Saint Mary’s University

The Development Officer, Planned Giving and Special Projects reports to the Director of Philanthropy and works collaboratively with the Office of Advancement team members. This position is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, promoting and evaluating all aspects of the University's planned giving program. The Development Officer, Planned Giving and Special Projects builds and fosters relationships with existing, prospective donors, including alumni, faculty, staff, friends, corporations, and foundations in order to encourage financial support for the University's priorities. Specifically, the Development Officer, Planned Giving and Special Projects is responsible for the solicitation, negotiation and stewardship of planned gifts. Additional duties include carrying out select special fundraising related projects.

Duties as the Development Officer, Planned Giving and Special Projects include, but are not limited to:

• Formulating and implementing strategies for planned giving within a diverse fundraising environment.
• Consulting and collaborating with the Development staff in the Advancement Office to develop annual goals and strategic objectives.
• Collaborating with Advancement Services and Financial Services to ensure the proper financial measures are maintained to track and administer planned giving expectancies and realizations.
• Identifying, evaluating, cultivating and soliciting planned gift prospective donors who may have the intention of leaving a legacy through their estate, bequest, annuities, life insurance, etc.
• Soliciting annual and major gifts by meeting individual donors face to face, one on one.
• Strategic involvement in all aspects of the donor cycle: qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and negotiation.
• Writing proposals, letters, gift agreements, and other donor correspondence in support of fundraising solicitations.
• Understanding how the funds are administered under charitable trust laws.
• Communicating with legal experts on the interpretation and expectations of estates, wills, annuities and other gift vehicles.
• Providing correct language to embed in the legal documents pertaining to gift intentions.
• Ensuring gift agreements and wills, etc. are meeting the needs of the original intent of agreements that are currently in place.
• Assisting the Donor Recognition and Stewardship staff with the planning and execution of a coordinated program for donor relations and stewardship to improve and enhance the relationship between the planned gift donors and the University.
• As per the University's standard guidelines for donor recognition and stewardship, ensuring adequate and appropriate recognition and thanks for planned gift donors.
• Works with communications staff for promotional material for planned giving opportunities at the University.
• Carries out special projects beyond the scope of planned gifts in support of fundraising campaigns with the Office of Advancement.

To be the successful Development Officer, Planned Giving and Special Projects you will possess a University degree with a minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated fundraising experience or a Fundraising Certificate plus ten (10) years of experience may be considered. You will further demonstrate strong organizational and analytical skills; above average interpersonal, oral and written communication skills with strong attention to detail; and a demonstrated capability with the MS Office Suite of products and spreadsheets. This position will also require a willingness to travel.

Saint Mary's University is one of Canada's top primary undergraduate universities--known for its international collaborations, leadership in entrepreneurship, and research that benefits local and global communities. Our programs in Arts, Science, Graduate Studies and the Sobey School of Business are among Canada's best and feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Mary's provides our 7,000 students with a place that fosters possibility, excellent research opportunities, and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada's east coast, Saint Mary's University is marked by iconic buildings, green spaces and fresh ocean air. The Saint Mary's University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world-a world without limits.

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Apply for this opportunity online by visiting www.smu.ca/employment and use our online application system through CareerBeacon. Select the position you are interested in and apply by clicking the "Apply Now" button. Please include the names of three professional references. No telephone calls please.

Competition Opens: February 19, 2019 Competition Closes: March 18, 2019

Saint Mary's University hires on the basis of merit and is committed to the principles of employment equity. Saint Mary's University encourages applications from qualified women, visible minorities, Aboriginal people, and people with disabilities. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.

Saint Mary's University thanks all applicants for applying. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Saint Mary's University promotes a Healthy Campus including a Scent-Free environment and a Smoke-Free Campus