McMaster University is seeking a proactive and motivated fundraising professional to support the fundraising activities of the Faculty of Engineering.
The Senior Development Officer will work collaboratively with University Advancement and the Faculty of Engineering to support the generation of private revenue for the Faculty’s highest priorities as McMaster University enters a multi-year comprehensive campaign.
McMaster’s Office of University Advancement
McMaster’s vibrant student experience, world-class research, and community engagement are empowered by the support of thousands of alumni and donors who believe strongly in the university’s mission. Together, our broader community helps make McMaster what it is today and helps nurture the next generation of leaders in our world. The University Advancement team plays a critically important role in advancing the university’s strategy in support of its ambitious vision, in partnership with academic and administrative leaders across all campuses.
Faculty of Engineering
McMaster Engineering is committed to the pursuit of excellence and plays a significant role in helping McMaster University earn its reputation as one of Canada’s most innovative universities.
The Faculty is home to approximately 250+ full-time staff members, 216 faculty members, along with 8,387 undergraduate, 1,382 graduate students enrolled across 18 academic departments, schools and programs. The Faculty attracts approximately $65 million in annual research funding in more than 20 research centres, institutes, and networks whose interdisciplinary pursuits cross departmental and Faculty boundaries. Outside the University, the Faculty collaborates regularly on research projects with partners in universities, government and more than 130 companies in Canada and abroad. Their faculty members are consistently awarded national and international recognition for pushing the boundaries of discovery and exploring novel, ground-breaking technologies. You can read their strategic plan for 2024-2029 here.
Accountabilities:
- Assess needs and contribute to the development and implementation of strategies and initiatives for prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and stewardship, with a focus on maximizing giving opportunities at McMaster.
- Determine the appropriate involvement of university leaders, faculty partners, students, volunteers, and other members of the community in advancing prospect cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and stewardship strategies.
- Meet with current and potential donors, sponsors, and corporate partners to understand giving interests, build productive relationships, and identify opportunities aligned with University and Faculty priorities.
- Identify, evaluate and recommend next steps to bring prospects closer to making a major financial commitment to the University.
- Develop tailored fundraising initiatives that support strategic initiatives.
- Develop and implement plans to support donor management, corporate engagement, and stewardship strategies and/or activities across a defined prospect portfolio
- Write briefing notes, solicitation plans and call reports to track donor interactions and progress through the cycle.
- Contribute to campaign strategy and execution of all major campaign milestones, including launches, donor cultivation events, and gift and goal celebrations.
Contribute to Faculty of Engineering planning and goal setting by supporting ambitious financial and activity goals, tracking progress against key performance indicators, evaluating results, and sharing insights that that strengthen fundraising strategy and portfolio performance.
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Qualifications:
Education:
Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study. A McMaster degree is an asset
Experience:
- Requires a minimum of 5 years of prior experience.
- Demonstrated experience managing a portfolio of donor relationships at all levels, including one-on-one donor identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.
- Experience working with a CRM (Advance, Raiser’s Edge, etc.) is required.
- Demonstrated experience meeting individual and team financial and activity goals.
Demonstrated experience soliciting and closing gifts at the major gift level.
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Knowledge/Skills:
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and negotiation skills.
- Extreme professionalism, excellent judgement and decision-making abilities, as well as display tact and sensitivity.
- Ability to work productively and effectively with individuals of affluence and influence.
- Proven ability to motivate others (volunteers, team members, donors, etc.).
- Strong team player who values collaboration. Demonstrated proposal and presentation skills.
- Evidence of leadership, initiative, tact, diplomacy, attention to detail and creativity.
- Ability to handle multiple competing priorities and excel in a results-oriented environment by meeting established personal and team goals.
- Excellent customer-service skills and strong service orientation.
Time-management and multi-tasking abilities.
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Employment Equity Statement
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and, within the lands protected by the "Dish with One Spoon" wampum agreement.
In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity. The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. While all qualified candidates are invited to apply, we particularly welcome applications from women, persons with disabilities, First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, members of visible minorities, and LGBTQ+ persons. Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact the Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247) or the Faculty of Health Sciences Human Resources office at ext. 22207 to communicate accommodation needs.
