Community Relations Specialist

Concordia University of Edmonton; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is seeking a Community Relations Specialist to enhance fundraising efforts and community engagement. This role involves supporting various fundraising activities, managing donor data through Raiser’s Edge, and collaborating with the Community Relations team to strengthen relationships with alumni and community members. Ideal candidates will possess strong communication skills, a degree in a related field, and a passion for fostering community connections. Join a vibrant environment that values diversity and makes a meaningful impact on students' lives.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years experience in fundraising, business, or related fields.
• Degree in fund development or related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementing a fundraising plan and coordinating events.
• Manage donor data and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Judgment and Decision-Making

Education

Degree or diploma in fund development or related field

Relevant experience without a degree

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Relational Database Systems

Job description

Concordia University of Edmonton (CUE) is a community of learning grounded in scholarship and academic freedom, preparing students to be independent thinkers, ethical leaders and citizens for the common good.

CUE campus is situated on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River in Edmonton’s historic Highlands neighborhood. Supporting a student body of over 3,000, we are known for our small class sizes and our excellence in teaching. Our small classes and diverse student population provide an excellent opportunity for engaging with students in a sustained and nurturing way unique within the Canadian university system. CUE is an institution that values research in the sciences, social sciences, humanities and management. Our vision is to become Canada’s pre-eminent small university.

CUE is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for work, study, and living. We actively promote dignity for all, rejecting action and language that are harmful to mutual respect.

Reporting to the Community Relations Manager, this role will have an opportunity to work with the Community Relations team to assist in various administrative and fundraising tasks.

As part of the Community Relations team, the Community Relations Specialist will support various tasks related to fundraising activities, alumni, and community relations. Duties will vary from planning grassroots events, engaging CUE community in various fundraising activities, to maintaining donor data and information through Raiser’s Edge, and collaborating with the Director on many other initiatives that involve relationship building and fundraising with a goal of supporting CUE students.

Responsibilities

• Assist in implementation of a fundraising plan to retain and renew current donors.
• Lead coordination for special fundraising events.
• Support the Manager by being a point of contact for phone and email inquiries in a professional, courteous and timely manner.
• In collaboration with the Manager, advise prospects on giving options available; develop gift proposals; and work with donors to complete transfers of funds.
• Utilize fundraising tactics and tools to monitor and evaluate pre-established fundraising goals and outcomes.
• Continually monitor goals and results of campaigns, ensuring they are launched on time and on budget.
• Manage the CRM software Raiser’s Edge for database integrity. This includes, but is not limited to, issuing tax receipts, inputting donation information, and sending thank you letters to donors. Regularly attending webinars to ensure up-to-date training and knowledge of the system is necessary and supported in this role.
• Assist in writing grant proposals and maintain annual grants calendar.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge on fundraising industry best practices and innovations.
• Ensure accuracy and timeliness of fundraising requests and initiatives.
• Act as a brand champion for external relations and the power of philanthropy, upholding the university’s visual identity.
• Effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders with discretion, sensitivity, and confidentiality.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Degree or diploma in a related field (e.g. fund development, business, marketing, communications, public relations, social sciences). Candidates without a degree but relevant experience will also be considered.
• 2-4 years of experience in a related field; post-secondary or non-profit.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and strong organizational skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills with a diplomatic approach to all constituencies, internal and external.
• Must be flexible, and have the ability to travel to other locations, and related events outside normal business hours.
• Sound judgment and decision-making capabilities and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively are required.
• High level of knowledge about relational database systems and technology applications.
• Certified Fundraising Professional Executive (CFRE) designation considered an asset.

Closing Date: Application review will commence Immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Please direct all questions and inquiries to Human Resources at Concordia University of Edmonton [e-mail]

Concordia University of Edmonton encourages applications from members of racialized groups, visible minorities, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, women, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and others who may support a diversity of perspectives at CUE. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.