Director, Principal and Major Giving Initiatives, University Relations
Primary Purpose: The Director, Principal and Major Giving Initiatives plays a critical role in advancing the university’s highest-level philanthropic priorities by providing strategic leadership, coordination, and support for principal gift activity across the institution. Working closely with the President, Vice-President, University Relations, and Associate Vice-President Development, the incumbent manages a select portfolio of high net-worth prospects, develops tailored engagement strategies, and prepares briefing materials to enable effective relationship building at the highest levels.
Serving as a key central resource for principal gift strategy, the role contributes to the design, implementation, management, and ongoing evaluation of principal gifts initiatives university-wide. The incumbent ensures that principal gift strategies are integrated, collaborative, and aligned with institutional goals, while supporting project management for major philanthropic priorities. This position provides strategic, confidential support to the AVP, VPUR, senior administrators, and development staff across campus.
Nature of Work: Under the strategic direction of the AVP, Development, the Director, Principal and Major Giving Initiatives is a member of the Development leadership team and is responsible for working with the AVP, leadership team members, and the key senior supports across the University Relations portfolio and across colleges to build strategic relationships with prospects and donors and to execute key priorities and outcomes.
The Director will work with the AVP to ensure that the Office of the President, the Vice-President University Relations, and other senior leaders not only engage donors in key programs and initiatives, articulating the opportunities and impact of their financial investments, but also may support specific fundraising programs or initiatives.
The work requires a proactive approach in a complex environment and the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences by a variety of methods and communication mediums. Establishing and maintaining positive relationships and modeling best practices is essential to success. This position makes discretionary decisions and uses excellent judgment to determine appropriate procedures in alignment with legislative requirements and institutional policies. Accuracy and attention to detail is essential to ensure information provided to senior leaders and leadership across campus is correct. The position will work within an environment where, by nature of the role and relationships with which the position will work, will be privy to confidential information. A high level of discretion is required in effectively performing in the role, relative to the confidentiality and sensitivity of information with which they may be working.
University Relations (UR) is responsible for institutional advancement programs (alumni relations, communications and marketing, development, and community engagement) and as such, is dedicated to supporting the advancement needs of all colleges, units and the university as a whole. UR is comprised of specialized teams including Operations and Services, Alumni Relations and Strategic Engagement, Development, and University Communications. More than 100 advancement professionals work at various locations including the central UR office in the Thorvaldson Building and in colleges and schools across campus.
The University of Saskatchewan values diversity and indigenization is a strategic priority. In support of this priority, this position will contribute to a team environment which recognizes and supports the importance and value of diversity in achieving the mission of the university, and actively seek out those with diverse cultural backgrounds, perspective and experiences to support the mission.
Accountabilities
- Manage a portfolio of high net-worth prospects for the President and Vice President, including creating strategies and preparing briefing notes for President and VP meetings
- Act as a resource and support for all principal gift activity across the institution
- Play a key role in designing, implementing, managing, and evaluating principal gifts activities across the university
- Act as project management support for principal gift fundraising priorities, providing roadmaps and tools to support these priorities
- Provides strategic and confidential support in managing principal relationships with the Office of the President, Vice-President, University Relations and Associate-Vice President Development to ensure effective coordination of development activities
- Collaborate across departments, faculties, and schools to ensure proper engagement of principal gift prospects and donors
- Interface with all areas of University Relations (Prospect Research, Gift Processing, Alumni Relations, Marketing and Communications) and across the institution to ensure a coordinated approach and ensuring all aspects of college and university activity are aligning with relevant institutional policies and guidelines
- Develops communications and correspondence on behalf of university senior leaders, ensuring the appropriate tone is projected
- Establish, enhance and promote the university as a leader in donor-centered development
- Works with colleagues in the VPUR portfolio to ensure work is aligned with the University’s mission, vision, and values and University Relations strategic plan
- Works with administrative supports within Development and across the portfolio to ensure effective and efficient coordination and support
- Through collaboration and meaningfully engagement, actively contribute to creating a university environment that is engaged with and inspired by the philanthropic work undertaken by University Relations
Qualifications
Education:
- An undergraduate degree and/or appropriate training and experience in a related field
- Experience in an academic setting and recognized professional accreditation such as CFRE would be considered assets
Experience
- 7-8+ years of experience in the development field, with experience working with and/or supporting senior leadership
- demonstrated success in goal and priority setting, experience working with senior leadership;
- success in building and managing collaborative relationships, managing multiple projects, identifying target audiences and managing prospect relationships and strategies through to successful solicitation;
- A working knowledge of and familiarity with the University of Saskatchewan environment, and existing policies and procedures, would be an asset;
- The demonstrated ability to support senior administrators and to work effectively and discreetly with confidential and sensitive information is essential;
- Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal and communication (verbal and written) skills;
- Exhibits strong and effective analytical, critical thinking, and decision-making skills when working with a range of stakeholders;
- Experience working in and positively affecting a diverse and inclusive environment.
Skills:
- Goal and results driven with a high level of energy, enthusiasm and dedication to the mission and goals of the institution;
- demonstrated integrity, professional maturity, discretion, judgment, and decisiveness to inspire confidence among internal and external stakeholders;
- superior facilitation and creativity in negotiating win-win agreements to motivate volunteers and inspire confidence working with donors and/or their professional advisors;
- strong interpersonal relationship-building skills and the capacity to build consensus and maintain positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders;
- demonstrated analytical and organizational skills, including effective planning and management of multiple projects;
- ability to problem-solve, think and act strategically and creatively;
- excellent communication skills, both written and oral including public speaking; and proficiency in computer applications, including database expertise.
Department: University Relations
Status: Term 16 months with the possibility of extension
Employment Group: Exempt
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $121,333.00 - 203,113.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable):
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 5
Posted Date: 1/21/2026
Closing Date: 2/3/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resourcesfor assistance.
