Senior Development Officer
Position Summary
We are looking for a passionate and ambitious fundraiser who is interested in working on a wide range of funding priorities in support of Seneca students.
Under the direction of the Director, Campaign and Major Gifts and working closely with the Advancement and Alumni team, the Senior Development Officer provides leadership to identify and implement short- and long-range strategic partnerships and plans with Seneca’s philanthropic partners, focused on philanthropic revenue generation of $25,000+, volunteerism, sponsorships and student engagement.
Major funding priorities in the near future include student support, infrastructure and programs to ensure career-ready graduates, and the Health and Wellness Centre – a new signature building at Newnham Campus.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys variety in their work and wants to get involved in every stage of major gifts fundraising. The successful candidate would have the opportunity to work within a highly collaborative environment and to help shape the future of philanthropy at Seneca.
Responsibilities
Prospect Identification, Cultivation, Solicitation and Stewardship
- Establishes and develops a prospect pool of 100-125 records based on key fundraising priorities and projects and conducts regular prospect calls.
- Works with senior administrators, boards, faculty and other staff to identify prospects and develop proposals and other solicitation documents.
- Builds philanthropic relations with partners, corporations, alumni and small businesses through individual and group meetings and activities.
- Attends all strategic prospect-focused events.
- Develops and executes individual donor recognition and stewardship plans.
Prospect Management and Coordination
- Works collaboratively with colleagues to participate in prospect and donor management processes consistent and in alignment with the policies of the Advancement and Alumni department.
- Ensures prospects move through pipeline within defined time period.
- Ensures accuracy and completeness of records in donor database for prospects and donors.
Advancement Administration
- Supports the Director in the administrative management and sound business practice of major gift fundraising.
- Assists with plans regarding long-term fundraising and stewardship strategies for major gifts.
- Carries out other duties as assigned to support the Advancement and Alumni team.
External Relations
- Represents Seneca at a variety of functions both internally and externally as required.
- Meets with peer groups within the college and business communities to develop strong relationships.
Qualifications
As part of our commitment to dismantling barriers to success and job opportunities for employees and candidates, Seneca may consider applicants with an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Education
- Minimum completed three (3) year diploma or degree in fundraising management, marketing and communications, or a related field.
Experience
- Minimum five (5) years’ experience in prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, preferably within a post-secondary institution.
- Proven track record of closing gifts of $25,000 or more, including 6 figure gifts, with experience writing effective funding proposals for a variety of corporations, individuals, and foundations.
- Experience securing gifts in support of student financial aid, health and wellness and/or athletic facilities, and programs to enhance the student experience to ensure career readiness would be a tremendous asset.
- Experience using Canva and PowerPoint to deliver captivating proposals would be an asset.
- Experience using Raiser’s Edge NXT would be an asset.
Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication, public relations skills, and tact, with the ability to write enticing funding proposals and build strong relationships with a wide range of prospects and internal stakeholders.
- Entrepreneurial and innovative spirit, with a knack for identifying funding priorities and developing creative solutions.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to effectively manage multiple priorities and stakeholders at the same time.
- Understanding and commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, particularly within an educational setting.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with other team members in support of Seneca.