Vice-President (Development and Alumni Affairs)

The University of Lethbridge (uLethbridge), Alberta’s Destination University, is a comprehensive and research-intensive university founded on the principles of liberal education where inspired scholars integrate research and creativity with teaching.  Founded in 1967 on traditional Blackfoot land, it is a place where student engagement in learning, creative activities, and research takes place every day.  With campuses in Lethbridge and Calgary, uLethbridge offers more than 150 undergraduate and 60 graduate programs in the faculties of Arts & Science, Education, Fine Arts, Health Sciences, the School of Liberal Education, the School of Graduate Studies, and the Dhillon School of Business, to more than 8,900 students. 

The University of Lethbridge is committed to creating and supporting environments dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion.  uLethbridge takes pride in enhancing community engagement, and is committed to collaborating with Indigenous peoples and communities to ensure that their partnerships, and ensuing programs, meet the needs of these communities.  uLethbridge is proud to achieve its highest ever position in the recent Maclean’s University Ranking Report (2021) placing 2nd overall in the primarily undergraduate classification. 

The University of Lethbridge is seeking a visionary and collaborative leader to join the President’s Executive Team as Vice-President (Development and Alumni Affairs) to undertake this impactful opportunity by providing strategic fundraising leadership to elevate one of Canada’s top-ranked universities and leading research institutions. Working with the university community, this pivotal position will be responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive institutional fund development, alumni and community programs to increase constituent engagement.

Reporting to President and Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-President (Development and Alumni Affairs) will lead, strengthen, and enhance all fundraising activities (major and individual gifts, in-kind, annual, capital, corporate, legacy and planned gift or giving programs and campaigns), and alumni and community engagement. Through strategic planning and prioritization, this Vice-President will drive an integrated approach in collaborating efforts with the marketing and communications teams. This leader will serve as an advocate and champion of the University in mobilizing an engaged Board of Governors, President and other senior leadership to achieve uLethbridge’s fundraising goals of $100M and 20,000 engaged alumni through the SHINE Campaign.

The ideal candidate will have substantial and progressive strategic leadership and management experience of a significant development portfolio, preferably from a large and complex multi-stakeholder organization such as a postsecondary institution, healthcare, a substantial foundation, or the broader not-for-profit sector.  The successful individual will demonstrate experience effectively engaging alumni, donor, community, and stakeholder groups, identifying and implementing new and innovative revenue generation streams, and integrating engagement and stewardship initiatives with fundraising strategies and goals.  This strong communicator and community leader will take a prominent role supporting the University’s cultural identity while maintaining a strong and positive image for uLethbridge.  A Bachelor’s degree is required and master’s degree is preferred, and additional accreditation or credentials in the fundraising field will be considered an asset.

A growing city of over 100,000 people, Lethbridge is located in southern Alberta, Canada. With an average of 320 days of sunshine each year and one of the warmest winters in the western provinces, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy all that this city and region has to offer. The city's economy has historically been agriculture-based, but has expanded into a thriving industrial, commercial, research and technology hub.  Lethbridge's major employers are in the education, health care and government sectors. Year round, Lethbridge is home to a vibrant arts community that enriches the citizens of Lethbridge as well as visitors to the city with the opportunity to explore southern Alberta’s Indigenous culture, unique wildlife, nature, and adventure experiences.  The geographic location also ensures close proximity to world class ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies, majestic national parks, and the US border.

Janet Soles and Associates has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of the University of Lethbridge. For more information about this opportunity or to apply, please send your curriculum vitae and letter of interest in confidence to UofLVPD@jssearch.ca.

The University of Lethbridge hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity and diversity. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference.