Director, Annual Giving

Simon Fraser University•Burnaby, BC

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Annual Giving leads and establishes SFU's advancement engagement strategies and program growth, focusing on strengthening SFU's relationship with its philanthropic community. The role supports SFU's mission by enhancing philanthropic connections, promoting SFU's brand, and advancing goals in fundraising. Through strategic planning and program development, the role establishes impactful and targeted initiatives that build long-term connections with donors and prospects as advocates and supporters of SFU's mission. Working closely with internal stakeholders, the role uses data-driven insights to continuously refine engagement efforts and foster an environment where philanthropy contributes meaningfully to SFU's growth. The Director engages nationally and internationally with peer institutions to share best practices and industry trends and supports the negotiation of procurement terms with external vendors to ensure cost-effective, mission-aligned service delivery.

Requirements

Master's degree in Business Administration, Higher Education, or a relevant field.
Ten years of related experience.
Experience in a senior leadership role in a multifaceted fundraising program.
Experience in strategic planning, program management, marketing and communications, events, fundraising, and relationship management.
Experience in non-profit societies and boards.
Experience working with senior level volunteers.
Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

Leads and establishes SFU's advancement engagement strategies and program growth.
Strengthens SFU's relationship with its philanthropic community.
Enhances philanthropic connections, promotes SFU's brand, and advances goals in fundraising.
Establishes impactful and targeted initiatives that build long-term connections with donors and prospects.
Uses data-driven insights to continuously refine engagement efforts.
Fosters an environment where philanthropy contributes meaningfully to SFU's growth.
Engages nationally and internationally with peer institutions to share best practices and industry trends.
Supports the negotiation of procurement terms with external vendors to ensure cost-effective, mission-aligned service delivery.
Develops high-level strategic plans, priorities, and policies to advance advancement program growth and align with university goals.
Selects campaigns, programs and initiatives to launch, expand or discontinue based on impact and ROI.
Allocates Annual Giving budget across programs, campaigns, staffing and marketing initiatives.
Contributes as part of the University Advancement team to integrate donor relations within SFU’s broader strategic vision.
Determines and allocates resources for staffing, volunteer engagement, and performance management to build program sustainability and impact.