The Development Officer, Student Affairs will play a pivotal role in supporting Sheridan’s strategic priorities through both student-focused engagement initiatives and fundraising efforts. This position is central to building relationships with students and alumni, fostering a culture of philanthropy, and driving financial support for student-centric initiatives.
The Development Officer will lead efforts to engage students in alumni programming and outreach, while also overseeing giving programs that support gifts up to the major giving level. This includes managing student-specific fundraising initiatives, designing campaigns that inspire community support, and developing meaningful student-alumni connections. Through strategic partnerships across the institution, the incumbent will drive student engagement and philanthropy, ultimately enhancing Sheridan’s student experience and alumni relations.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL ALSO MEET THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum 2-year college diploma in fundraising, education, communications, public relations or other related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of related experience as a senior practitioner, technical advisor, consultant or supervisor with a demonstrated record of closing major gifts and carrying a portfolio of 50+ prospects.
• Raisers Edge Database experience is an asset
• CFRE designation - Certified Fund Raising Executive Certificate (desired)
• Proficiency in analytics and conducting own research, prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
• Excellent organization, planning and time management skills combined with strong attention to detail and the ability to establish an internal system for meeting deadlines, tracking, follow-up, monitoring, and reporting of progress.
• Excellent oral and written skills with a demonstrated ability to write effectively and persuasively and present to diverse groups.
• Ability to negotiate the closure of major gifts, including the creation of gift agreements and other supporting documentation.
• Excellent public relations and networking skills.
• Extremely effective interpersonal skills with a professional presence and manner, and capable of exercising independent judgment, initiative and flexibility.

WHO WE ARE

Every member of the Sheridan community is passionate about the transformational role we play in people’s lives. Our strategic plan, Sheridan 2027: Forging the Future (https://www.sheridancollege.ca/sheridan2027), charts a path towards a new ground-breaking model of higher education that reshapes post-secondary education and better prepares students for the future. We are committed to demonstrably advancing equity, diversity, and inclusivity. Diversity is our strength and fuels our commitment to excellence. Across our campuses, we’re making meaningful strides towards developing an equitable and inclusive community.
For more information, visit: Why Work at Sheridan

• Leading or supporting select major gift opportunities, working collaboratively with the Major Giving team to align efforts and maximize donor impact.
• Assisting with driving Sheridan’s fundraising cycle, encompassing research, prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Managing a comprehensive annual giving portfolio of gifts up to $25,000 in collaboration with the central Advancement office, focusing on student support initiatives.
• Collaborating with Deans, Directors, and other internal stakeholders to identify fundraising priorities aligned with the student experience and alumni engagement.
• Developing and implementing strategies to build strong connections between alumni and students, promoting a culture of philanthropy and community support.
• Planning and executing major initiatives such as Giving Tuesday and National Philanthropy Day to enhance community engagement and fundraising success.
• Designing and executing initiatives that connect current students with alumni activities and philanthropic efforts, fostering meaningful relationships that extend beyond graduation.
• Identify, recruit, train, and oversee student and alumni volunteers (both within and external to Sheridan) to support engagement and fundraising efforts.
• Developing opportunities for students to participate in alumni events and activities while on campus, ensuring they feel a sense of belonging and understand the value of staying connected to Sheridan post-graduation.
• Collaborating with staff to provide subject matter expertise, material editing in relation to portfolio, recognition, and stewardship.
• Accurately capturing and recording all relevant relationship and moves management information in Raiser’s Edge.
• Monitoring and analyzing giving trends to inform and refine fundraising strategies.
• Championing the financial and strategic goals of the Advancement and External Relations team, promoting best practices across all fundraising portfolios.
• Providing senior consultation in the development of strategic direction for the department and the design of policies and procedures to support those fundraising efforts.
• Participating in prospect review and strategy meetings to promote collaborative approach to fundraising.
• Representing Sheridan at various internal and external functions to network, engage potential prospects, and elevate the College’s profile in the community.
• Supporting the Director, Alumni and Annual Giving, and the Associate Vice President, Student Experience, in the administrative management and sound business practice of Advancement.
• Additional projects and initiatives as required, contributing to the overall success of the Advancement team.