Major Gifts Operations Officer

Date Posted: 03/01/2024
Req ID: 36290
Faculty/Division: VP - Division of University Advancement
Department: Divisional Relations
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00045692

Description:

About us:

The Division of University Advancement (DUA) aims to sustain and enhance the University of Toronto’s academic mission, leadership, and worldwide impact, by engaging alumni and private sector constituentsmeaningfully in the mission of the University, building mutually beneficial relationships of increasing value and satisfaction over time.

Through our current Defy Gravity campaign, the team supports U of T’s commitment to inclusive excellence – the idea that every member of our community should thrive in an environment of belonging – and helps the University bring together top minds from every conceivable background to create a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world. In this ecosystem, there is an emphasis on collaboration, diplomacy, teamwork and mission focus as the Division of University Advancement supports our Faculties, Campuses and Divisions as a shared service.

The Division of University Advancement at the University of Toronto is committed to a transformative agenda deeply rooted in the University’s vision for growth and innovation. We are focused on growing fundraising efforts; doubling the number of newly engaged alumni by 2023; achieving Advancement goals through the foundational integration of Alumni Relations and Development both centrally and through collaborations with divisional colleagues; creating an organization and culture that fosters diversity and inclusiveness.

Your opportunity:

We hire outstanding people from a variety of backgrounds and currently seek a Major Gifts Operations Officer to join our diverse group of talent. The mission of the Major Gifts team within DUA is to drive fundraising success at the $50K-$5M+ level in support of a broad array of programs and priorities across the university. Our driven and collegial team of frontline fundraisers and operations staff contribute to and support the ambitious fundraising objectives of partner divisions, university leaders, and special initiatives. We also take a special focus on regional fundraising in North America and Europe. This requires taking a collaborative approach across a complex and decentralized fundraising environment.

The Major Gifts Operations Officer plays a critical role in enhancing the capacity of the team for increased major gift growth and productivity. Under the supervision of the Manager, Major Gifts Operations, you will support the day-to-day operationsof a high-performing fundraising team and longer-term strategic initiatives that advance the team’s operational effectiveness. The successful candidate will execute business processes and maintain tools that enable fundraiser productivity. This includes tracking progress against goals and analyzing data to present actionable insights to advance the team’s pipeline of prospective donors. It also entails writing detailed briefing notes and plans to support donor cultivation and stewardship, as well as updating our database to reflect activities and strategies. The Operations Officer will help maintain an extensive knowledge management system to equip fundraisers with the information and content needed to fundraise effectively. They will also facilitate a stewardship program that helps create exceptional experiences for existing donors that lead to greater engagement and philanthropic investment. This may include supporting donor communications, events, and other activities. We are looking for someone who can collaborate effectively, exercise a high degree of diplomatic tact, and execute projects in a professional, organized, and timely manner.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing plans to support donor management and stewardship strategies and/or activities
• Writing project-specific proposals related to fundraising campaigns
• Developing and implementing communication plans that support strategic objectives
• Writing detailed analytical profiles/research documents for senior development officers to inform decision making and strategy development
• Maintaining detailed records of donor interactions to support prospect pipeline development
• Scheduling travel plans and requesting appropriate accommodations
• Developing, revising and operationalizing business processes that support unit activities and objectives
• Writing briefing notes, solicitation plans and call reports to track donor interaction

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree or acceptable combination of equivalent experience.
• Minimum three years experience with proven track record of planning and implementing fundraising plans and programs.
• Experience in writing project specific proposals related to fundraising activities.
• Experience in gift donor related research, analysis, writing and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex fundraising projects involving multiple stakeholders
• Experience using data to support decision making and recommendations
• Experience presenting complex information in a clear and concise format
• Experience conducting research and analysis from a variety of sources to support necessary steps to bring prospect closer to making a gift contribution and making recommendations towards fundraising strategies
• Experience in donor-related research, analysis, writing and reporting
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population of staff, volunteers, donors and external contacts with tact and diplomacy to build and maintain successful relationships
• Excellent relationship building skills with an ability to engage and work with a variety of internal and external partners.
• Strong written communication skills with the ability to write detailed analytical documents.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to interact with donors and stakeholders
• Ability to efficiently organize and manage multiple priorities while meeting multiple deadlines
• A flexible schedule which allows for occasional after-hours events and meetings and travel
• Ability to use technology and analysis tools (Excel, Outlook, Internet, Word).
• Excellent time-management with a proven ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities.

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Diligent
• Diplomatic
• Multi-tasker
• Self-directed

Closing Date: 03/15/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 14 -- $88,290 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $112,911. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial
Recruiter: Fiona Chan

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.