Associate Director Donor Relations

McGill University•Town of Hartland, NB

3d•CA$92,150 - CA$138,230•Hybrid

About The Position

University Advancement (UA) promotes McGill to its global community and to the public, engaging alumni, volunteers and friends of the University, and building on McGill’s record of fundraising success in support of University priorities. By joining UA, you can be part of a dynamic and exciting team of professionals that is making an extraordinary impact on the world by advancing the philanthropic and engagement ambitions of McGill University.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree
Five (5) years' related experience
Direct experience with the development, implementation and management of donor relations programs, preferably in an academic/higher education setting.
Experience managing and coaching a team of high-performing professionals.
High-level expertise in the role of project manager of donor-focused activities and events, from strategic development to final execution.
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to effectively manage multiple projects within tightly prescribed timetables.
Excellent organizational, planning and time management skills.
Focused and goal-oriented, with a high level of initiative, along with the ability to analyze and solve complex problems.
Client-focused with extremely effective interpersonal skills and a professional presence and manner, capable of exercising independent judgement and flexibility.
Proven ability to work with a broad group of external and internal constituents.
Strong presentation and written communications skills, in English and French.
Demonstrated ability to work in a PC environment, using MS Office, and client-server database software.
Must be authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
English communication skills at a level #4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge and understanding of McGill University Advancement and its priorities is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

Lead the development of a donor-centered stewardship and recognition framework that enhances donor engagement, satisfaction, and long-term philanthropic commitment.
Build short and long-term action plans for donor relations and contribute to the annual plans of other University Advancement units. Develop and implement a comprehensive program for donor relations in collaboration with key stakeholders.
Oversee, coach and manage the team responsible for the development and execution of donor relations activities in support of Faculty and University priorities. Hire, train, coach and mentor staff. Set departmental and individual goals; provide routine evaluation of progress and regular feedback towards these goals.
Ensure donor relations activities are aligned with the University’s strategic plan and vision and that of the overall Advancement unit.
Ensure donors’ expectations are met and that best practices are followed.
Contribute to the effective support of Faculty priorities through consistent communication and collaboration with Faculty Development Leads, Deans and other Faculty representatives, as appropriate.
Act as a subject-matter expert in the development of stewardship strategies specific to individual priority donors and time-limited campaigns.
Maintain effective collaboration and communication with development staff, Advancement Operations, UA Communications, and Alumni Engagement to ensure alignment of activities and timelines and optimal cross-unit efficiencies.
Contribute to the development of University policies related to Donor Relations, activities, in consultation and collaboration with stakeholders within University Advancement and across campus.
Develop and communicate internal processes, protocols and guidelines to support effective and strategic stewardship.
In collaboration with the Donor reporting team, oversee the development and delivery of donor impact reports and stewardship communications that demonstrate the outcomes of philanthropic support.
In collaboration with the Director, Donor Relations and Volunteer Engagement, and in consultation with Advancement Operations, define metrics to understand the output and impact of the Donor Relations program. Analyze data to monitor the effectiveness of donor relations strategies and make recommendations for improvement, in consultation with development staff and University Advancement leadership.
Collaborate with Advancement Operations to ensure the continued development of technical infrastructure in support of donor relations programs and activities across campus.
Collaborate with partners in Development and Prospect and Pipeline Management to align stewardship and cultivation programs, strategies, systems and tools.
Provide for workshops, information sessions and individual training on donor relations processes/systems to both Advancement and University-wide colleagues.
Initiate and maintain formal connections with partners across the University with the goal of improving collaboration on donor relations processes between UA central and other units including Campus Planning, Student Services, and External Relations, units responsible for gift administration, among others. Offer trainings, workshops and informational materials, as needed.
Undertake special projects as required by University and Advancement priorities and opportunities.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
Competitive vacation policy
Two (2) personal days
Two (2) floating holidays
Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
Paid time off over the December holiday period
Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits