One of the biggest growth stories at Thompson Rivers University is its fundraising department.

TRU hired its first fundraiser in 2007, with the title of vice-president of advancement. Five years later, the university is about to put six more on the payroll.

University spokesman and vice-president of advancement Christopher Seguin — the first of his kind on the Kamloops campus five years ago — said four “development officers” were hired recently and will soon be joined by another two.

Each school on campus — science and law, for example — will have its own development officer.

“We want to double fundraising within 2 1/2 years — going from $3 million to $6 million,” Seguin said.

A major capital campaign will be announced once the six are hired and plans put in place.

Seguin said the hiring is a way to bring more student awards and capital for building, relying less on core government grants.

University of B.C.’s website lists about 50 staff in its advancement division, including in human resources, finance, research and information systems.

“That’s what we’re up against,” Seguin said, declining to name a budget for the additions at TRU.

TRU’s website currently lists job opportunities for development officers, who may be employees or hired on contract.

“The development officer is responsible for developing a broad range of fundraising strategies, building towards a major gift portfolio and large-scale campaign for a specified school, faculty or division,” states the listing on the university’s website.

One of those newly hired development officers, John Zubak, said “we’re just getting into the planning stage now.”

His position will also include finding more workplace opportunities for students.