Philanthropy Advisor, University Projects

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

Job summary

The University of Lethbridge is seeking a Philanthropy Advisor for University Projects to lead major gift strategies, manage donor portfolios, and support high-impact fundraising initiatives. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and project management skills, and a proven track record in securing significant financial agreements.

Qualifications

• 5 years minimum experience in securing major gifts.
• Demonstrated success in strategy development and implementation.
• Experience in compiling complex proposals and budgets.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of major gift donors.
• Support strategic engagement with university leaders and alumni.
• Ensure timely entry of activity information in the CRM.

Skills

Communication

Project Management

Negotiation

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Undergraduate Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM Software

Job description

Philanthropy Advisor, University Projects

Job Title Philanthropy Advisor, University Projects

About the University

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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.

Reporting to the Director, Philanthropy & Donor Relations the Philanthropy Advisor (PA), University Projects will lead major and principal gift strategies in collaboration with academic and senior administrative leaders in support of high-impact fundraising initiatives that extend beyond any one faculty, including research and teaching chairs, professorships, institutes, research and capital projects, scholarships and awards, community enhancement initiatives, Indigenous initiatives, sponsorships and more and will manage a portfolio of 250 major and principal gift donors. This role will ensure that the breadth of our cross-campus institutional priorities and impact are represented in major and principal gift activity.

The Philanthropy Advisor, University Projects will:

• Develop, maintain, and secure support from an extensive portfolio of prospects, which span individuals and organizations in support of key institutional and Faculty priorities.
• Manage an individual portfolio of prospects to meet annual fundraising goals with a focus on pipeline building and key cultivations and solicitations at the leadership, major and principal gift levels.
• Support the strategic engagement of Deans, Senior Leaders, volunteers and alumni on development initiatives including development of materials, organizing meetings and tours, providing input into briefing notes and completing call reports for all meetings.
• 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).
• 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)

Starting Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE) $63,255.50 - $79,575.80 annually

Full Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE)

Full Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE) $63,255.50 - $95,896.11 annually (APO - Grade 3)

Campus

Campus Lethbridge

Employment Group

Employment Group APO

Position Category

Position Category Other

Open Date

Open Date 05/21/2025

Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

Desired Start Date

Desired Start Date 07/07/2025

Position End Date (if temporary)

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

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