Director of Development, Faculty of Science

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Science is foundational. Long before someone becomes an engineer, a physician, a kinesiologist, or a forester, they begin with science: a teacher, a lab, a question that is nurtured rather than dismissed. We are seeking a Director who understands that funding science education and research means investing in the pipeline for many of the professions that shape our world, and who brings genuine enthusiasm to that work.

Reporting to and working closely with the Assistant Dean, the Director will help lead a talented development team while personally managing a $4M portfolio of leadership-level donors. The role contributes to a $13M Development and Alumni Engagement program in support of the Faculty's $27M annual goal, a target the team works toward collectively.

We are seeking a dynamic leader who is motivated by challenge and comfortable operating as a self-starter. The ideal candidate brings genuine curiosity about scientific research and the ability to translate that enthusiasm into compelling cases for support.

This individual will have demonstrated success building meaningful relationships within industry, with the credibility and judgment to identify the right partners, earn their trust, and convert shared interest into sustained investment.

As a leader, this person will be equally comfortable mentoring fundraisers who benefit from structure and clear process as they are challenging experienced major gift officers to think more ambitiously. They will be motivated primarily by the success of the team rather than by individual achievement, while still maintaining strong personal accountability for their own portfolio and goals.

Given that many of our initiatives span multiple faculties and units, strong collaborative instincts are essential. We are looking for someone who navigates complexity and ambiguity comfortably, brings creative and analytical problem-solving to their work, and is able to read a pipeline critically while never losing sight of the relationships at its core.

Finally, this is a team that works hard and values genuine collegiality. We are looking for someone who brings energy and a sense of humour to the work, alongside the rigour it demands.

Working in close partnership with the Assistant Dean, the Director will help operationalize fundraising strategy across the Faculty and advance leadership gift account strategies that require senior administration engagement. The Director will also contribute to building the alumni and donor relationships that support an active multi-year campaign.

As second-in-command on the team, the Director will provide day-to-day leadership and mentorship to a group of career fundraisers, adapting their approach to the needs of each individual, whether that calls for coaching, structure, or a trusted sounding board.

This is an opportunity for someone who wants to help build a high-performing fundraising program, not simply maintain one, and who recognizes science as essential infrastructure behind many of the careers that shape our communities.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

 Graduate degree and/or an undergraduate degree in commerce, marketing or economics is preferred. Proven experience in Major-Gift fundraising and skilled in strategy development.  Thorough knowledge of the university environment and academic structure is preferred. 3 years’ experience meeting or exceeding annual metrics at the Associate Director level, or equivalent.  Experience working with a centralized fundraising system an asset. Ability to work independently while exercising good judgement at all times.  Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills are required, along with strategic thinking and skills in conflict resolution.  Strong conceptual abilities combined with high attention to detail.  Ability to work simultaneously on a variety of complex projects with imposed deadlines; ability to formulate strategic plans; effective communication skills, verbal and written; strong interpersonal and negotiation skills required in liaising with major donors, corporate executives and senior university administration; proven ability to work with the University’s senior-most donors to advance the University’s mission; tact, diplomacy, discretion and sound judgment required. 

The incumbent should have the ability to plan, coordinate and supervise the work of others, in order to execute a variety of complex projects with imposed deadlines.  Computer experience required; MS Windows environment, Microsoft Office preferred.