Intermediate Specialist, Gift Implementation

University of Ottawa • Lexington, MA

3d

About The Position

University Advancement plays a pivotal role in fostering meaningful connections between the University and its alumni, donors, and partners. Our team is dedicated to advancing the University's mission by securing philanthropic support, engaging with our vibrant alumni community, and building partnerships that drive innovation and excellence. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative efforts, we help shape the future of the University, ensuring that it continues to thrive as a leading institution of higher education and research. Together, we empower our students, faculty and researchers to make a lasting impact on the world. Position Purpose Reporting to the Director, Donor Relations, this role assists in ensuring compliance for donor gift agreements, terms of reference and implementation agreements, in light of relevant University policies, procedures and guidelines. The incumbent assumes a primary role in developing and implementing standards and key performance indicators for gift compliance, performing fund audits, reporting on spending patterns and advising on issues related to donor funds.

Requirements

• An undergraduate degree in business or an equivalent combination of education and related experience in compliance and business processes, preferably in a post-secondary environment.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in a field related to the responsibilities of the position.
• Bilingualism – French and English (spoken and written)
• Ensure ongoing professional development as a professional member of the Advancement team by reading current literature and by participating in professional associations, conferences and webinars
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with exemplary attention to detail
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational skills and self-motivation
• Ability to act with diplomacy and tact when working with university staff and external clients
• Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team in a large, complex, dynamic and sophisticated environment
• Proficiency in Windows with expertise in Microsoft Office suite of products
• Ability to keep abreast of Canada Revenue Agency and University policies, procedures, and guidelines related to charitable gifts.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of relevant University policies and procedures related to raising and administering gift funds would be an asset
• Familiarity with a large-scale CRM would be an asset

Responsibilities

• Fundraising operations and project coordination: Provides administrative and operational support to ensure the smooth execution of fundraising strategies across major, principal, planned and annual giving portfolios. Assists in planning and coordinating projects, events and initiatives that drive donor engagement and revenue growth. Supports fundraisers by managing timelines, logistics and follow-up activities.
• Gift implementation: Contributes directly to implementation and stewardship programs by providing operational support to the portfolio’s activity, ultimately supporting strong relationships with major and principal gift donors. Accesses philanthropic gifts received by the University of Ottawa and oversees their use. Ensures that gifts are spent by the beneficiary units and used in accordance with the gift agreements.
• Compliance management: Liaises with internal teams to address compliance issues and resolve spending irregularities. Audits existing donor-accessible funds to identify any discrepancies related to the agreements’ parameters. Analyzes special cases and proposes solutions, taking into account the donor’s intent as well as relevant University policies, procedures, guidelines and best practices in donor relations.
• Advisory services: Serves as the central resource for gift compliance and ensures ongoing familiarity with current trends in gift compliance and implementation.
• Policies and procedures: Designs and integrates guidelines, procedures and processes to improve gift implementation and compliance efficiency and ensures that all operations comply with the policies, guidelines and laws governing the University.
• Communication: Develops, implements and maintains effective communication strategies with all faculty units and the various stakeholders in order to properly achieve the objectives of the service.
• Reporting: Produces regular reports and updates for Advancement and University leadership on the overall status of donor-accessible funds and corresponding spending patterns.
• Supervision: Supervises work performed by administrative support members in order to determine priorities and guide them in attaining their individual objectives.

Benefits

• The University of Ottawa offers a generous pay and benefits package that includes a competitive salary, a defined benefit pension plan, group insurance coverage and an employee and family assistance program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees