Advancement Officer

The External Relations office inspires Alumni, Foundations, Individuals and Corporations, so together, we can create exceptional student and alumni experiences at Vancouver Island University (VIU). Our mission is to advance VIU's strategic plan of People, Place, and Potential by encouraging partnerships, and providing opportunities for authentic and meaningful engagement among the university's internal and external communities through communication and alumni outreach, and by securing philanthropic and strategic investments.

Duties:

Reporting to the Director, Alumni and Advancement, the Advancement Officer, Foundations and corporations, is a primary donor contact for the VIU Foundation and Vancouver Island University. The Advancement Officer engages with individuals, foundations, corporations, community organizations, and industry partners to raise funds, raise awareness, and to build engagement across the institution and the VIU community. The Advancement Officer manages a portfolio of donors and leads the development of fundraising strategies, tailors giving opportunities and ensures proper stewardship takes place following a gift to maintain donors' involvement, interest, and ongoing financial support. The Advancement Officer strives to align fundraising initiatives with the VIU Strategic Plan and priority initiatives.

• Develop and cultivate professional relationships, with a particular focus on foundations and corporations, with a portfolio of 75-125 donors in the $5,000+ range, and create and execute a cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategy for each donor.
• Engage with donors in face-to-face, virtual, telephone, and written interactions with the intent of building strong and authentic relationships in order to engage them in VIU's community and build philanthropic interest.
• Utilize and interface with the department prospect management process to effectively manage and track progress with donors.
• Serve as the primary lead for the development of tailored proposals in support of specific solicitations or broader campaigns.
• Establish and finalize criteria for student support scholarships, awards, and bursaries in collaboration with donors, Financial Aid & Awards, Faculty and department representatives, and Advancement Services colleagues.
• Lead the development of the terms of reference for new donor-supported funds.
• Lead the development of gift agreements.
• Collaborate with colleague to implement a robust system of donor stewardship for your assigned portfolio and in support of donors in general.
• Utilize Raiser's Edge to maintain accurate activity records, including timely data entry of details concerning donor interactions and other fundraising activities.
• Collaborate with other members of the Advancement & Alumni Relations team to further the goals of the department, including contributing to fundraising plans and ongoing process improvements.
• Maintain awareness of current trends and best practices in higher education fundraising and engage in ongoing learning and professional development.
• Maintain a high standard of ethics, integrity, and commitment to the goals of the Advancement & Alumni Relations Office in accordance with its mission, vision and values, and as articulated in the Donor Bill of Rights.

Required Qualifications:

University degree at Bachelors' level from an appropriately accredited institution. Minimum three years' experience with a proven track record of successful relationship-based fundraising and donor stewardship in a professional not-for-profit setting. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Strong ability to take initiative, find creative solutions and take independent action. Excellent organization and project management skills, including attention to detail and analytical ability.
Excellent written and verbal skills, including exceptional diplomacy, tact and judgement in both internal and external communications. Experience with managing confidential information and with quality control processes.
Microsoft Office at advanced level, including merges. Financial and relational data base experience (preferably in an advanced education or fundraising environment), and proficiency with IT systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with "Raisers Edge" (Fundraising Software for non-profits).
• Direct experience in advanced education. Familiarity with VIU.

VIU is pleased to offer eligible employees a comprehensive benefit plan; ample paid holiday time; professional development opportunities and a desirable pension plan. As part of the VIU campus community, our employees work with supportive colleagues within an encouraging environment and are provided with the tools and training that promote learning and development. The perks of VIU employment are multiple, and include well-being initiatives and services, strategic discounts, and flexible work opportunities.

Note:

• Short-listed candidates must provide original transcripts, or applicable original certifications at time of interview.
• All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
• Vancouver Island University (VIU) is collectively committed to building and sustaining a diverse and inclusive working and learning environment for faculty, staff, and students. In our journey towards greater diversity, we invite applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of all gender identities and sexual orientations who bring value to the VIU community through their lived experiences. We encourage members of all equity-seeking groups to self-identify within their application cover letter. When a candidate voluntarily discloses this information in their cover letter, the information will be used only for the fulfillment of the career opportunity. Disclosure and/or self-identification with an equity-seeking group will not lead to advantageous treatment of a candidate who is not qualified.