Director Advancement, Faculty of Science

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At the University of Waterloo, we create and promote a culture where everyone can reach their full potential. As an employee, you get support & opportunities that empower you to advance your career. Explore how we can bring big ideas to life, together. The University is a welcoming workplace for those of all abilities, interests, and expertise. As part of our workforce, you can do what you do best, every day. Learn more about our recruitment process. Job Requisition ID: 2026-00841 Time Type: Full time Employee Group: Staff Job Category: Advancement and Alumni Engagement Employment Type: Permanent Department: Faculty of Science - Dean of Science Office Hiring Range: $123,660.99 - $154,576.24 Posting Information: This posting is for an existing vacancy. The internal posting deadline for this position is June 25, 2026 at 11:59PM. Job Description: Primary Purpose The Director of Advancement uses professional expertise to oversee fundraising operations, alumni relations, marketing and communications, proactive leadership skills and outstanding communications and interpersonal skills. The Director must be sensitive to the needs and interests of schools, departments, and units in the Faculty and elsewhere in the University and have the ability to successfully manage competing development objectives. Key Accountabilities Proactive Leadership - Creates and implements an effective, ongoing Advancement program for the Faculty of Science, aligned with the strategic goals of the Faculty; - Establishes and implements short- and long-range organizational goals, objectives and policies and operating procedures; - Monitors and evaluates Advancement program effectiveness; effects changes required for improvement; - Provides leadership, priority setting and management direction to staff in the Science Advancement Office; - Ensures that all development programs and campaigns are kept on a deadline-driven timetable and that donor recognition and acknowledgement programs are in place to maintain, grow and evolve good relations with the Faculty's supporters; - Develops appropriate infrastructure and links for strategic fundraising and other advancement initiatives across all Science Departments including the School of Optometry and the School of Pharmacy; - Advises Chairs and Directors on advancement plans and policies; provides consultation and ensures the development of effective advancement programs at the Department/School level; - Recommends new advancement programming as appropriate. Fundraising Operations - Serves as a front-line fundraiser and manages their own portfolio of principal and major gift prospects and donors; - Organizes and trains influential and affluent volunteers to assist and promote the Faculty in all aspects of the Advancement program including major gifts, alumni relations, co-op placements, government relations and communications; - Manages fundraising and other special events intended to facilitate the advancement program for the Faculty. - Plans, creates, organizes and executes the Faculty's Major Gift Program; establishes a prospect review program to evaluate giving potential of individual, corporate and foundation prospects across Canada and internationally; - Develops immediate and long-range plans for comprehensive programs to realize the potential from individuals for various levels of gifts; - Works collaboratively with the Office of Development and other university units to match donors' interest with university priorities; - Consults with and obtains support and endorsement of senior University officials in the definition of program plans, projects, and goals; - Provides strategic service support and assistance as required to members of the Faculty of Science involved in program implementation; - Initiates relationships with potentially generous donors, develops and cultivates commitment and works toward its translation into financial and volunteer support; - Initiates, leads, directs and manages programs designed to obtain maximum financial support from a wide range of potential individual donors; - Directs proactive research on individuals identified as having significant donor potential; - Collaborates with the Vice-President External Relations, the Faculty's Executive Officer and Faculty Financial Officer, central donation management and other related staff to establish financial structures appropriate for the purposes set out by donors; - Assumes primary responsibility for a significant portfolio of major gift prospects and donors; develops and implements tailored action plans, solicitation strategies and proposals for each prospect; makes face-to-face calls both with and without key volunteers and University faculty; - Prepares notes for prospect tracking and clearance system; - Plans and hosts campus visits for major donors and potential major donors. - Liaises with the Associate Vice President (Annual Giving and Alumni Affairs) to create Science strategies and programs aimed at ac

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