Director of Development (Faculties of Education, Law, and the Schulich School of Music)
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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:
Working in close partnership with UA colleagues and Deans, the Director of Development will provide strategic development support in order further to enhance the fundraising capacity of the cohort to optimize short- and long-term philanthropic support to the University, for the Faculties of Education, Law, and the Schulich School of Music. The Director will develop, implement and manage the overall fundraising strategy for their pool of prospects at a high level. The Director will work collaboratively with the Deans of the Faculties served by the cohort, faculty members, senior management and development colleagues at McGill to identify, cultivate, solicit and evaluate potential donors and will develop gift fundraising strategies and timetables to secure gifts and foster a continuing interest in the University.
Primary Responsibilities:
• Develop, implement and manage the overall fundraising strategy for the pool of prospects. Oversee the fundraising strategic plan in support of all the faculties of their cohorts.
• Develop complex major gift fundraising strategies and timetables, to secure gifts of $500,000 or more from top prospects in the portfolio.
• Work closely with Deans, Faculty members and senior management to plan, coordinate, manage, implement and evaluate fundraising projects to address their respective needs and priorities.
• Develop multidisciplinary initiatives within their cohort and across the cohorts.
• Work in close collaboration with the other Cohort leads on cross-Faculty fundraising projects.
• Lead the development and realization of the Faculty case for support by working closely with University Advancement and Faculty resources, in order to achieve goals and needs. Work closely with University Advancement Communications to ensure that messages and communications (case statements, proposals, bulleting, donor reports) are consistent with the University’s case for support and fundraising priorities.
• Lead strategic gift conversations with prospects at a high level, with a focus of over $500K.
• Manage a prospect portfolio (approx. 75) of donors of the highest capacity and carry out significant steps (moves) in accordance with a strategy designed to result in increased philanthropic support for the Cohort.
• Through personal visits, identify and qualify individuals to determine capacity, inclination and interests in providing major and principal gift support. Evaluate and recommend appropriate next steps for newly qualified potential donors and current donors.
• Provide counsel and guidance to Alumni Engagement Officers in the elaboration of strategic prospect engagement plans.
• Manage, integrate and lead volunteer strategy for the Cohort’s corresponding Faculties including the Faculty Advancement Council. Manage relationships with Faculty Advancement Council members.
• Participate in Prospect Management System; ensure relationships with prospects and donors are managed and recorded in timely and appropriate contact reports, recording of proposals, etc.
• Undertake special projects.
Other Qualifying Skills/Abilities:
The position requires an in-depth knowledge of fundraising best practices, in a metrics driven, team environment, and a strong track record of closing $500K+ gifts. A minimum of seven to ten years of direct fundraising experience preferred; experience working in education an asset. The candidate must be a results-driven, highly motivated fundraiser who can build a high level of trust in relationships, and influence others to reach ambitious objectives. They should have a leadership style characterized by coaching and engagement, while at the same time having a high degree of managerial courage and proactively dealing with challenging situations. Proven Discretion, diplomacy, and good judgment are essential, as are strong networking skills, and a client-focused attitude. The candidate must possess demonstrated skills in planning, organizing, priority setting, and problem solving in a fundraising environment. The candidate should have the proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment and be able to manage multiple projects within tightly prescribed timetables. In addition, the candidate requires the ability to make difficult decisions, identify potential risks and adjust activities to reach required goals. Strong presentation ability and written communications skills are also required, including the ability to prepare complex advancement communications, such as case statements and proposals. Proven to work autonomously and manage own schedule, with the ability to regularly work on evenings and/or weekends and to travel as required for meetings with prospects, donors, etc. Demonstrated ability to work in a PC environment, using MS Office, and client-server database software. Bilingual in French and English.
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 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4.
For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.
Minimum Education and Experience:
Annual Salary:
Job Profile:
MPEX-COM4C - Development & Alumni Relations - Director or equivalent (C)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
- Bachelor's degree
- Eight years of related experience
- In-depth knowledge of fundraising best practices
- Strong track record of closing gifts of $500,000 or more
- Strong networking, relationship-building, presentation, and written communication skills
- Planning, organizing, prioritization, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities
- Ability to work autonomously, manage multiple projects, and meet tight deadlines
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed
- Ability to travel as required for prospect and donor meetings
- Demonstrated ability to work in a PC environment using MS Office and client-server database software
- Bilingual French and English
- Direct fundraising experience of seven to ten years
- Experience working in education
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