
Major Gifts Officer
This position is part of the
Administrative Professional (Employee Group)
One of Canada’s leading comprehensive universities and a Top Employer in Hamilton-Niagara, Brock University is an inclusive, welcoming campus community that offers a wide range of unique career opportunities for those with passion, energy and expertise. We’re looking for team members who want to help us continue to deliver an exceptional student experience, perform impact-driven research and generate life-changing breakthroughs for our world. Ignite new possibilities for your career. Break through at Brock.
Please note: this is a hybrid opportunity located in St. Catharines Ontario.
A Day in the Life…
The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for managing all aspects of the donor development cycle, including identification, engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The incumbent will successfully meet/exceed their annual and multi-year fundraising goals, while serving as a key member of the integrated University Advancement and External Relations team and working to deliver exceptional results for the University.
As the Major Gifts Officer, you will:
- Implement activities for all aspects of the donor development cycle, including achieving and/or exceeding fundraising goals, manage an active major gifts portfolio, build and cultivate relationships with stakeholders, and engaging, cultivating, stewarding, and soliciting major gifts of over $25,000 in accordance with the University’s goals;
- Prepare project specific marketing materials, donor specific correspondence and briefing materials;
- Identify opportunities for the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Associate Vice-President Advancement and External Relations, the Provost, Deans and other University representatives to participate in development activities;
- Cultivate Annual Fund and Leadership level donors into major gifts donors;
- Provide appropriate ongoing stewardship to all past and current donors with a personalized service
- Prepare reports, updates, and maintain accurate and timely information for individual constituent records within the portfolio.
- Act as the primary liaison between faculties and Development and Alumni Relations to coordinate all activities relating to major gifts fundraising initiatives
- Engage the Deans and faculty in events and stewardship opportunities (where appropriate).
- Provide information and summaries for donor interactions that have occurred at events, using Raiser’s Edge NXT database;
- Set short & long-term strategic plans for campaign growth
- Provide background materials in preparation for monthly Prospect Management Committee meetings for requests made from faculties and student clubs;
- Maintain a high level of current information about activities within the University to communicate to donors
- Attend and participate in continuing education opportunities in the major gifts and advancement areas, and share information with team members.
- Liaise with other departments within the University to update and maintain accurate and timely information for individual donor records within the major gift portfolio;
- Provide monthly reports on activities and overall fundraising progress toward goals.
What you need to Succeed…
- An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline
- Valid Ontario driver’s license
- 3-5 years of major gift, fundraising, or relevant experience (preferably in an educational institution) with a successful track record soliciting and raising major gifts (over $25,000) and proven results in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification (preferred)
- Strong understanding of advancement research and prospect research methodologies;
- Comprehensive understanding of fundraising principles and strategies;
- Thorough understanding of University-level education and the philanthropic environment in Ontario, Canada, and internationally;
- Strong understanding of relational databases and reporting;
- Experience with Raiser’s Edge NXT database or a similar fundraising database;
- Solid computer competency including word processing, spreadsheet, database, social media, and internet search engines; The ability to work effectively in an environment with sensitive and confidential information and situations;
- Ability to keep up-to-date with legislation, collective agreements, and internal policies, procedures and practices;
- Strong presentation skills;
- Strong cold calling ability
- Highly developed written and oral communication skills as well as face-to-face relationship building skills;
- Ability to motivate others;
- Strong presentation skills
- Strong negotiation skills including the ability to build on common ground.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to think outside the box;
- Excellent time management and organizational skills and ability to prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment with changing deadlines;
- Ability assess and match prospects to best suited philanthropic opportunities;
- Strong research, judgement, creative, analytical, and problem solving skills;
- Strong initiative, self-motivation, and a constant drive for improvement;
- Strong analytical, research, interpretative, and evaluation skills.
Salary and Benefit Information
- Job Grade M, Salary Scale $61,989 – $88,270*
- This position includes full comprehensive benefits and tuition waiver
*The salary range indicated is representative of all positions evaluated at this level. Actual salary is determined by assessing related skills, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness, subject to available budget.
Applicants are required to upload a resume and cover letter as part of the application process.
Brock University recently paused its COVID-19 vaccination and mask requirement although masks are still required in instructional spaces. This decision is subject to change on short notice should the public health situation require it. If the University once again requires all employees working on campus and/or in-person with other employees, students, or members of the public to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you will be required to submit proof of vaccination. Those who meet specific and limited medical or human rights accommodation criteria may be required to participate in rapid antigen testing and enhanced screening protocols.
Brock University is actively committed to diversity and the principles of Employment Equity and invites applications from all qualified candidates. Women, Aboriginal peoples including those who identify as members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, members of visible minorities and racialized groups, people with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons are encouraged to apply. We will accommodate the needs of the applicants and the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process, as outlined in the Employment Accommodation Policy https://brocku.ca/policies/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/Employment-Accommodation-Policy.pdf. Please advise: talent@brocku.ca to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.
It is Brock University’s policy to give consideration to qualified internal applicants.
We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca