Development Officer

University of Victoria; Victoria; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Victoria is seeking a Development Officer to lead major gift fundraising for targeted faculties/units. Reporting to the Associate Director of Faculty Development and the Dean or unit head, the DO manages portfolios, identifies prospects, cultivates donors, and stewards relationships with staff, faculty and volunteers.

You will develop and execute fundraising plans, meet annual targets, and collaborate with Alumni and Development teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus three years of relevant experience in the post-secondary or non-profit sector.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and manage fundraising activities for major gifts.

Responsibilities

• Build a unit work plan to obtain annually raised major gifts.
• Meet activity metrics including face-to-face meetings, qualifications, major gift solicitations, closed gifts, and stewardship actions.
• Achieve a personal fundraising target as determined annually.
• Develop detailed solicitation strategies for each constituent and execute them.
• Advise on donor strategy and fundraising best practices.

Skills

Communication skills

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Donor relations

Team collaboration

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

3 years related experience

Job description

Mandate

Jointly reporting to the hiring Associate Director of Faculty Development, and to the Dean or unit head of an assigned portfolio, or a Senior Development Officer (SDO) if in place, the Development Officer (DO) develops and manages their assigned faculty/unit(s) portfolio by establishing and delivering an effective development and fundraising plan. The DO identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards major gift donors, and planned giving opportunities through prospecting, one‑on‑one meetings, and developing meaningful connections with donors, prospects, staff, and faculty members.

Objectives

• Work with Alumni and Development colleagues to build a unit work plan to obtain annually raised major gifts in support of the Faculty/unit's approved priority fundraising projects and in support of the University's mission and goals.
• Meet activity metrics outlined annually with supervisor including face to face meetings, qualifications, major gift solicitations, major gifts closed, stewardship actions and collaborative major gift solicitations.
• Achieve a personal fundraising target as determined annually.
• Develop detailed solicitation strategies and tactics for each constituent and work with the university colleagues to execute these strategies.
• Assuming a confident and informed relationship in advising on donor strategy and fundraising best practices.

Work Environment

The DO works both on and off campus, as appropriate, to attend in‑person and virtual meetings and events with the Associate Director, Dean/unit Head, volunteers, faculty members, staff and donors. The DO maintains a working space within their assigned faculty/unit(s).

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree plus three (3) years of relevant experience in the post‑secondary or non‑profit sector. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Include

• Demonstrated commitment to valuing the principles of truth, reconciliation and respect, equity diversity and inclusion, and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment.
• Demonstrated administrative and organizational skills
• Excellent critical thinking, problem‑solving and communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Proven track record achieving fundraising and activity goals
• Demonstrated maturity, self‑confidence and poise to deal appropriately with a wide variety of people and situations from the student level to high‑profile community leaders
• Open to learning and development, and willing to accept new challenges and assignments
• Proven track record of achieving project goals on time and producing high quality deliverables
• Effectively administer, organize, plan and manage time
• Use sound judgment in the wording and the inclusion of pertinent and sensitive information
• Assuming a confident and informed relationship with the Dean/unit head in advising donor strategy and fundraising best practices
• Act as a "university community member" who is mindful of work that may be appealing to a donor from other faculties or areas of practice and make connections within the university and community

Assets Or Preferences

• A CFRE designation is preferred
• Knowledge in Development practices and processes as well as systems used for day‑to‑day business is an asset
• Proven experience in project management within a large, complex institution is an asset
• A strong knowledge and experience of university environment, policies, procedures and core business systems is an asset