Development Officer, Planned Giving

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Posting Information:

The internal posting deadline for this position is February 12, 2026, at 11:59PM.

This is a Career Path position.

The final level will be determined based on demonstrated skills and experience.
Anticipated hiring ranges:

USG 9: $71,827 - $89,784

USG 10: $78,214- $97,768

USG 11: $85,399 - $106,749

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

Accountable to the Associate Vice-President, Engagement for individual planned giving fundraising across all faculties, schools and academic support units. Primary responsibilities include prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of planned giving donors.

The (Senior) Development Officer, Planned Giving will report to the Associate Vice-President, Engagement. The Director will provide direction in establishing and clarifying priorities for the Planned Giving program and will oversee the incumbent’s development and performance as a fundraising professional.

Planned Giving works closely with Annual Giving, Alumni and Donor Experience, Donor Relations and Stewardship, Alumni Relations, and others in the Office of Advancement to coordinate and support planned giving fundraising activities.

The (Senior) Development Officer, Planned Giving serves as a liaison for planned giving across the faculties, schools, academic support units, federated university and affiliated colleges, and Office of Advancement, keeping each area appraised of plans and activities. The incumbent will also function as a planned giving resource for Advancement.

Key Accountabilities

Portfolio Management

· Develops and implements planned giving strategies with an emphasis on identifying, cultivating and soliciting gifts. Manages a portfolio of planned giving prospects: identifying, developing, and implementing tailored action plans and solicitation strategies for each prospect.

· Depending on circumstances, solicits prospects individually or orchestrates solicitation with volunteers and/or senior administration and other development officers as/when appropriate.

· Provides estate planning, tax and charitable giving information to prospective donors. Prepares and presents written proposals and financial illustrations of proposed gifts to raise planned gifts. Drafts and submits meeting notes for prospect tracking.

· Meets and consults with prospective donors about planned gifts. Drafts terms and conditions for endowments, scholarships, awards, and bursaries in accordance with established templates.

· In consultation with the Associate Vice-President, Engagement, assesses program needs, and contributes to the development and implementation of plans to build the planned giving pipeline.

Provides a timely, thoughtful and professional response to all inquiries received by phone, mail and email, along with responses from surveys and appeals. Develops a follow-up plan and implements relationship management strategies for both prospects and donors.

Memorial and Tribute Gifts

· Administers and guides inquiries about memorial and tribute gifts on campus through to completion.

· Coordinates with Plant Operations for all memorial and tribute tree and bench installations.

· Follows guidelines in place to ensure consistency and enhancement of the campus landscape.

· Meets and consults with prospective donors about memorial and tribute gifts.

Marketing

· Assists in the planning and preparation of planned giving articles, stories, and ads for institutional and external publications.

· Assists in creating and updating planned giving communications and materials e.g. appeals, surveys, event invitations, cards, brochures, info sheets, etc.

Estate and Life Insurance Policy Administration

· Oversees the administration and stewardship of estates.

· Oversees the administration and stewardship of life insurance policies.

Laurel Society Stewardship and Recognition

· Manages the Laurel Society recognition program for planned gift donors.

· Plans and executes stewardship activities for planned gift donors e.g. events, communications, etc.

Collaboration and Coordination

· With direction, works closely with the University’s finance office, program administrators, attorneys, executors and estate solicitors to ensure timely administration of various types of gifts.

· Develops effective working relationships with other development officers across campus.

· Provides technical and other assistance to development officers regarding planned giving strategies as required.

· Keeps informed about the tax aspects of charitable gifts, and new legislation and revenue rulings affecting such gifts. Makes information available to the Office of Advancement team and others including donors and volunteers as appropriate.

Other

· Coordinates special projects and campaigns.

· Helps to raise philanthropic awareness and promotes a culture of philanthropy on campus.

· Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Education

· Completion of a Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required

· CAGP Gift Planning Fundamentals Course is an asset

· CAGP Original Canadian Gift Planning Course is an asset

· CFRE certification is an asset

Experience

· 3-5+ years of progressively responsible fundraising experience including direct solicitations

· Experience in gift planning, law, financial planning or accounting, and a clear knowledge and understanding of the Canadian tax system, estate planning and various planned giving vehicles is an asset

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

· Demonstrated planning, analytical, and organizational skills

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written

· Sound judgement, tact, diplomacy, and problem-solving ability

· A working knowledge of the university environment

· Demonstrated ability to create promotional materials and proposals

· Proficiency with The Raiser’s Edge, Blackbaud CRM, and iModules Encompass

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.