Development Officer, Major Gifts
COMPETITION NO. AD26-18
Band 8: Salary Range $69,954 - $87,441
About Durham College:
Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Durham College offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, media, art and design.
Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs – including six bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs – to more than 11,000 full-time post-secondary and nearly 3,000 apprenticeship students. In addition, we have more than 16,000 student registrations in professional and part-time learning. More than 120,000 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.
DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Durham College is seeking an experienced fundraising professional responsible for developing and executing Durham College's major gift, annual giving, mid-level giving, and donor stewardship strategies to advance the College's philanthropic priorities. The role builds and manages a portfolio of major and mid-level donors, leading all stages of the donor cycle—from identification and cultivation through solicitation, stewardship, and long-term relationship management—to generate sustainable philanthropic revenue.
Working closely with the Associate Vice President, the incumbent identifies funding priorities, develops fundraising strategies, and drives donor engagement initiatives that support institutional goals. The role is responsible for the planning, execution, and evaluation of integrated annual giving campaigns targeting alumni, employees, retirees, friends, and community supporters, including oversight of the PayDay Lottery employee giving program.
The incumbent also leads Durham College's donor stewardship and recognition program, ensuring donors receive meaningful, timely, and impactful engagement through personalized stewardship, recognition initiatives, donor communications, impact reporting, and special events that foster long-term philanthropic relationships.
Major Gift Fundraising
- In collaboration with the Associate Vice President, establish and execute major gift fundraising priorities aligned with institutional strategic objectives
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Build, manage, and advance a portfolio of major gift prospects through all stages of the donor cycle, including identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
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Develop and implement individualized donor engagement and solicitation strategies to secure transformational and leadership-level philanthropic investments
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Lead prospect identification and pipeline development, ensuring a strong and sustainable portfolio of qualified major gift opportunities
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Facilitate regular prospect strategy meetings to review pipeline activity, establish next steps, and monitor fundraising progress
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Prepare compelling proposals, briefing materials, and stewardship plans to support successful donor engagement
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Achieve annual fundraising and activity targets, including solicitations, donor visits, proposals submitted, and dollars raised
Donor Stewardship & Donor Relations
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Responsible for executing a comprehensive donor stewardship strategy that enhances donor satisfaction, retention, and long-term engagement
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Design meaningful recognition and impact reporting initiatives tailored to donor giving levels and interests
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Oversee donor recognition programs, including donor walls, signage, naming opportunities, events, and campaign-specific recognition
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Ensure timely and impactful stewardship communications, including annual reports, impact stories, and personalized donor updates
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Collaborate across departments to deliver exceptional donor experiences that encourage continued and increased philanthropic investment
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Administer honorary recognition opportunities in accordance with College policies
Annual & Mid-Level Giving
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Develop and implement a comprehensive annual giving strategy to grow philanthropic support from alumni, employees, retirees, friends, and community partners
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Create integrated, muti-channel fundraising campaigns that increase donor acquisition, retention, reactivation, participation, and revenue
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Oversee employee giving initiatives, including the PayDay Lottery to strengthen internal philanthropic engagement
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Manage a portfolio of mid-level donors, developing strategies to increase giving and identify future major gift prospects
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Monitor campaign performance and continuously refine strategies based on donor behaviour and performance metrics
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Work collaboratively with the Communications Officer to develop compelling fundraising appeals, digital campaigns, and donor communications
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Secure and steward sponsorship support for annual initiatives, including YWSTT conference, with a focus on growing sponsorship revenue and long-term partnerships
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Identify opportunities to transition student award donors into broader institutional giving opportunities
Qualifications:
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A minimum of a two-year diploma in a relevant field of study including Business or Office Administration, or Fund Development.
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A minimum of five (5) years of relevant work experience in a fundraising environment working directly with donors.
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Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
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Experience with Raiser’s Edge/NXT is an asset.
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Practical experience in accounting and/or financial analysis.
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Good knowledge of Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) regulations.
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The successful candidate will also need to demonstrate a high degree of human relations experience, written and oral communication and problem-solving.
Please note this posting is for an existing vacancy.
Please apply below by submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes at 7:00 p.m. EST on July 29, 2026. Competition number AD26-18.
Contact Us T:905.721.3073 [email protected]
C Wing, Second Floor - 2000 Simcoe St. N. Oshawa, ON
Durham College invites applications from all qualified individuals. Durham is committed to fostering workplace diversity, and, provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout our hiring process. If you require this information in alternate format; require communication supports; an accommodation in applying for a posting and/or if you are selected for an interview, please contact our Human Resources (HR) department and an HR assistant will work with you to meet your needs.
We thank you for your interest in employment with Durham College however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Land Acknowledgement
Durham College is situated on the traditional lands of the First Peoples of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. These lands are covered under the Williams Treaties and rest within the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg. We offer our gratitude to the Indigenous Peoples who care for and, through the treaty process, share the lands on which we live, learn, teach and prosper today.
