Located in Canada’s most enterprising city, the University of Calgary (UCalgary) is a global intellectual hub for teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and deep engagement with the community. The Faculty of Science at the University of Calgary is entering a new era, guided by its Get Science Done strategy. With foundational investments from the Government of Alberta and UCalgary, the Faculty of Science is developing a Science District that includes UCalgary’s largest new building—a state-of-the-art multidisciplinary science hub designed to accelerate discovery, collaboration, and innovation. Realizing this vision over the next five years will require support of donors and the broader community, helping to address the STEM talent shortage and position Calgary as a global leader in scientific excellence.
The Development and Alumni team advances this work by serving as a bridge between the University of Calgary and its champions, including donors, alumni, and community members. Through meaningful engagement, volunteerism and partnerships, the team creates opportunities for impact in Calgary and beyond. The Development team is responsible for all private philanthropic fundraising and for aligning investment to advance the strategic priorities of the University of Calgary and the communities it serves.
To support this momentum, the Development and Alumni team is seeking two accomplished professionals to join its dynamic team as Associate Directors of Development, Faculty of Science. The Associate Director plays an integral role in securing major philanthropic gifts and cultivating relationships that will directly impact support for students and advance research in areas vital to Canada’s economy including energy, agriculture, aerospace, and health innovation.
This position reports to the Director of Development and works closely with other members of the Development Team, Central Development Office, the Faculty of Science Communication Teams and other key faculty leaders and staff.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead high-impact fundraising in collaboration with the Director of Development, driving the strategy and execution for major and leadership gifts in support of the Science District campaign and other Faculty of Science priorities.
- Build powerful partnerships by engaging donors, alumni, and industry leaders to create lasting philanthropic relationships.
- Secure major donations in support of institutional and faculty-level strategic initiatives.
- Develop prospect lists and qualifying new donors in compliance with Prospect Management and University policies.
- Assist faculty members, unit leaders and volunteers in identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors.
- Prepare high-quality fund development materials including proposals, cases for support, stewardship reports, presentations and related materials.
- Serve as a trusted advisor, mentor and role model within a high-performing development team.
- Manage special gifts, including gifts in kind, memorial gifts and student awards.
Qualifications:
- University degree or related education preferred, with a minimum of three years directly related experience, preferably in a fundraising or post-secondary educational environment.
- Demonstrated experience contributing to successful fundraising, partnership, or relationship-based initiatives, with the ability to manage and grow donor or stakeholder relationships.
- Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to craft persuasive proposals and articulate a compelling vision.
- Sound judgment and decision-making capabilities, with the ability to work effectively within a large, complex, dynamic organization.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects or priorities simultaneously.
- Self-motivated, proactive, energetic, and goal oriented.
Why UCalgary?
Ranked among Canada’s top research universities, UCalgary is a next-generation institution committed to entrepreneurship, innovation, and impact. Our Faculty of Science is home to world-class researchers tackling global challenges — from climate change and sustainable farming to quantum computing and antibiotic resistance. By joining us, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of science and discovery.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. We encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
Interested candidates may view the postings on the UCalgary Internal Careers Site by searching for Job Opening ID: 36744 and 36814or select “Office of Advancement” for all the current positions. The job has been posted with a deadline date of February 20, 2026.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
