Alumni and Annual Giving Associate, Office of External Relations

Job ID:                        SCHII-23-14

Job Title:                    Alumni and Annual Giving Associate

Department:            Office of External Relations

Campus:                     Thunder Bay, ON

Status:                        Full Time, Permanent

Job Category:            Non-Union

Date Posted:              July 5, 2023

Closing Date:            July 22, 2023

Why Lakehead University?

Thunder Bay is one of Canada’s top emerging cities. Here you will find a mix of modern city living and the best of nature – all on your doorstep. Thunder Bay provides small city affordability, big city opportunities and the bonus of a superior lifestyle. When it comes to location, nature and cost of living, Thunder Bay is one of the best places to live in Canada. For more on the vibrant city of Thunder Bay, visit thunderbay.ca.

At Lakehead University we challenge the conventional to provide a university experience that’s far from ordinary.  Your unique ideas will be respected and encouraged.  Join our thriving academic community where you can make a real difference through innovation and collaboration.

Lakehead is a comprehensive University with a reputation for innovative programs and cutting-edge research. In 2022, for the third year in a row, Lakehead University was included in the top 100 of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. Lakehead is the highest ranked university in the world with under 10,000 students. Maclean’s has once again included Lakehead University among Canada’s top 10 primarily undergraduate universities in the magazine’s 2023 University Rankings.

About this Job

Reporting to the Manager of Annual Giving, the Alumni and Annual Giving Associate is an ambassador for Lakehead University and an integral member of the External Relations Team. They will be responsible for spearheading the growth and integrity of the Mid-Level donor, recurring giving and family giving programs through donor engagement, recognition, and acknowledgement. The Alumni and Annual Giving Associate will focus on identified donors by strategically initiating, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships with those who currently support Lakehead University. The Associate will implement the established objectives and strategies, as defined in the Annual Giving Plan, to maximize alumni interest, engagement, and philanthropic support.

Job Duties

• The Associate, together with the Annual Giving Manager, will implement a comprehensive Annual Giving program for Lakehead University that includes a mix of revenue streams. The Associate will fundraise for:
  • Unrestricted dollars, to support the four pillars of the Lakehead Annual Fund: scholarships, bursaries, athletics and student enhancement
  • Restricted dollars to support Faculty and Non-Faculty specific appeals and priorities
  • Restricted scholarships, bursaries and awards
  •  Identified campaign priorities
•  Use email, social media, video conferencing, in-person meetings and phone to provide prospective donors with information that deepens their understanding and connection to the university and solicit them for annual gifts.
• Maintain excellent donor data hygiene of our annual and mid-level donors in the CRM; ensuring key donor information, notes on calls, passions and interests is current.
• Assist with stewardship of annual and mid-level donors, building relationship-based moves management strategies to identify, nurture, solicit and steward donors towards deeper engagement with Lakehead University.
• Assists donors in establishing scholarships, bursaries and awards at Lakehead University.
• Serve as one of the University’s contacts for mid-level donors, giving high-quality supporter care. Provide high-end service, answer questions, and serve as a "concierge" for the donors in the program, working closely with Alumni and Annual Giving team on coordinating communications and stewardship efforts.
• Creates annual goals and objectives parallel to the strategic priorities of External Relations and Lakehead University’s Strategic Plan and Strategic Enrolment Management initiatives.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree or diploma
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in fundraising in annual giving or major gifts
• Experience in managing complex fundraising initiatives, including direct-mail, digital etc.
• Experience in all aspects of the fund development process (identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship)
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, event coordination, and donor-centered relationship management
• Demonstrated experience using Customer Relationship Management systems, and a variety of word processing and database experience is required
• Knowledge of university fundraising and stewardship practices an asset
• Familiarity with social media platforms
• Exhibits a high level of integrity
• Planning and implementation skills in order to put current plans into action as well as to think strategically to the future

Working Conditions

• Primarily an office work environment
• Hybrid work opportunities available
• Varying hours and days of work to accommodate travel and events

What do We Offer?

This position offers a competitive remuneration package including salary, comprehensive benefits package, life insurance, pension plan, and tuition waiver.

Lakehead University has a commitment to supporting employees and providing opportunities for flexible

and diverse work arrangements. We are proud to share the Alternate Work Arrangement Guideline as

a step to creating innovative schedules that work for our employees to promote a quality work-life

balance. Please inquire with the hiring manager if this position is eligible for an Alternate Work

Arrangement.

How to Apply

Interested applicants may apply by clicking on this link to this Google Form and attaching your cover

letter and resume in word or PDF format.

If you are experiencing any issues with the Google Form, please email careers@lakeheadu.ca for assistance.

We appreciate your interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified.  Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, racialized persons, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and other equity-seeking groups. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.  This is in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements.

Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact the Office of Human Resources at (807) 343.8334 or human.resources@lakeheadu.ca to make appropriate arrangements