Advancement Officer - Grant Writing, Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU)
Gerard Search, Canada
Job Description
Kwantlen Polytechnic University
KPU offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers. KPU strives to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
This position is a self-directed professional fundraiser reporting to the Director of Advancement, Office of Advancement, and working collaboratively in a team of Advancement Officers.
PRIMARY FUNCTION
The Advancement Officer is responsible for implementing fundraising strategies with a focus on major giving (philanthropic commitments of $5,000 and above) and establishing a pipeline for future philanthropic activity across all faculties of KPU. This position creates, manages, stewards and evaluates a major giving portfolio of between 100-200 major gift prospects/donors for the University that aligns with institutional priorities (with emphasis on student support). The incumbent regularly engages with and consults internally with students, staff, faculty and other administrators, and externally with alumni, donors, the general public, businesses, corporations, associations, foundations, service and industry organizations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Utilizes networking, search engines, and public sources to identify and research potential prospects.
2. Cultivates donors through relationship management/moves management and tracks these in Raiser’s Edge NXT database.
3. Prepares cases for support, proposals, solicitations, and impact reports and delivers these in person and in writing.
4. Secures gift commitments of $5,000 and greater in support of key institutional priorities.
5. Tracks progress through dashboards and generates reports on activity as required.
6. Prepares and delivers presentations to build awareness of opportunities to financially support KPU’s mandate and students, both for internal and external audiences.
7. Prepares list segmentation requests, draft communications, applications and budget requests as they relate to the program area.
8. Recruits, orients, trains, hires, supervises, disciplines and terminates student employees.
9. Recruits, orients, trains and provides ongoing support for volunteers and volunteer committee members.
10. Plans and manages special events for donor cultivation and donor stewardship; responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Liaison with Faculties
- Recruitment of donors, sponsors, volunteers and attendees
- Coordinating the venue
- Managing the budget and ensuring appropriate cash management processes are in place
- Producing promotional materials in collaboration with KPU Marketing and Communication Services
- Communicating with participants pre-, during and post-event.
11. Handles donor inquiries and complaints.
12. Assists the Director of Advancement in identifying emerging opportunities for philanthropic support.
13. Actively participates in department strategy sessions and meetings; collaborates with team members to prepare and implement campaign and donor stewardship strategies to ensure strong participation, pledge fulfillment and renewed and upgraded donor commitments.
14. Assists the Executive Director of Advancement and the Director of Advancement with administrative activities such as:
- Providing detailed plans of action, including timelines and budgets for all approved fundraising activities,
- Evaluating all fundraising programs to ensure they are consistent with the overall mission and goals of Kwantlen Polytechnic University,
- Evaluating relevant KPU, KPU Foundation and department policies and procedures; makes recommendations to update or create new policies and/or procedures as needed.
15. Establishes a high personal standard of service and performance by actively participating in other duties as assigned and by keeping abreast of current fundraising practices, relevant legislation and resources through educational seminars, training programs and active membership in professional associations (e.g. CASE, CCAE, AFP, CAGP) and sources such as Imagine Canada, Charity Village, etc.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree or an acceptable combination of education and training, and minimum three years related major gifts fundraising experience, and 5-7 years of general fundraising (preferred) and/or relationship management experience.
- CFRE Designation is preferred.
Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
- Dem