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University Advancement (UA) promotes McGill to its global community and to the public, engaging alumni, volunteers and friends of the University, and building on McGill’s record of fundraising success in support of University priorities.
By joining UA, you can be part of a dynamic and exciting team of professionals that is making an extraordinary impact on the world by advancing the philanthropic and engagement ambitions of McGill University.
To find out more about UA, please visit us at www.mcgill.ca/advancement/ua-careers .
Position Summary:
Under the supervision of the Donor Communications Manager, the Communications Associate will oversee a comprehensive Acknowledgements Program in support of the Office of the President and Vice-Chancellor, the Office of the VP Advancement, and other University Advancement (UA) Units. The incumbent will provide guidance on processes and best practices with respect to gift acknowledgements for partners across the University and within UA.
Primary Responsibilities:
Oversee a comprehensive Acknowledgements Program to deepen donor engagement and strengthen relationships between the University’s donors and prospects and McGill. This includes, but is not limited to, researching information pertaining to the donor and their gift and creating acknowledgement letters of $100K-$249,999 gifts from the VP of University Advancement and acknowledgment letters from the President for gifts of $250K-$999,999, drafting ad-hoc acknowledgements ($1K-$99,999) on behalf of the VP University Advancement and creating letters for university-wide gifts of $25K - $99K.
Provide information and expertise on gift acknowledgement standards and best practices for all colleagues located centrally in Advancement and throughout all decentralized units. Ensure the Acknowledgement Program policies and procedures are updated based on best practices within the industry and in accordance with then unit’s business needs.
Liaise with prospect managers to provide support in drafting acknowledgement letters and to ensure that strategically considered, high-quality acknowledgment letters are delivered in a timely fashion.
Research and write personal customized correspondence on behalf of the President and Vice-Chancellor and Vice-Principal, University Advancement, this may include, but is not limited to, drafting congratulatory notes, letters of condolences and other general correspondences addressed to donors and prospects.
Provide guidance to a work-study student in the execution of mailing and ad-hoc projects, including drafting initial letters, data maintenance, mailing, and preparation of other materials.
Undertake special projects and perform related duties.
Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities:
DEC in Literature & Communication.
Undergraduate Degree Journalism, Communications, Digital Communications, English, History, or Liberal Arts a preferred asset.
Demonstrated understanding and experience of the function of donor relations and stewardship in fundraising.
Work experience in advancement communications, marketing communications or journalism.
Excellent written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to manage multiple projects within tightly prescribed timetables.
High detail orientation. Demonstrated ability to monitor and double-check work and information for accuracy and quality.
Demonstrated ability to work in a PC environment using MS Office.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive information; evidence of initiative, independent judgment, tact, diplomacy, creativity, curiosity, and tenacity.
Ability to work as part of a team and the ability to manage relationships with a diverse group of colleagues with differing mandates and objectives.
Ability to work collegially in a decentralized organization.
English and French, spoken and written.
Additional Information:
Testing may be administered.
This is a term appointment until October 2027
As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:
Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
Competitive vacation policy
Two (2) personal days
Two (2) floating holidays
Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
Paid time off over the December holiday period
Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Hourly Salary:
Hours per Week:
Supervisor:
Position End Date (If applicable):
Deadline to Apply:
McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].
Skills Required
- DEC in Literature and Communication
- Three years of related experience
- Experience in donor relations and stewardship in fundraising
- Work experience in advancement communications, marketing communications, or journalism
- Excellent written communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects within tightly prescribed timetables
- High attention to detail and demonstrated accuracy and quality control
- Proficiency working in a PC environment using Microsoft Office
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
- Initiative, independent judgment, tact, diplomacy, creativity, curiosity, and tenacity
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse colleagues and in a decentralized organization
- English and French, spoken and written
- Undergraduate degree in Journalism, Communications, Digital Communications, English, History, or Liberal Arts
What We Do
McGill University is a public research university with extensive research activities across various engineering disciplines, including civil and materials engineering, focusing on areas like construction materials and advanced manufacturing.
