Director of Advancement & External Relations
Pearson College UWC stands as a beacon of hope and education, founded in 1974 with a vision to make education a force that unites people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. Our mission is deeply rooted in this vision, striving to empower students from diverse backgrounds to actively engage in creating a better world.
Located along the forested shores of the Pacific Ocean at sheltered Pedder Bay, on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island, Pearson College is a two-year, residential pre-university school for 200 exceptional students aged 16 to 19 who represent over 85 countries and every Canadian province and territory.
At Pearson, we are more than just an educational institution: we are a vibrant community of passionate individuals committed to fostering global understanding and positive change. As one of 18 United World Colleges around the world, our students undergo a rigorous selection process involving over 150 National Committees worldwide. They are chosen not only for their academic potential but also for their demonstrated dedication to making a meaningful impact on the world. Moreover, the majority of our students receive substantial financial aid, ensuring that opportunities for transformative education are accessible to all.
As a non-profit educational institution, the College relies upon the generosity of supportive individuals, alumni, corporations, foundations — together with select governments and supporters of the UWC movement — to help make its extraordinary education available.
The Role:
The College now seeks a Director of Advancement & External Relations to help fulfill this remarkable vision and build towards an exciting future. Having just celebrated its 50th anniversary, and a landmark $40M+ Renew and Re-found Campaign, the foundation is in place for successful fundraising, alumni relations, and external relations.
Reporting directly to the Head and a member of the College’s Leadership Team, this is a compelling and unique opportunity for an experienced advancement professional to:
- Build on the College’s recent accomplishments and momentum;
- Establish a long-term fundraising campaign plan, and interim measures to help get there;
- Work with an exceptionally passionate, engaged, diverse student, faculty, and staff group;
- Be a part of an incredible global movement educating the next generation of leaders and change-makers.
The Director of Advancement and External Relations plays a pivotal role in shaping Pearson College’s philanthropic vision and strategic advancement objectives, especially during this critical period between campaigns.
Reporting to the Head of College, this position leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive advancement strategy aimed at achieving ambitious annual fundraising targets—more than $4M annually — while building and nurturing long-term donor, alumni, and community relationships.
This role requires a forward-thinking leader who will oversee all aspects of Advancement and External Relations (AER), from operational management and alumni engagement to marketing and public relations. The Director will develop and manage key strategies and programs that will strengthen the College’s reputation and reach, engaging major donors, enhancing alumni relations, and supporting relationships with governmental and diplomatic communities. As a member of the College’s Leadership Team, the Director will collaborate closely with other senior leaders to support Pearson College’s strategic plan and ensure that AER initiatives align with the College’s mission and growth objectives.
Please see the full Candidate Brief here:
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:
- Co-create and lead the implementation of the strategic advancement and external relations plan that drives our philanthropic ambitions in support of the larger Pearson College strategic plan.
- Based on overall strategies and program goals, and in collaboration with the AER staff, develop annual operation plans for each of these areas, with clear targets and accountabilities, ensuring that best-practice activities are in place to support advancement goals.
- Assume responsibility and accountability for day-to-day AER operations, including line management and budgets.
- Provide appropriate oversight and guidance, including the development of policies, procedures, and reports related to best practices in information management and tracking, ensuring that the Advancement database is maintained in a manner that allows it to be used to its full potential.
- Contribute to the overall direction and management of the College by serving as a member of the College’s Leadership Team.
- Serve as an ambassador and representative of the College, establishing and maintaining effective relationships with alumni, volunteers, donors, funders, partners, friends and the wider community.
Desired Experiences and Competencies
The College seeks an individual who ideally possesses the following:
- Significant social profit advancement or fundraising experience, ideally in a youth-serving or educational institution.
- Proven success in major gift fundraising and comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
- Demonstrated ability to establish, develop, and maintain meaningful and authentic relationships with prospects, donors, alumni, volunteers, and other constituents to strengthen ties and grow financial support.
- Strong leadership and team-building skills to work in collaboration with a wide range of colleagues and constituencies.
- Ability and interest in managing, developing, and mentoring staff.
- Understands, embraces, and supports the College’s mission and values.
- An understanding of the value and role of all aspects of a robust advancement program, including but not limited to Alumni Relations, annual giving, and planned giving.
- Knowledge of how to effectively market and communicate the values and mission of the College, both internally and externally.
- Excellent writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
- Principles and techniques for communications and public relations related to fundraising campaigns.
- A high level of integrity, honesty, and a strong work ethic.
- Proven organizational skills, attention to detail, and respect for confidentiality.
- Proficiency with fundraising management software and administrative systems, ideally Raiser’s Edge.
- University degree from a recognized post-secondary institution, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
- This is a full-time position requiring occasional local, national, and international travel and some work outside of normal business hours.
- While this is may be a hybrid role, the Director will need to maintain a significant campus presence, particularly early in their tenure, with a preference for at least 4 days per week and potentially shifting over time.
How To Apply
This search is being led by Pearson College UWC’s’s search partner, Christoph Clodius at The Discovery Group. If you or someone you know is interested or curious, please be in touch. We welcome questions and enquiries to christoph@thediscoverygroup.ca.
All submissions should be received by January 31, 2025. Please apply to Christoph with a cover letter/expression of interest and resume/CV, together in a single document.
As an international school, Pearson encourages candidates from around the world; however, only candidates legally entitled to work in Canada at the time of application can be considered.