff, hiring, training and terminating staff, conducting performance reviews to ensure annual benchmarks and performance goals are achieved;
Mentors and develops fundraising staff, including working with them to develop strategy for donor cultivation and solicitation, “making the ask”;
Generates donor/prospect solicitation materials and correspondence;
Performs other related duties as required.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
The position is a critical point of contact for donors and university staff in relation to development activities. The Director of Development is expected to make decisions and recommendations impacting the overall development program of the unit. Incorrect interpretation or communication of university policy and procedures or lack of tact, diplomacy or sensitivity in dealing with major donors and senior administrators could potentially result in damaged relationships and credibility, leading to the potential loss of these donations.
This position is also critical in advising and ensuring proper interpretation and implementation of academic and fiscal policies for fundraising, senior administrators, and development staff. The Director of Development is responsible for a portfolio of donors and prospects. If inappropriate advice, incorrect interpretation or improper financial analysis were conveyed to major donors or senior university administrators, millions of dollars could be incorrectly administered or unavailable for disbursement. UBC could be in direct violation of stewardship and trusteeship obligations to donors and for funds received through bequests.
The incumbent participates in decisions concerning the planning, organization and utilization of staff, staff selection and job performance reviews.
Supervision Received
The incumbent works under general direction according to broad objectives. Works independently with discretion relating to donor negotiations, policy administration and interpretation, and administrative responsibilities. Overall strategic planning on global fund-raising initiatives is executed in consultation with the Director
Supervision Given
May supervise Associate Directors, Development Officers, Development Coordinators and/or support staff. Will have responsibility to mentor junior staff.
Minimum Qualifications
University degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of eight years of related job experience including five years of experience in fundraising, alumni engagement, advancement experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Preferred Qualifications
Graduate degree and/or an undergraduate degree in commerce, marketing or economics is preferred. Proven experience in Major-Gift fundraising and skilled in strategy development. Thorough knowledge of the university environment and academic structure is preferred. 3 years’ experience meeting or exceeding annual metrics at the Associate Director level, or equivalent. Experience working with a centralized fundraising system an asset. Ability to work independently while exercising good judgement at all times. Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills are required, along with strategic thinking and skills in conflict resolution. Strong conceptual abilities combined with high attention to detail. Ability to work simultaneously on a variety of complex projects with imposed deadlines; ability to formulate strategic plans; effective communication skills, verbal and written; strong interpersonal and negotiation skills required in liaising with major donors, corporate executives and senior university administration; proven ability to work with the University’s senior-most donors to advance the University’s mission; tact, diplomacy, discretion and sound judgment required.
The incumbent should have the ability to plan, coordinate and supervise the work of others, in order to execute a variety of complex projects with imposed deadlines. Computer experience required; MS Windows environment, Microsoft Office preferred.
