Description VP Development and Alumni is currently seeking a Full-time Regular
Director of Development, Haskayne School of Business.
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.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Key accountabilities for the Director of Development include ensuring stakeholders are appropriately involved and consulted in developing and implementing fundraising plans and advancing donor prospects. The Director will 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. The position will 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.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our
Management and Staff Careers website .
