Alumni Development Officer

University of Waterloo

Oct 31

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Mid & Senior Level
Customer Relations
Government & Politics
Waterloo

Requirements

University degree or equivalent education or experience
USG 9: 1-3 years of progressive fundraising experience and relationship development
USG 10: 3-5 years of progressive major gift fundraising experience in securing major gifts, relationship management and volunteer recruitment and management
Demonstrated experience with developing, overseeing and evaluating alumni programs in a university environment preferred
Experience with the full scope of development activities including identification, cultivation, solicitation, recognition and stewardship at the major gift level required
Experience with the full volunteer management cycle and working with volunteers to support program development, advisory boards and fundraising activity such as cultivation and solicitation strategies is a strong asset
Experience fundraising in a university environment considered an asset
Successful track-record of developing and implementing strategy for major gift solicitation with demonstrated success in personally securing and closing major gifts
Superior working knowledge of alumni programs, relationship management, budgeting and research is an asset
Excellent communication skills, written and oral, including expertise in creating donor-focused and impactful proposals
Proven competence in project management, multi-tasking, planning, analytical and organizational skills
The ability to work in a fast paced, highly complex and demanding environment, managing and collaborating with multiple partners, from across campus and externally
Proven political acumen and problem-solving skills
Goal oriented, self-motivated with demonstrated ability to take initiative and work independently and effectively as part of a team with a broad mandate in a fast paced, highly computerized and challenging environment
Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain relationships with all levels of staff, internal and external stakeholders, including senior leadership, across an organization
Hands-on experience with a relational fundraising database such as Raisers Edge/Blackbaud software is a strong asset
Strong understanding of applicable federal and provincial legislations (privacy and anti-span regulations) is an asset
Specialized work with minimal supervision, acts in collaboration with advancement staff across many units
Networking and social engagement is required
Must be comfortable working with a variety of stakeholders including political and community leaders, executives, industry partners and volunteers
Willingness to travel within Canada and internationally and work extended hours as required (some evening/weekend work required)

Responsibilities

Strategically participates in the development of the annual advancement strategic plan, offering new innovative ideas and strategies for alumni engagement and fundraising activities
Develops and maintains an excellent working knowledge of the School’s activities, priorities and needs in both teaching and research and a thorough working knowledge of priority fundraising projects
Creates, implements and measures the development of an effective strategic plan to implement an innovative and integrated alumni and external stakeholder engagement program that aligns with major gift fundraising goals, and evaluates and adjusts tactics as required
Supports industry engagement through implementation of sponsorship programs for Continuing Professional Development and student initiatives
Identifies, recruits, manages and stewards volunteers (alumni, corporate volunteers, UWaterloo friends, faculty and staff) for the purpose of supporting the School’s goals and initiatives including fundraising projects and programs as required
Maintains good working knowledge of provincial and regulatory authorities in optometry, and supports overall professional relationship strategy through engagement of board and council members of these authorities as appropriate
In conjunction with the AD, develops personal annual fundraising target and goals, including size of prospect pool, number of meetings and dollars raised
Develops, implements and evaluates fundraising strategies in conjunction with the AD for corporate, foundation, individuals and alumni sectors, including cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities
Maintains a portfolio of prospects (alumni and friends) assessed as having the ability, or potential, to make gifts between $10,000 to $50,000
Coordinates special projects, stewardship activities and customized plans for prospects and donors as needed
Acts as the primary liaison and program manager of the class campaign program, including communication, reporting and recruitment of additional fundraising campaigns to support the School’s initiatives
In coordination with Central Advancement policies and procedures, creates donor gift agreements, endowment and stewardship reports as required
Develops, maintains, promotes and evaluates a strategic alumni plan and all associated alumni programing
Strategically implements alumni programs including measurement against best practices, KPI’s and engagement metrics
Strategically creates, implements and promotes a variety of alumni outreach and engagement programs to deepen the connection of alumni with the school and support for continuing education programs
Manages the School’s Alumni Award program from conception to successful awarding of recipients
Engages School alumni in centrally run programing such as the Reunion, convocation and other University-wide opportunities
Serves as an active member of the Alumni Professionals Group and acts as the liaison for the School to Central Advancement
Provides team support as required to School student and alumni activities and events
Ensure correspondence and reporting related to relationships with alumni, prospects and donors are managed and recorded in accordance with Office of Advancement systems
Complete follow up correspondence, briefings and updates to alumni, prospects, donors and internal stakeholders in a timely manner
Participates in the development of the School advancement communication plan
Supports the creation of effective alumni and friends engagement and fundraising material for presentation to prospects/donors/alumni by coordinating content from School staff and faculty and working with central Advancement and additional university departments such as Creative Studio
Develops solicitation proposals for projects tailored to the specific interests of prospects
Actively strengthens the UWaterloo and School brand through the integration of, and adherence to messaging, strategies and processes
Proactively and consistently communicates with internal and external stakeholders, including students as required

FAQs

What is the role of the Alumni Development Officer?

The Alumni Development Officer is responsible for developing initiatives and strategies to strengthen alumni engagement and fundraising for the School of Optometry & Vision Science, working closely with the Office of Advancement.

What qualifications are required for this position?

Candidates should have a university degree or equivalent education/experience, with 1-5 years of progressive fundraising and relationship development experience, depending on the level (USG 9 or USG 10).

What are the primary responsibilities of the Alumni Development Officer?

The primary responsibilities include alumni and friends engagement, development (fundraising), managing alumni programs, data management and reporting, and communication strategies.

How does the Alumni Development Officer engage with alumni?

The officer engages alumni by developing outreach programs, identifying and managing volunteers, creating alumni awards, and promoting participation in various School initiatives and activities.

Are there opportunities for professional development in this role?

Yes, the position includes involvement in strategic planning and collaboration with senior leadership, offering opportunities for professional growth and development.

Is this position eligible for travel?

Yes, the role requires some travel within Canada and internationally, along with occasional evening and weekend work.

What impact does this role have on the School's initiatives?

The Alumni Development Officer plays a critical role in fostering relationships that support financial contributions and volunteerism, ultimately enhancing the School's development and strategic initiatives.

How does the University of Waterloo promote equity and diversity in hiring?

The University values diverse identities and backgrounds and encourages applications from historically disadvantaged and marginalized groups, including those identifying as First Nations, Métis, Black, and 2SLGBTQ+.

What systems are used for data management in this position?

The Alumni Development Officer will manage correspondence and reporting through the Office of Advancement's systems, with practical experience in fundraising databases like Raisers Edge/Blackbaud considered an asset.

How does the Alumni Development Officer measure success in their initiatives?

Success is measured through the development and implementation of strategic plans, evaluation against KPIs and engagement metrics, and the achievement of fundraising goals.

University of Waterloo

Education

Industry

5001-10,000

Employees

Mission & Purpose

University of Waterloo is a leader in innovation that drives economic and social prosperity for Canada and the world. We are home to a renowned talent pipeline, game-changing research and technology, and unmatched entrepreneurial culture, that together create solutions to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. Our greatest impact happens together. A strategic integration of research and teaching excellence, the world’s largest co-operative education program, entrepreneurship-intensive programs, and creator-owned IP, has resulted in extensive industry collaboration, the generation of thousands of commercial and social enterprises, and a dynamic learning experience for more than 41,000 undergraduate and graduate students.