Description
Job Summary
Dalhousie University’s Office of Advancement is responsible for all fundraising and alumni engagement activities at the institution. A team of advancement professionals cultivate relationships with alumni and friends of the university and works with donors to help them achieve personal fulfilment through philanthropic investments. Dalhousie donors collectively commit over $80 million each year to support student success, scientific research, and community impact. Reporting to the Executive Director, Donor Experience & Operations, the Director, Donor Relations is responsible for strategically planning, designing, and implementing an innovative, comprehensive, and donor-centric program that acknowledges, recognizes and stewards Dalhousie’s donors, resulting in long-term philanthropic support for the University.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, implement, and manage a strategic, integrated donor relations and communications plan that supports Advancement’s fundraising strategy across all giving levels, including annual, major, principal, and legacy gifts.
- Provide strategic advice to senior institutional and Advancement leaders pertaining to donor relations strategy.
- Lead the development of new, and manage existing, stewardship plans, including events for donors, as well as specialized funds and special projects as opportunities arise.
- Provide strategic advice on recognition, stewardship, and naming aspects of all University gift agreements.
- Set donor relations standards across campus to foster an energetic, enthusiastic internal stewardship culture and build long-term relationships with donors and potential donors to maximize their involvement and investment in the University.
- Lead the Donor Relations team by providing leadership and strategic direction, establishing annual performance metrics, and evaluating performance.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Undergraduate degree, with considerable progressive experience in a high-touch relationship management field (or an equivalent combination of training and experience).
- Ability to work effectively with internal and external constituencies, including donors, faculty, staff, and others.
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal and communication skills. The ability to listen is essential. Ability to ask insightful questions that encourage prospects and donors to talk about themselves and their interests.
- Ability to balance competing priorities, complex situations, and tight deadlines.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to create efficient systems are required.
- Confidence, professionalism and the interpersonal effectiveness and proven ability to work co-operatively with senior administration, alumni, and department leaders.
Assets
- Leadership experience in stakeholder relations, fundraising, public relations, or communications in a large institutional or complex environment.
- Experience leading integrated communication strategies.
- Experience leading high-touch events.
