Primary Purpose The Associate Director, Development is responsible for the implementation of fundraising campaigns for the Faculty of Engineering. Using professional fundraising expertise, proactive leadership skills and outstanding communication, the Associate Director directly manages major gifts, annual giving, leadership fundraising, internal management, and a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and donors.

Key Accountabilities - Fundraising program implementation – develop and maintain a positive working knowledge of the University’s activities and the Faculty’s priority projects; serve as a front‑line fundraiser; manage, plan, develop, implement and evaluate fundraising strategies for significant major‑gift prospects, including individuals, alumni, corporations, foundations and assigned geographic areas.

- Service to Senior Director – assist in management and implementation of special projects and campaign planning, and support the Annual Fund and Leadership giving portfolio of the Faculty.
- Annual Fund – articulate the Faculty fundraising priorities within central annual‑giving activities, steward annual donors, provide impact statements and develop Faculty‑specific stewardship strategies to deepen engagement.
- Major Gifts – identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major donors ($100,000‑$1M+), organize and execute the Major Gift Program, develop action plans, solicitation strategies, proposals and stewardship plans, conduct face‑to‑face calls, and manage prospect research and progress reporting.
- Team Leadership & Management – lead three fundraising staff (Development Officers), provide training, mentorship, develop tools and resources, motivate staff, set priorities, and empower them to achieve goals.




- Relationship Building – develop effective relationships with senior academic administrators, faculty, volunteers, and philanthropic community representatives; maintain relationships with senior officers and donation officers.

Required Qualifications - University degree or equivalent education and experience.

- Minimum 8 years of progressive fundraising experience with capital campaign experience considered an asset.
- Strategic thinking, people management, interpersonal, organizational and communication skills; working knowledge of the university environment, especially Engineering. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities - Proficient in using a CRM database (e.g., Raiser’s Edge).
- Understanding of the importance of a university education in Engineering and the integration of research and teaching.
- Knowledge of giving vehicles and non‑complex gifts.
- Excellent project management, multi‑tasking, planning, analytical and organizational skills.
- Exceptional communication, interpersonal, oral and written skills; ability to create promotional materials and proposals.
- Political acumen and problem‑solving skills.
- Willingness to travel and work extended hours as required.
- Strong relationship‑building skills, time management and ability to meet competing deadlines.
- Computer literacy and working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Constituent Management Software.
- CFRE or fundraising certificate an asset but not required.

Equity Statement The

University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for all employees and values equity, anti‑racism and inclusion. We encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged or marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk, Black, racialised, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Positions are open to qualified candidates legally entitled to work in Canada.

📌 Associate Director, Development (Ottawa)
🏢 University of Waterloo
📍 Ottawa