Strategic Lead, Fundraising Initiatives (CNAS/CSSH)
University of Alberta
Salary: $83,998- $139,998 - Salary is negotiable based on experience and education
This position is a part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).
In accordance with the Administrative and Professional Officer Agreement, this full-time continuing position offers a comprehensive benefits package found on our Benefits Overview page and an annual salary range of $83,998 to $139,998.
Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus Edmonton.
Working at the University of Alberta
The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all First Peoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.
The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.
Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.
Working for Development
A career in Development at the University of Alberta positions you as a key player in creating this future. Bring your passion for relationship building and your belief in the power of philanthropy to the University of Alberta, and help deepen our dedication to excellence and extend our record of public leadership by playing a lead role in building a better province, a better Canada, and a better world.
Position
Reporting to the Director, Faculty Development of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences and the College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CNAS & CSSH), the Strategic Lead, Fundraising Initiatives (CNAS & CSSH) will build, support and coordinate high-priority, pan-faculty fundraising projects from concept to implementation with a priority focus on CNAS and CSSH, including areas that align with the University’s Strategic Plan SHAPE. This position will be essential for the planning and execution of significant philanthropic opportunities, collaborating across University departments, faculties, colleges, and campus partners to develop pan-University approaches to emerging and/or complex fundraising opportunities. Specifically, they will be responsible for building out compelling approved philanthropic priorities, relevant fundraising plans, and effective donor engagement strategies with campus partners, and working in partnership with faculty and centrally based fundraising teams in building private support. In addition, this position may help fundraise for existing multi-faculty donor-funded programs. This role will be expected to work at both strategic and tactical levels.
The Strategic Lead, Fundraising Initiatives (CNAS & CSSH) is a high caliber development professional who is capable of managing the development and implementation of fundraising strategies that contribute to the growth of fundraising performance at the University of Alberta. Aspirational in their fundraising acumen, they will be well suited to advance significant philanthropic capacity and unite multiple stakeholders in order to produce meaningful results on complex, multi stakeholder projects.
Duties
Working with Faculty Development and institutional leadership, develop aspirational funding priorities that emerge from CNAS and CSSH, including those that align with the Global Areas of Excellence in SHAPE, with a specific line of sight to leveraging College/Faculty strengths for enhanced interdisciplinary opportunities, including the College of Health Sciences as appropriate.
Ensures that significant potential fundraising opportunities are considered and vetted with the Director, Faculty Development (CNAS & CSSH).
Ensures fundraising opportunities are compelling and appropriately constructed in terms of the vision, mission, reputation and strategic direction of the University.
Helps appropriately interface work with CNAS/CSSH strengths and current fundraising priorities within SHAPE’s Global Areas of Excellence.
Builds fundraising strategies that help align fundraising teams and resources, ensuring internal socialization and coordinated activity.
Builds effective working partnerships with colleagues in central and college/faculty-based development units, works effectively with Deans and academic leaders, staff across the institution, as well as volunteers and other external constituencies.
Leads fundraising plans and strategies that involve key academic leaders, including College and Faculty Deans and senior academic leaders (Heads of Departments, Institutes, and Centres) in face-to-face fundraising visits on approved and developed projects, as well as approved and yet-to-be developed projects.
Provides appropriate briefing materials and support to Deans and other faculty academic leaders to engage donors.
Manages a portfolio of major gift donors that have pan-institutional affinity, which will include especially complex donation opportunities.
Develops plans to engage donors and works with the guidance of the Director, Faculty Development CNAS/CSSH to create and execute fundraising strategy for assigned projects and initiatives.
Meets annual individual metrics including visits, gift proposals and leads project specific campaigns in approved areas.
Identifies and engages volunteers as advisors for fundraising strategies as appropriate.
Works in partnership with the Development Office, faculty-based fundraisers and senior university representatives on Development initiatives.
Qualifications
A University degree is required. A graduate degree is preferred;
7+ years’ experience in the full spectrum of development including prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, gift solicitation, stewardship, and donor recognition at the $100K+ range. Management Consulting experience may also be considered, alongside work in corporate and/or public organizations that led strategy, innovation and complex transformational projects to improve value proposition and revenue
Demonstrated experience in initiating, planning, and strategically implementing fundraising projects
Although direct supervisory experience is not required, a demonstrated ability to lead through influence and collaboration is required
Excellent strategic and tactical project management skills; outstanding written and verbal communication skills
Exceptional interpersonal skills
Strong emotional intelligence, analytical and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated ability to think and plan strategically, creatively, and be entrepreneurial
High level of initiative, maturity, tact and diplomacy; excellent judgment and discretion
The ability to serve as an articulate, credible representative of the University with diverse constituencies and particularly with individuals who support the institution at the major gift level
Demonstrated ability to understand the research and teaching dimensions of a proposed project, to conceptualize them in an integrated proposal, and to make a compelling case to a donor for philanthropic support
An engaging personal style, a sincere interest in people, patience, a willingness to listen, and the capacity to engender trust and to establish lasting relationships
A reputation for integrity, openness, decisiveness and sound judgment.
A high level of comfort interacting with academic leaders, donors and volunteers.
The ability to navigate and be effective within a complex matrix organization that values collaboration and teamwork as well as individual initiative and creativity
Excellent attention to detail and superb organizational skills, including the ability to outline business cases, including financial requirements for success, set timelines and establish an internal system for meeting deadlines, tracking, follow-up, monitoring, and reporting of progress
Travel is required and undertaken in compliance with the University of Alberta’s Public Health Orders
In all facets of this role, the Strategic Lead, Fundraising Initiatives (CNAS & CSSH) endeavors to integrate and advance the University’s commitments to equity, diversity and inclusivity.
This position understands, fulfills, and promotes the health, safety and environment responsibilities identified in university policy.
At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. Posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected.
The University of Alberta is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.