Development Officer

The Development Officer is responsible for donor recognition and stewardship and for increasing philanthropic support for the College of Arts and Science. This position is integral to increasing donor retention, deepening relationships and engagement, and advancing philanthropic support of the college and the university.

The College of Arts & Science is proud to be situated on Treaty 6 territory and the homeland of the Métis.

NATURE OF WORK

Reporting to the Director of Advancement, College of Arts and Science, the Development Officer continually improves and executes a college-wide donor relations program that acknowledges and recognizes donors for their generosity. The Development Officer creates the best possible donor experience by ensuring that all college donors are confident that their philanthropic gifts are making an impact through ongoing stewardship. The Development Officer manages a portfolio of donors and prospects requiring sustained cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, designed to support the priorities of the College of Arts and Science and the mission, vision, and values of the University of Saskatchewan.

The Development Officer is a member of the College of Arts and Science advancement team. This position is also a member of the University Relations (UR) development team. The Development Officer will work collaboratively with leadership, department heads, faculty, staff, and students of the College of Arts & Science, as well as advancement professionals across UR.

The Development Officer will work in a dynamic, fast-paced, innovative, and highly collaborative environment with numerous concurrent projects and competing deadlines. The incumbent is required to be motivated, innovative, donor focused, results-oriented, and a highly effective relationship builder and team player. Consequence of error is significant for the university and its reputation and relationships with stakeholders. Occasional evenings and weekends, as well as some travel, is required. 

UR is responsible for institutional advancement programs (alumni relations, communications and marketing, and development), and as such is dedicated to supporting the related needs of all colleges, units and the university as a whole. UR is comprised of specialized teams that work together as an integrated team to ensure that the University of Saskatchewan has the reputation, relationships and resources necessary to take its place among the most distinguished universities in Canada and the world.

Its guiding principles define how UR achieves its mission and all positions are asked to embrace these principles, which include:

Creative: We embrace change and take strategic risks by seeking bold ideas with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Open: We nurture relationships with each other, on campus and with community partners that respect and honour different and diverse perspectives.

True: We communicate clearly, keep our promises and focus on achieving amazing results.

The University of Saskatchewan values diversity and Indigenous engagement is a strategic priority. In support of this priority, the position will contribute to a team environment which recognizes and supports the importance and value of diversity in achieving the mission of the university, and actively seek out those with diverse cultural backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to support the mission.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Develop a strong understanding of the university plan, the college’s strategic plan and key fundraising priorities, in order to be an effective ambassador for the college.
• Proactively develop new initiatives that support the strategic direction of the college by keeping abreast of new developments and trends in the fields of donor relations and fundraising in higher education.
• Create appropriate operating procedures based on best practices as needed.

 Donor Relations

• Develop, implement, and evaluate a comprehensive recognition and stewardship program designed to deepen affinity and build measurable philanthropic support for the College of Arts and Science.
• Work in partnership with the college’s student award administrators (central and departmental), and UR, to ensure donor impact reports and stewardship occurs in a timely and effective manner.
• Manage and oversee process for developing letters of intent, gift agreements, and terms of reference for gifts to the college.
• Work in partnership with the college’s communications team to develop compelling content to be shared with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and donors.

 Fundraising

• Work independently and as part of the team to secure gifts and build the pipeline of donors to the college and university.
• Manage a portfolio of prospective and current donors to cultivate, solicit, and close gifts.
• Identify and qualify new prospects, through phone calls, personal visits, and other meaningful interactions.
• Work in collaboration with UR to support centrally coordinated giving campaigns.
• Review and update the college giving website to ensure content is accurate, relevant, and compelling.
• Work in partnership with the Alumni and Donor Engagement Officer, to encourage class giving in conjunction with reunions and other milestone events and activities.

 Partnerships and Relationship Building

• Build and maintain collaborative professional relationships with faculty, staff, and students as a member of the college advancement team and the UR development team, providing expertise and guidance on donor relations principles and practices.
• Develop and steward campus and college partnerships to strengthen a culture of philanthropy.

Data Integrity and Confidentiality

• Ensure alumni and donor information is recorded accurately and timely in the database in accordance with UR operating procedures for reporting and relationship management purposes.
• Commit to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of personal information by demonstrating the highest level of ethical principles when working with confidential information in compliance with the policies and guidelines of the university’s Access and Privacy Office and in adherence to appropriate legislation.
• Ensure alignment with university fundraising policies and procedures, Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) guidelines, as well as Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) ethical principles and standards.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree required. An appropriate level of training and experience may be considered. A recognized professional accreditation would be considered an asset.

Experience: A minimum of three years of relevant experience is required with demonstrated experience with fundraising in a non-profit environment.

Skills:

• Effective planning and organizational skills including the management of multiple projects from conception to completion within prescribed timelines.
• Ability to develop and initiate new strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse constituencies
• Sound judgement, attention to detail, and tactful and sophisticated communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to make decisions based on established policies and procedures, and ability to recognize when others need to be involved in activities or decisions.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, building consensus and leading through influence.
• Highly effective interpersonal skills with the ability to quickly establish credibility and gain the respect of both internal and external partners.
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to think and act strategically, maintain confidentiality, and exercise diplomacy, tact, and creativity in problem solving.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, to prioritize multiple responsibilities, meet deadlines, and actively deal with change and ambiguity.
• Strong work ethic and integrity.

Department: College of Arts&Science-DnOffc

Status: Permanent

Employment Group: ASPA

Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0

Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $64,107.00 – 100,169.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional

Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2

Posted Date: 10/25/2022

Closing Date: 11/7/2022

Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The successful applicant will be required to provide the following current verification(s) where ‘Yes’ is indicated below. Further information is available at: https://careers.usask.ca/tips-for-applying.php

Criminal Record Check: Not Applicable
Driver’s License and Abstract Check: Not Applicable
Education/Credential Verification: Not Applicable
Vulnerable Sector Check: Not Applicable

Please review the University of Saskatchewan’s health and safety requirements for faculty, staff andstudents in consideration of the COVID-19 pandemic.