Director of Development in Calgary

The Haskayne School of Business (HSB) Development Office at the University of Calgary is seeking a creative and strategic Director of Development. This is an opportunity to enhance the future of business education and research at one of Canada's most entrepreneurial universities. This is a role for a leader who is equally comfortable at the strategy table and in conversation with donors—someone who can translate vision into investment, build enduring relationships, and navigate complexity with confidence.

As the Director of Development, you will be a pivotal force in driving strategic major gift fundraising initiatives. Your leadership will directly impact the Haskayne School of Business and the larger University community. You will have the autonomy to develop and execute innovative fundraising strategies, fostering relationships with key donors, community leaders, and alumni.

This position reports to the PI.

Why You'll Love Working Here:

• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside world-class researchers and passionate professionals in a supportive and innovative setting.
• Impactful Work: Your efforts will contribute to significant advancements in research and education, benefiting the local community and beyond.
• Community Engagement: Be part of a university that values community involvement and economic impact, helping to start something that matters.
• Hybrid Work Environment: Our hybrid working model offers the best of both worlds, combining the vibrancy of on-campus collaboration with the flexibility of working from home.
• Comprehensive Family Support: We understand that family is a top priority. Our comprehensive family support policies, including paid parental leave and family sick time off, ensure that you have the time and resources to care for your loved ones.
• Investment in your Future: Access opportunities for ongoing professional development and personal growth; as well as a defined pension allowing you to prepare for your retirement today.

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure stakeholders are appropriately involved and consulted in developing and implementing fundraising plans and advancing donor prospects.
• Recruit, train, support, and motivate volunteers, staff, and faculty to assist with fundraising activities and directly interact with corporations, foundations, and individuals to secure financial support.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant University policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the achievement of pan-university fundraising targets.
• Provide leadership in the development of short and long-term strategic fundraising plans.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan that incorporates annual giving, sponsorships, major gifts, and legacy giving.
• Secure donations at the major gift level, $25,000 and higher, in support of identified fundraising priorities.
• Work with the overall Development & Alumni office to integrate and coordinate fundraising and alumni planning and execution with that of the University as a whole.
• Lead an effective alumni engagement strategy.
• Ensure alumni relations leverage and align with university-wide alumni initiatives to maximize efficiency.
• Write briefs, proposals, stewardship reports, and other persuasive fundraising collateral.
• Develop and lead a donor stewardship program to support increased number of donors and increased size of gifts.
• Uphold Prospect Management Guidelines.
• Collaborate with members of the faculty administration team who have responsibilities for external relations and communications to ensure effective positioning of fundraising activities with its various stakeholders.
• Successfully lead a small team and manage fundraising resources (budget, senior University officials, staff, and volunteers) in alignment with overall University initiatives.
• Practice ethical fundraising in keeping with the University’s mission and values in accordance with charitable giving standards and CRA regulations.
• Ensure ongoing familiarity with current trends in fund development and alumni engagement.
• Ongoing personal development as a professional fundraiser.
• Perform other duties as required.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• A university degree in a related field, preferably in Business, Communications, or other related field with a minimum of 7-10 years fundraising experience.
• Previous experience working within the non-profit sector, a post-secondary educational setting, or a large, complex organization is preferred.
• Demonstrated consistent experience in major gift (>$100,000) solicitations.
• Proven ability to build and manage ongoing relationships with donors and community leaders.
• Proven leadership capability.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Strong listening and negotiation skills.
• Sound judgment and decision-making capabilities and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Ability to coach and train people in fundraising.

Application Deadline: November 4, 2026

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is classified in the Professional Career Band, Level 4 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

About the University of Calgary: UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences, and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, and is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning, and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here.

In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities.

Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (oicteam@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research shows that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.