Full Time Major Gifts Officer (2-year renewable contract)
Located in the heart of one of the world’s most multicultural cities, Wycliffe College is a historic graduate theological school affiliated with the University of Toronto, and a founding member of the Toronto School of Theology. Wycliffe College faithfully serves the educational mission of the Christian Church by preparing men and women for vocational and lay ministry, through excellence in theological scholarship and spiritual formation. As a vital centre for the promotion of evangelical thought in North America, Wycliffe is shaped by our deep commitment to Scripture, discipleship in community, and passion for mission and Christ’s global church.
Wycliffe College is seeking to fill the position of Major Gifts Officer. Reporting to the Director of Development and working closely with the Principal, the Major Gifts Officer is a seasoned fundraiser who understands the structure and traditions within the Anglican Church in Canada and/or the Episcopal Church in the US and can acquire new major donors (individuals, churches, and foundations) and nurture current ones into deeper financial engagement. As the College looks forward to a campaign in the near future, the incumbent must have a solid understanding of fundraising best practices and a proven ability to initiate new relationships and solicit major gifts with a Christian context.
EXPECTATIONS:
- Manage and grow a portfolio of major gift donors (individuals, churches, foundations, etc.), providing exceptional donor stewardship to enable meaningful and long-term engagement with Wycliffe College.
- Identify, research, qualify, cultivate, and solicit new major gift donors through new and existing networks.
- Build and grow a robust ‘prospect to major gift donor’ pipeline and facilitate active movement within it to achieve revenue goals.
- Support the work of the Development Committee by assisting Trustees, volunteers, faculty, and senior staff in playing an effective role in donor prospecting, cultivation, and solicitation.
- Work with the Development and Communications teams to write compelling and effective cultivation and solicitation materials (appeal letters, brochures, proposals, website copy, presentations, etc.)
- Attend appropriate Wycliffe College events to cultivate current relationships and move new ones into further engagement.
- Nurture and strengthen relationships with key Alumni through regular communication and support of events and programs.
- Actively seek out and participate in strategic opportunities to be involved in the community with the aim of identifying and building relationships with prospective donors and stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate constituent records and timely contact reports in Raiser’s Edge/Salesforce and use the database for prospect research as well as regular major gift reporting and analysis on donor activity and revenue goals.
- Work to the highest standard of ethical practice with maturity, diplomacy, and confidentiality at all times.
- Provide a positive influence throughout the organization by fostering a commitment to teamwork and excellence, contributing to a climate of professionalism, openness, and respect, and exemplifying the Wycliffe College brand and values at all times.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Demonstrated understanding of the Christian culture in Canada, particularly with Anglican/Episcopal denominational experience and application.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- 8+ years fundraising experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a major gift fundraising capacity with demonstrated success securing and closing major gifts from new donors.
- A solid understanding of fundraising best practices including CRA guidelines, and experience with major gift giving vehicles such as planned giving, gifts of securities and other gifts in kind.
- 3 – 5 years of capital campaign experience an asset.
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a strong ability to inspire and motivate.
- Demonstrated ability to interact comfortably, tactfully, professionally, and effectively with a wide range of internal and external constituencies including volunteers, donors, faculty, and staff, and community members inside the Christian community.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality as well as exercise discretion and sound judgement.
- Willingness to work flexible hours including some evenings, weekends, with regular travel to visit donors (mostly within the GTA & Ontario), sometimes with the Principal, Trustees, and/or Director of Development.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to work well both independently and in a team, to achieve goals within prescribed timelines.
- Creative abilities to be resourceful and cost-efficient.
- Personal values that match Wycliffe College’s core values.
- Passion and appreciation for the role of theological education in the future thriving of the local church.
OTHER KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
- Familiarity and comfort working in a Christian setting.
- Training and/or certification in fundraising, project management, marketing/communications an asset.
- CFRE designation preferred.
- Working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge and/or Salesforce or similar CRM.
- Development experience in a post-secondary setting preferred.
- Unlimited access to a reliable vehicle and a valid Driver’s License.
- Eligible to work in Canada.
Salary range is $80,000 – $100,000 annually, plus benefits & pension, includes 4 weeks’ vacation (one of these weeks occurs over Christmas when the office is closed), and is commensurate with experience. A laptop is provided for all required work-related activity including phone calls via Microsoft Teams, enabling the flexibility to work remotely as mutually agreed upon. A dedicated workstation in a shared office space at the College is provided, though it is expected that the incumbent will spend a significant amount of time out of the office engaged in donor activities. A vulnerable sector police check is required; COVID-19 vaccination is strongly encouraged.
Application deadline: January 12, 2024. Please submit a cover letter and resume to shelley.mclagan@wycliffe.utoronto.ca. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Only qualified applicants will be contacted. Thank you in advance for your application.
Wycliffe College is committed to employment equity and offers equal opportunities to qualified persons, including visible minorities and persons with disabilities.