Development Officer, University Advancement
Thunder Bay, Full-time, Permanent
Salary:
Band 6: $61,695.28 - $77,118.82
Yes, eligible for benefits
Contact Information:
humanres@lakeheadu.ca
Reference Number:
SCHII-25-26
Overview
Reporting to the Senior Development Officer, the Development Officer will be responsible for inspiring major gifts in support of Lakehead University's institutional priorities. The Development Officer will be responsible for a donor pipeline of up to 80 individuals and organizations, supporting the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of donors who have the capacity to support Lakehead University with annual and multi-year gifts of $25,000+. Utilizing fundraising best practices, the Development Officer will create exceptional donor experiences that inspire, deepen and increase philanthropic support. The position requires building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders while working toward specific fundraising targets. The Development Officer will work closely with internal partners, including Deans and Faculty Members, as well as members of the University Advancement, Donor Experience team.
Responsibilities
Revenue Generation – 60%
- Manages a portfolio of up to 80 major gift donors and prospects through the donor cycle utilizing principles of relationship management and personally conducts a pre-determined number of meaningful visits with prospects on an annual basis to meet annual revenue goals and advance relationships.
- Implement moves management strategies to facilitate migration from mid to major giving for individual, corporate and foundation donors, and coordinate programs that foster positive long-term relationships by keeping donors engaged.
- Regular collaboration with members of the Philanthropy team to set strategies and identify best opportunities.
- Work with key members of the Donor Experience team to prepare funding proposals, impact reports, develop stewardship plans and other materials required to support donor conversations.
- Contribute to a strong culture of philanthropy across Lakehead University by creating and strengthening collaborative partnerships with internal colleagues, including Deans, Faculty and other staff members.
- Monitor giving trends and suggest on-going strategies to successfully build strong relations with major gift donors and benefit pipeline development.
- Support the Donor Experience Team in designing and executing cultivation and stewardship events as necessary.
- Assists in other duties as required in furthering the goals of the Philanthropy team and University Advancement.
Stewardship – 30%
- Responsible for working with key members of the Donor Experience Team to develop and action Stewardship and Recognition plans for current and prospective Major Gift Donors, in adherence with University Advancement Policies and Procedures.
- Provides timely, thoughtful and professional response to all major gift donor inquiries received by phone, mail, email, including acknowledgement letters, letters of congratulations and condolence.
- Ensures that ongoing stewardship occurs throughout the relationship cycle.
- Ensures appropriate record keeping of all stewardship and recognition activities with major donors, volunteers and friends.
- Attends fundraising events and functions as a Lakehead University, University Advancement representative for the purpose of stewarding donors.
Communications and Administration – 10%
- Ensures timely and accurate recording of prospect and donor information in the database and internal electronic records.
- Liaises with alumni, donors, President’s Office, University departments, external institutions, agencies and the public.
- Creates annual goals and objectives parallel to the strategic priorities of University Advancement and Lakehead University’s Strategic Plan and Strategic Enrolment Management initiatives.
- Provides regular reports on their areas of responsibility and progress towards achieving personal goals and objectives.
- Works effectively within the staff environment and participates as an active member of the University Advancement team.
Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent in a related field.
- Minimum five (5) years of direct fundraising or relationship management experience in a higher education or related fundraising environment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Excellent oral and written communication, presentation, problem-solving, and project management skills.
- Proven track record of sound strategic planning and ability to meet revenue targets.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize competing demands and meet deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and participate collaboratively in a team environment.
- Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office applications, especially Outlook, Word and Excel.
- Experience working with CRMs (Blackbaud Raisers Edge experience an asset).
- Demonstrated ability to build relationships with both internal and external key stakeholders, including corporate partners and volunteers.
- Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty.
- CFRE is considered an asset.
- Passion for education and an ability to articulate the many benefits of education to society and communities is an asset.
- Knowledge of fundraising principles and practices and related CRA guidelines is an asset.
- Demonstrated commitment to Truth & Reconciliation considered an asset.
At Lakehead University, we believe in the growth and development of our employees. We value potential, passion, and a genuine commitment to advancing education through philanthropy. If this resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.