Job Description

Advancement Officer, Edwards School of Business
Please note that a strong internal candidate has been identified.
About Us
At the Edwards School of Business, we are committed to fostering strong connections between our alumni, donors, students, and the broader community. Our mission is to build a culture of giving that supports the growth of our programs, enhances student success, and strengthens our ties with the business community.
Primary Purpose:
The Advancement Officer plays a critical role in the business school's advancement efforts, focusing on donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship as we move towards a large-scale fundraising campaign. This position is responsible for identifying prospective donors, engaging them through meaningful interactions, and securing leadership-level gifts to support the strategic priorities of the school. Additionally, the role includes conducting donor feasibility interviews to assess campaign readiness and inform fundraising strategies.
Nature of Work: The Advancement Officer reports to the Director of Advancement, Edwards School of Business. The Advancement Officer works closely with a wide range of college stakeholders, including the Dean, University Relations colleagues, other college advancement staff, the college's donors, alumni, senior administrators, department heads, faculty, staff, and students.
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 mediums. Establishing and maintaining positive relationships and modeling best practices is essential to success.
Travel, as well as evening and weekend work, is occasionally required.
Key Responsibilities:
Donor Qualification & Fundraising

• Qualify and manage a portfolio of prospects and donors.
• Develop and implement strategies to cultivate and solicit gifts from alumni, corporate partners, and other stakeholders
• Engage potential donors through personal visits, phone calls, events, and written communications
• Collaborate with faculty, senior leadership, and advancement colleagues to align donor interests with institutional priorities

Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management

• Foster long-term relationships with donors by providing meaningful stewardship, impact reports, and engagement opportunities
• Work closely with the stewardship team to ensure timely recognition and appreciation of leadership donors
• Develop tailored donor engagement plans to deepen affinity and commitment to the school

Campaign Readiness & Feasibility Interviews

• Conduct donor feasibility interviews to assess philanthropic interest and capacity in preparation for the fundraising campaign
• Gather insights from stakeholders to refine campaign messaging, priorities, and goals
• Present findings and recommendations to Director, College Advancement to support campaign planning
• Prepare campaign readiness reports
• Support the creation of communication tools to support donor funded projects

Collaboration & Institutional Engagement

• Partner with academic and administrative leaders to identify funding needs and translate them into compelling donor opportunities
• Support alumni and donor engagement initiatives, including events, advisory boards, and networking activities
• Stay informed about business school programs, research, and impact stories to effectively communicate the case for support
• Develop and implement an alumni partnership program to strengthen relationships with graduates and foster a culture of giving

Qualifications:
Education: An undergraduate degree. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Experience: Minimum of 3 - 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, sales, or closely related discipline, preferably within a higher education or comparably complex environment.
Skills:

• Detail oriented: Excellent attention to detail and ensures accuracy in all aspects of their work
• Experience: Proven track record in sales, fundraising, or membership development, ideally in a nonprofit or similar organization
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively
• Relationship Management: Strong interpersonal skills, with an ability to build rapport and trust with potential and existing members
• Goal-Oriented: Self-motivated and results-oriented, with a demonstrated ability to meet or exceed sales targets
• Problem Solver: Creative thinker who can create innovative materials to drive membership growth
• Technology: Proficiency in CRM software; experience with fundraising databases is an asset

Department: Edwards School of Business
Status: Term 30 months with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Shift: Travel, and evening and weekend work, may be required on occasion.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0 FTE
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 9/9/2025
Closing Date: 9/15/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines
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: .
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 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 for assistance.

Skills Required