Donor Experience Officer

University of Waterloo•Waterloo, ON

1d•CA$73,695 - CA$92,119

About The Position

The Donor Experience Officer (DXO) supports the University's fundraising objectives by developing relationships with current and prospective donors through qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities. Working under the guidance of the Associate Director, Alumni & Donor Experience, the incumbent supports the movement of prospects through the donor pipelines by identifying solicitation opportunities, strengthening donor engagement, and advancing prospects into gift conversations where appropriate. This position serves as a communication liaison and lead generator for Waterloo’s academic faculties, Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo (AFIW) and Academic Support Units (ASU) to ensure seamless sharing of information related to donor strategies and activities.

Requirements

University degree or equivalent education and experience required.
1 – 3 years of experience in fundraising and/or developing meaningful partnerships with proven results, high volume prospect activity and strong interpersonal relationships.
Understanding of the university and advancement environments.
Proven experience working in a complex, fast-paced environment, preferably in the charitable or post-secondary sector.
Understanding and appreciation of the key role of a university education, and the crucial importance of attracting and retaining the very best talent available (students, faculty, staff)
Foundational knowledge of giving vehicles and non-complex gifts.
Strong analytical and organizational skills.
Proven ability to work collaboratively and communicate with internal departments and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated persuasion and negotiation skills to build support and cooperation among individuals and groups with differing perspectives.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, oral, and writing skills, including experience with promotional materials, reports and proposals.
Proficient in constituent relationship management (CRM) research tools for prospect management.
Sound judgment, discretion, and problem-solving skills.
Capable of professionally representing the University at events.
Demonstrated ability to build and maintain donor relationships.
Demonstrated ability to take initiative and work effectively as part of a team with a broad mandate in a fast-paced, highly computerized, and challenging environment.
Proficient in MS Office and Constituent Management Software (or similar).

Nice To Haves

Proven experience working within a campus environment and specifically with university alumni is an asset
Writing and/or editing experience is an asset.
Willingness to travel and work extended hours, as required.

Responsibilities

Implements qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans to secure gifts from current donors, alumni, faculty, staff, retirees, and friends, with guidance from the Associate Director, Alumni & Donor Experience.
Conducts donor outreach activities through meetings, telephone, email, video, and other digital engagement channels to build and strengthen donor relationships.
Maintains regular donor contact with assigned donors and prospective donors in accordance with established portfolio objectives and performance expectations.
Maintains and updates contact reports and donor records by ensuring that notes are recorded and significant moves are tracked in the system in a timely fashion.
Develops knowledge of giving vehicles and non-complex gifts.
Refers planned giving and major gift prospect leads to appropriate colleagues.
Implements qualification, cultivation, engagement, and stewardship strategies to secure enhanced engagement from current donors, alumni, faculty, staff, retirees, and friends, with guidance from the Associate Director, Alumni & Donor Experience.
Builds relationships with current and prospective donors to identify interests, assess philanthropic readiness, and advance prospects within the fundraising pipeline.
Generates leads for faculty/area partners based on activity between both assigned and unassigned pipelines and works with faculty/area partners to enhance engagement for their prospects that are yet to be assigned.
Maintains knowledge of the University of Waterloo’s activities, priorities, and fundraising projects.
Provides input regarding leadership giving strategies and the annual Engagement plan.
Works with the Associate Director, Alumni & Donor Experience to set goals and regularly review prospect activity.
Prepares reports, correspondence, briefing materials, and donor documentation.
Supports annual fundraising initiatives through accurate portfolio management and reporting.
Collaborates with Alumni & Donor Experience colleagues to support coordinated donor engagement and stewardship activities.
Serves as an ambassador for the University and broader Engagement team.
In collaboration with the donor relations and alumni relations teams, works towards achieving exemplary stewardship of assigned prospects.
Works in close collaboration with colleagues in academic faculties, Affiliated and Federated Institutions of Waterloo (AFIW) and Academic Support Units (ASU) to facilitate donor engagement opportunities.
Participates in special projects that support donor engagement and fundraising objectives.
Undertakes special projects as assigned by the Associate Director, Alumni & Donor Experience.
Ensures that fundraising and engagement efforts across different teams remain in line with Waterloo standards and best practices.