Job Details

Mandate
Reporting to the Director of University Development, this role will fundraise for Principal Gifts (gifts of $1M plus). The post holder will play a key role in the Alumni & Development team as the University looks to successfully conduct its first ever comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Objective
The incumbent works to enhance the reputation of the University of Victoria by developing and directing effective individual, corporate and foundation strategies with our most significant donors. The goal of this activity is to ensure increased philanthropic dollars raised at this level for the University of Victoria. They will also prepare and accompany the President, AVP and other leaders on calls and oversee preparation, execution and follow-up activity for donor meetings that involve the President to ensure that they align with the institutional strategy and goals of the University.

The Associate Director will be specifically responsible for securing philanthropic gifts from a portfolio of high-level alumni and prospects. The incumbent will work alongside the A&D Development Team to deliver Principal Gift level donations for proposals from across the faculties and wider University – balancing prospects interests within the University’s key Campaign priority pillars.
 

This position requires a level of education, training, and experience equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant area, completion of the CFRE certification, plus minimum 7 years of relevant experience. An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. Completion of an advanced degree is an asset. 

Knowledge, skills, and abilities include: 

• Progressive fundraising experience with a proven track record of achievement and success with raising funds at the $1M plus level from individuals, corporations and foundations.
• Demonstrated experience leading, motivating and coaching teams (directly or indirectly) is considered an asset
• Commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive and respectful working and learning environment.
• Demonstrated competency in critical and strategic thinking skills with the ability to identify and analyze issues, develop solutions, and implement effective strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ability to collaborate, build and maintain positive relationships with diverse individuals both internal and external to the University.
• Excellent administrative, project management, teamwork, planning, and organizational skills with the ability to thrive under pressure and juggle multiple timelines.
• Strong negotiation and mediation skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent judgment and ability to nurture key relationships.
• A working knowledge of the university environment is an asset.

Nature and Scope

• Contacts: Communicates regularly with stakeholders across campus from all levels of the institution, representing the department with strong interpersonal skills to influence and motivate others, and to promote, justify and settle highly sensitive matters. Sensitivity to the diverse student and staff population on campus, often working with confidential and sensitive information requiring a mature and professional demeanor. External contacts include individuals with high net worth, senior leaders of industry, executive staff and board members, and government representatives.
• Level of Responsibility: The Associate Director is responsible for advising and partnering with the President and VP and AVP on top prospect and donor strategies.
• Decision-Making Authority: The Associate Director works with confidential and sensitive issues relating to the donor's philanthropy. The impact of decisions of the incumbent will have significant effect on the fundraising program and the University. The Associate Director makes decisions on the call strategy and follow up activity of many of the University’s top donors.
• Physical and Sensory Demands: Minimal physical demands typical of an office environment and the demands related to significant travel.
• Working Environment: The Associate Director requires an ability to work under pressure, juggle multiple timelines, negotiate with donors, mediate among staff and faculty, interact with a diverse client base including other members of the UVIC fundraising team, the President, faculty members, deans and senior administration and staff of other university business units.