Senior Specialist, Faculty Development

Position Purpose

The Senior Specialist, Faculty Development plays an important role in building philanthropic relationships and managing a portfolio of donors and prospects for a dedicated university hub that serves multiple faculties/services. The incumbent is responsible for generating fundraising revenue, identifying potential sources of funding, developing and executing cultivation and solicitation strategies and driving the acquisition of Major Gifts in the $25,000 – $1 million range.

Works closely with the members of the Development Leadership Team, to discuss prospective donor strategy and shared management of the university’s top potential and existing donors.

• Strategic Planning:
  With the primary purpose to maximize revenue generation, the incumbent develops, implements and manages short and long-term action plans for identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects and donors. In collaboration with senior management, establishes measurable goals to meet faculty/service’s objectives and priorities.
• Account Development:
  Personally manages a portfolio of up to 120 prospective and existing donors in the major gift range of $25,000 to $1 million through the cultivation, proposal, solicitation and stewardship phases. Meets expected revenue and activity targets annually. During all phases of the fundraising cycle, uses a person-centered approach with a view to fostering meaningful lifetime relationships with prospects and existing donors.
• Relationship Management:
  Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of University faculty, alumni, prospects, donors, staff, and students to effectively implement a Major Gifts program, prepare appropriate communication materials, identify and nurture relationships with support strategies, and coordinate fundraising activities. Plays a key role in the identification, recruitment and management of volunteers; ensures systematic contact and follow-up with key volunteers and coordinates solicitation meetings and volunteer recognition activities.
• Operations Planning:
  Creates and manages a rigorous schedule of meetings and other fundraising related activities, ensuring to use the dean’s and other key partners’ time in the most strategic way. Develops high quality proposals for prospective donors and monitors all administrative aspects related to the receipt and use of donations. Maintains a sound working knowledge of the faculty/service’s main priorities in teaching, research, and other activities.
• Communications Support:
  Manages the development of communication materials to support the Major Gifts program and enhance the relationships between the faculty and its external stakeholders. Works in conjunction with the Communications team to ensure that impactful and cohesive messages are conveyed to existing and prospective donors, including through social media.

• University degree
• Minimum of five (5) years of professional fundraising experience preferably in an educational or non-profit environment
• Bilingualism – French and English (spoken and written)
• Strong working knowledge of fundraising processes, best practices and current industry trends
• Strong donor focus and understanding of how to effectively manage ongoing donor relationships
• Self‑motivated, goal oriented, and strategic thinker
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and analytical skills
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and changing priorities on multiple projects
• Ability to use persuasion, negotiation and influencing skills to develop relationships with stakeholders
• Team player, excels at working collaboratively as well as independently
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, and solid relationship management skills at all levels in an organization
• Tact, diplomacy and confidentiality required at all times
• Strong computer skills including above average competency on Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge is an asset.
• Familiarity with and experience in the use of social media
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and frequent travel.
• Valid…