Senior Specialist, Advancement

University of Ottawa•Ottawa, ON

3d•Onsite

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.

Requirements

University degree
Strong working knowledge of fundraising processes, best practices and current industry trends
Minimum of five (5) years of professional fundraising experience preferably in an educational or non-profit environment
Bilingualism – French and English (spoken and written)
Strong donor focus and understanding of how to effectively manage ongoing donor relationships
Self-motivated, goal oriented, and strategic thinker
Strong interpersonal, organizational and analytical skills
Ability to manage tight deadlines and changing priorities on multiple projects
Ability to use persuasion, negotiation and influencing skills to develop relationships with stakeholders
Team player, excels at working collaboratively as well as independently
Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, and solid relationship management skills at all levels in an organization
Tact, diplomacy and confidentiality required at all times
Strong computer skills including above average competency on Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Familiarity with and experience in the use of social media
Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends, and frequent travel.
Valid driver’s license and passport required

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge is an asset.

Responsibilities

Develops, implements and manages short and long-term action plans for identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects and donors.
Establishes measurable goals to meet faculty/service’s objectives and priorities in collaboration with senior management.
Manages a portfolio of up to 120 prospective and existing donors in the major gift range of $25,000 to $1 million through the cultivation, proposal, solicitation and stewardship phases.
Meets expected revenue and activity targets annually.
Uses a person-centered approach with a view to fostering meaningful lifetime relationships with prospects and existing donors.
Develops and maintains collaborative working relationships with a wide variety of University faculty, alumni, prospects, donors, staff, and students to effectively implement a Major Gifts program.
Prepares appropriate communication materials, identifies and nurtures relationships with support strategies, and coordinates fundraising activities.
Plays a key role in the identification, recruitment and management of volunteers; ensures systematic contact and follow-up with key volunteers and coordinates solicitation meetings and volunteer recognition activities.
Creates and manages a rigorous schedule of meetings and other fundraising related activities, ensuring to use the dean’s and other key partners’ time in the most strategic way.
Develops high quality proposals for prospective donors and monitors all administrative aspects related to the receipt and use of donations.
Maintains a sound working knowledge of the faculty/service’s main priorities in teaching, research, and other activities.
Manages the development of communication materials to support the Major Gifts program and enhance the relationships between the faculty and its external stakeholders.
Works in conjunction with the Communications team to ensure that impactful and cohesive messages are conveyed to existing and prospective donors, including through social media.