Philanthropy Advisor, Special Projects

The University of Lethbridge; Lethbridge; On-site; CAD 63,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university seeks a Philanthropy Advisor for Special Projects to enhance fundraising activities. The role involves developing strategies for major gifts, collaborating closely with institutional leaders, and managing donor relations. This position offers opportunities for professional growth within a vibrant academic community.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience securing six/ seven-figure financial agreements.
• Demonstrated success in compiling cases for support and complex proposals.
• Advanced computer skills and strong project management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement fundraising plans around key institutional priorities.
• Cultivate a targeted portfolio of principal gift prospects.
• Formulate strategic frameworks for project realization.

Skills

Project Management

Interpersonal Skills

Conflict Resolution

Negotiation

Communication

Education

Undergraduate Degree

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Client/Donor Relations Management Software

Job description

Posting Details

Position Information

Job Title Philanthropy Advisor, Special Projects About the University

It’s your time to shine!

Work where the world comes to create, discover and learn.

We are one of Canada’s top universities and leading research institutions. With more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students, two campuses (Lethbridge and Calgary), seven faculties and schools, and more than 2,500 employees, ULethbridge is Lethbridge’s second largest employer. Faculty and staff come together to contribute, each in their own way, to establishing ULethbridge as Canada’s destination university. In 2022, Lethbridge was recognized as one of Canada’s top small cities.

Position Details

Reporting to the Director, Philanthropy & Donor Relations the Philanthropy Advisor (PA), Special Projects will support emerging institutional priorities and time-sensitive fundraising needs across the University. This role will support emerging capital projects, high-priority Faculty, department or institutional projects or partnerships where philanthropic momentum and strategic opportunity are aligned. The role will work closely with the President, Provost, VPs, other senior and academic leaders and will lead priority identification, case development, strategy, volunteer engagement and major and principal gift activity. The PA will be responsible for identifying and cultivating a small portfolio (25-30) of principal gift donors and prospects aligned to these priorities.

This Philanthropy Advisor will be assigned to a focused portfolio—such as significant capital projects, high-priority faculty or new University wide initiatives. Each assignment is expected to be immersive, allowing them to build meaningful relationships, lead major gift activity and contribute deeply to the success of the area they are supporting. Over time, the specific focus may shift based on institutional needs, providing opportunities for the individual to bring their skills to new challenges and continue growing within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement cases for support and fundraising plans around key emerging institutional priorities and identify and cultivate a list of prospects for the initiative with a team of institutional leaders.
• Formulate a strategic framework and annual plan for the successful realization of specific projects.
• Provide input into briefing notes, meeting plans, events and tours, and completing call reports for all meetings with senior leaders, volunteers, and prospects.
• Develop, maintain, and secure support from a small and targeted portfolio of prospects (20-30), which span individuals and organizations.
• Develop very strong, respectful, collaborative working relationships with colleagues in all Faculties, President’s Office, Alumni Relations, Philanthropy & Donor Relations, Marketing, Communications and Government Relations to ensure smooth and successful delivery and coordination of fundraising and communications activities.
• Ensure the CRM is maintained on a consistent basis through timely entry of activity information.
• Participation as a full member within the External Relations team, representing the department internally and externally, and working as a member of the team.
  
  

The University of Lethbridge is undertaking a job classification and compensation review for Administrative Professional Officer (APO) positions. As such, the salary range currently assigned for this position may be adjusted as a result of this project.

Position Qualifications

• Undergraduate Degree (preferred).
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation (preferred).
• 5 years (min) experience securing six and seven figure financial agreements within the private sector or similar levels of major gifts in the charitable sector (preferred).
• Demonstrated record of strategy development, implementation and evaluation in customer service, sales or donor centered environment.
• Experience successfully managing multiple projects from conception to completion within tight prescribed deadlines.
• Demonstrated experience in compiling cases for support or complex proposals, fundraising or marketing plans, and complex budgets.
• Demonstrated success in an academic setting or equivalent in the private sector (preferred).
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on proposal development and presentation to internal and external contacts.
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office and a client/donor relations management software.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at once from conception to completion with tightly prescribed timelines.
• Ability to establish and build healthy working relations and partnerships with clients, peers and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage activities both for self and others effectively.
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution and people management skills.
• Flexible, resourceful, creative and pro-active work style with a can-do, enthusiastic attitude.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional development to stay informed about fundraising initiatives and the unit’s missions and objectives.
• Possesses a reputation for resourcefulness with a strong sense of accountability and initiative.
• Influential interpersonal skills that build positive and strong relationships at all levels of the organization.
• The successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory Criminal Record Check.
  
  

Starting Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE) $63,255.50 - $79,575.80 annually Full Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE) $63,255.50 - $95,896.11 annually (APO - Grade 3) Campus Lethbridge Employment Group APO Position Category Other

Posting Detail Information

Open Date 05/21/2025 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Desired Start Date 07/07/2025 Position End Date (if temporary) 06/30/2027 Special Instructions to Applicants Employment Equity

The University of Lethbridge invites applications from all qualified candidates; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given preference.

The University of Lethbridge is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, including through all aspects of the hiring process. If you require support during the hiring process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] so that accommodations can be put in place to support you. All private information received in relation to your request for support will be kept confidential, only information required to facilitate the accommodation will be shared with the selection committee.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter
  
  

Optional Documents

• Additional Documents