Senior Development Officer, Arts & Humanities

at  Western University

ABOUT US

The mission of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities is to deliver a comprehensive liberal arts education and to teach our students to become global citizens who think critically and communicate effectively. The Faculty is dedicated to maintaining its international reputation for research excellence and innovative academic programming.
The University Advancement division plays a leading role in strengthening awareness of and support for the University’s mission and goals by leading alumni relations and fundraising efforts across campus and beyond. All departments within the Division build enduring alumni and public trust through understanding and support for Western University in a coordinated campus-wide effort that results in the engagement and funding needed to make an impact. There are 3 departments within the Division – Departments of Development, Alumni Relations and Advancement Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• University Degree
• Accreditation through Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation preferred

Experience:

• 5 years’ experience securing six and seven-figure financial agreements within the private sector or similar levels of major gifts in the charitable sector
• Demonstrated record of donor strategy development, implementation and evaluation
• Experience successfully managing multiple projects from conception to completion within tight prescribed deadlines
• Demonstrated experience in compiling cases for support
• 5 years’ experience fundraising with a university or other complex non-profit environment preferred

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated success in confirming major and principal gifts preferably in an academic setting
• Demonstrated oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on proposal development and presentation to internal and external contacts
• Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office and a client/donor relations management software
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects at once from conception to completion with tightly prescribed timelines
• Ability to establish and build healthy working relations and partnerships with clients, peers and external stakeholders
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to manage activities both for self and others effectively
• A well-defined sense of diplomacy, including solid negotiation, conflict resolution and people management skills
• Flexible, resourceful, creative and pro-active work style with a can-do, enthusiastic attitude
• Emotional Intelligence (self-knowledge, self-management, empathy, social skills) to ensure own work-life balance and good collegial relationships are maintained
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and professional development to stay informed about fundraising initiatives and the unit’s missions and objectives
• Possess a reputation for resourcefulness with a strong sense of accountability and initiative
• Influential interpersonal skills that build positive and strong relationships at all levels of the organization

The Senior Development Officer (SDO), Arts & Humanities is a key position in the department of Development and the Faculty of Arts & Humanities and plays a pivotal role in helping the University meet and exceed funding priorities goals. The role will work on an array of fundraising projects with the Faculty. The role is responsible for the full scope of development activities within their portfolio relating to the discovery, cultivation, solicitation, recognition and stewardship of a portfolio of prospects and donors. The SDO will design, develop, implement, evaluate and manage effective, innovative and transformational fundraising strategies supporting the goals of the Faculty and of Development.
The activities of the role match the University’s academic and alumni and community engagement objectives and financial needs with the highest philanthropic aspirations of donors. The SDO will work closely with individuals, community groups, and corporations who have a passion for higher education and research, as well as staff in the departments of University Advancement, to define annual campaign strategies; identify, coordinate and engage prospective donors; strengthen loyalties of current donors; and develop meaningful programs to engage Western Arts & Humanities Alumni and local, regional and national communities.