Development Officer, Athletics

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus and South Campus, Edmonton.

Reporting to the Development Manager of Athletics, the Development Officer will be responsible for engaging prospective donors, alumni, faculty, students, and stakeholders to build support for Athletics within the Dean of Students portfolio

The Development Officer works collaboratively with Athletics and University Development to build and advance strong personal and professional relationships that result in meaningful engagement and philanthropic contributions. The incumbent will manage a portfolio of approximately 80-100 prospective donors with the capacity to make commitments at a leadership annual giving and major gift level. In addition, this role will be key in facilitating donor-facing projects that will help further the relationship between prospective and current donors and the university. The successful candidate will be comfortable collaborating and communicating with colleagues and senior executives across the institution, the Dean of Students, volunteers, stakeholders, and supporters.

Contributes to strategy development and execution for Athletics fundraising:

• Works with the Development Manager and the Director of University Development to establish and evaluate annual fundraising targets and operational plans.
• Reports regularly to the Director of Athletics, the Development Manager, Athletics and the Director of University Development on progress toward annual fundraising targets, including bi-weekly updates and annual performance evaluations.
• Participates in all other requested ad hoc duties required for the success of the Athletics unit.

Fundraising:

• Adheres to all University of Alberta philanthropic policies and procedures, including the University of Alberta Prospect Management Policy.
• Manages a portfolio of approximately 80-100 relationships with a current giving level of $25,000+.
• Personally visits 75-125 gift prospects/donors annually.
• Serves as fundraising lead for special projects such as class gifts, donor or community-facing events, etc.
• Tracks, documents and communicates fundraising activity in the Advance database and shares information with colleagues as appropriate.
• Identifies and engages volunteers as advisors to the Athletics units' fundraising strategies as appropriate.
• Supports the activity of the Director of Athletics and the Development Manager, Athletics by identifying potential major gift prospects and moving the relationship as required.
• Supports activities related to Athletic Sponsorships within the Athletics portfolio in partnership with the Athletics Development Associate.

Under the direction of the Director of University Development and the Development Manager, works in partnership with the Office of Development on fundraising programs, including, but not limited to the following:

• Works collaboratively with all University Development and other External Relations central partners with responsibilities related to Athletics, including, but not limited to, the faculty’s Communications partner; Alumni Relations partner; Events partner; Donor Relations and Engagement partner; and colleagues who work in the areas of Corporate and Foundation Relations; Planned Giving; Annual Giving; the Office of the Recording Secretary; Prospect Management and Prospect Research; the Scholarships, Awards and Financial Support office; and partners within the Research Services Office.
• Collaborates regularly with the Office of Development on prospect identification for faculty-based fundraising priorities.
• Works collaboratively on annual giving strategies for the faculty with the annual giving team and helps evaluate results.
• Partners with the Office of the Recording Secretary on gift processing (including agreements, terms of reference, etc.) and appropriate gift acknowledgement.
• Jointly manages stewardship of donors with the Athletics Development team as well as the Donor Relations team.

Collaborates with other faculty-based fundraisers, faculty-based academic leaders and senior university representatives (under the direction of the Director of University Development and the Office of Development):

• Active participant in Development community activities including Development and Alumni Relations Connects, learning sessions for skills development, information sharing and the implementation of joint opportunities and common challenges.
• As directed by the Director of Athletics and the Development Associate, Athletics, may act as the faculty-based representative for university-wide fundraising strategies and joint Initiatives with other faculties.

• Undergraduate degree in a related discipline.
• 3+ years of progressive, full-time fundraising experience (preferred). Related experience in sales, marketing, financial services, public relations or business development (considered). This experience must include direct, face-to-face client/customer/public interaction.
• Project management experience with demonstrated ability to manage multiple accounts/tasks simultaneously.
• Sponsorship experience is considered an asset.
• Prior experience in sport is considered an asset.
• Strong external relationships in sport are considered an asset.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, energetic, creative, goal-oriented.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of diverse fundraising tools and strategies, including the giving cycle.
• Knowledge of planned giving basics (preferred).
• Excellent problem-solving, judgment, and discretion.
• Skilled decision-making with appropriate consultation.
• Self-motivated, proactive, energetic, and creative.
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and resourcefulness.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to understand donor needs, cultivate relationships and match them with philanthropic priorities and opportunities.
• Interest in all aspects of higher education and a dedication to promoting the university's fundraising priorities through developing excellent relationships with all stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and implement annual gift solicitation strategies.
• Ability and willingness to travel to meet with donors and prospective donors.

Application Instructions

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This position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $76,958 to $128,255.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule F of the collective agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.