Development Officer – Athletics

University of Alberta

Development Officer engaging prospective donors for Athletics within the Dean of Students portfolio. Build support and manage donor relationships at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, Canada.

Posted 7/20/2026full-timeEdmonton • 🇨🇦 CanadaMid-LevelSenior💰 CA$76,958 - CA$128,255 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in fundraising strategies and donor engagement, with a strong ability to cultivate relationships and implement effective solicitation strategies. Proven project management skills and a commitment to teamwork and collaboration within the higher education sector.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Fundraising ExperienceProject ManagementDonor EngagementInterpersonal CommunicationRelationship Building

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Fundraising StrategiesPlanned Giving KnowledgeAnnual Gift SolicitationClient InteractionSponsorship Experience

Soft Skills

Organizational SkillsTime ManagementProblem-SolvingSelf-MotivationCreativity

Industry Keywords

Higher EducationPhilanthropyAthleticsStakeholder EngagementSales Experience

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Reporting to the Development Manager of Athletics, the Development Officer will be responsible for engaging prospective donors, alumni, faculty, students, and stakeholders to build support for Athletics within the Dean of Students portfolio.
The Development Officer works collaboratively with Athletics and University Development to build and advance strong personal and professional relationships that result in meaningful engagement and philanthropic contributions.
The incumbent will manage a portfolio of approximately 80-100 prospective donors with the capacity to make commitments at a leadership annual giving and major gift level.
In addition, this role will be key in facilitating donor-facing projects that will help further the relationship between prospective and current donors and the university.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Undergraduate degree in a related discipline.
3+ years of progressive, full-time fundraising experience (preferred). Related experience in sales, marketing, financial services, public relations or business development (considered). This experience must include direct, face-to-face client/customer/public interaction.
Project management experience with demonstrated ability to manage multiple accounts/tasks simultaneously.
Sponsorship experience is considered an asset.
Prior experience in sport is considered an asset.
Strong external relationships in sport are considered an asset.
Strong organizational and time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Self-motivated, proactive, energetic, creative, goal-oriented.
Excellent interpersonal skills; excellent written and oral communication skills.
Knowledge of diverse fundraising tools and strategies, including the giving cycle.
Knowledge of planned giving basics (preferred).
Excellent problem-solving, judgment, and discretion.
Skilled decision-making with appropriate consultation.
Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and resourcefulness.
Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
Ability to understand donor needs, cultivate relationships and match them with philanthropic priorities and opportunities.
Interest in all aspects of higher education and a dedication to promoting the university's fundraising priorities through developing excellent relationships with all stakeholders.
Ability to develop and implement annual gift solicitation strategies.
Ability and willingness to travel to meet with donors and prospective donors.

Benefits

Comp & perks

This position has a comprehensive benefits package