Specialist, Principal and Major Giving Initiatives, University Relations at University of Saskatchewan

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

12 Jul, 26

Salary

145353.0

Posted On

13 Apr, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic planning, Fundraising, Relationship management, Project management, Donor relations, Communication, Analytical skills, Critical thinking, Decision-making, Public speaking, Database management, Stewardship, Proposal development, Collaboration, Interpersonal skills

Industry

Higher Education

Description

Specialist, Principal and Major Giving Initiatives, University Relations Primary Purpose: The Specialist, Principal and Major Giving Initiatives plays a critical role in advancing the university’s highest-level philanthropic priorities. The role is responsible for shaping and stewarding the principal gift strategy across the institution, exercising a high degree of professional judgement, influence and strategic oversight. Reporting to the Director, Principal and Major Giving Initiatives, the Specialist serves as a trusted advisor and strategic partner in the institution’s principal gift strategies and is accountable for key deliverables that ensure relationships continue to progress through successful cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. As a member of the Principal and Major Giving Initiatives team, the Specialist provides high-level strategic advice and guidance, engaging with colleagues across the university to ensure institutional alignment and collaboration in principal giving strategies. Nature of Work: Under the strategic direction of the Director, Principal and Major Giving Initiatives, the Specialist will work closely with institutional leadership and colleagues across the University Relations portfolio and beyond to build strategic relationships with prospects and donors and to drive execution of major fundraising initiatives. The Specialist will support the Director in ensuring that the Office of the President, the Vice-President University Relations, and other senior leaders engaged in principal gift activity are strategically positioned, well prepared and effectively supported. The Specialist will ensure smooth execution of donor strategies and accurate tracking and monitoring of all activities related to principal giving. Serving as a central resource for principal gift strategy, the role supports the design, implementation, management, and ongoing evaluation of principal gifts initiatives university-wide. The incumbent ensures that principal gift strategies are integrated and aligned with institutional goals. Key responsibilities include providing strategic oversight of donor engagement plans, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of principal gift activity, and leading the development of high‑quality correspondence, briefings, proposals, reports, and presentations for senior leadership and principal‑level donors. The University of Saskatchewan values diversity and Indigenous engagement is a strategic priority. In support of this priority, the position will lead 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. In University Relations, the nature of our work centers on our guiding principles of being: Inspiring: We are confident in ourselves and our goals. We instill confidence and excitement in others to bring them along with us. Committed to each other’s success: We look for opportunities to make all our teams and the University successful. Collaborative and integrated: We work together toward shared goals. Solutions- and action-oriented: We continuously seek a path forward and we get things done. Brave and courageous: We expect to encounter obstacles. We face these challenges head-on. Respectful: We demonstrate our regard for others through listening, understanding, and acknowledging the contributions of all. Accountabilities: Act as a central resource and provide expertise in aligning and executing principal gift activity across the institution. Design, implement, manage, and evaluate principal gifts activities across the university. Provide strategic and confidential guidance 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. Influence institution-wide collaboration by working closely 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 high-impact communications and correspondence on behalf of university senior leaders, ensuring the appropriate tone is projected. Oversee and ensure the integrity of principal gift data, including tracking of donor engagement, proposal activity and next steps in the CRM system to support strategic analysis, reporting and decision-making. Maintain accurate donor records, ensuring discretion and confidentiality. Through collaboration and meaningful engagement, actively contribute to creating a university environment that is engaged with and inspired by the philanthropic work undertaken by University Relations, ensuring work is aligned with the University’s mission, vision, and values and strategic plan. 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: Minimum of 5+ years of directly related experience or an appropriate combination of experience and education will be considered. Knowledge of the University of Saskatchewan and an understanding of strategic planning, fundraising, relationship management, communications, project management, and alumni & donor relations will be an asset. Demonstrated success in goal and priority setting. Success in building and managing collaborative relationships, managing multiple projects, identifying target audiences and supporting 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. 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/Competencies: 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. 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 12 months with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent Employment Group: ASPA Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0 Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $87,266.00 - 145,353.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience. Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional Salary Phase/Band: Phase 3 Posted Date: 4/13/2026 Closing Date: 4/24/2026 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 us for assistance.

Responsibilities

The Specialist is responsible for shaping and stewarding principal gift strategies while providing high-level advice to institutional leadership. They manage donor engagement plans, oversee data integrity in the CRM, and lead the development of high-impact communications for senior stakeholders.