Saint Mary’s University

Duties as the Stewardship Officer include, but are not limited to:

• Oversees the development, management, and implementation of a revitalized, innovative, and first class donor stewardship and recognition program to complement the objectives of the overall fundraising goals of the University including annual, major and principal donors.
• Create and manages individualized stewardship plans for the university's top donors
• Responsible for the development and implementation of donor recognition plans, which may include special acknowledgements, press releases, plaques, recognition gifts, event announcements, and /or signage involving academic chairs, faculty, professorships, fellowships, named centers, room namings, and donor-sponsored awards.
• Suggests creative donor recognition options, (e.g. events, naming opportunities, award nominations, gifts) that are appropriate for the type/level of the donor gift, budget, timeline, and specific donor history and preferences.
• Manages a system to prioritize, prepare, send and track stewardship reports for gifts as well as any special stewardship requests, including researching and producing all content for the reports.
• As appropriate, meets individually with donors to review the impact of their giving: presents reports (donor reports, financial reports, etc.), introduces them to the recipients of their fund, provides a tour of the University, etc.
• Meets with donors to discuss revisions of terms for the fund they support as needed. Conducts necessary follow up paper work and documentation to make the revisions.
• Creates and arranges delivery of custom stewardship reports and other communications (e.g. endowment reports, thank you notes from scholarship recipients, relationship documents, and chair reports) that demonstrate the impact of the donor's gift.
• Writes personal acknowledgements and stewardship letters for signature by the President, Vice President Advancement, Deans, Directors, Board Members and other key volunteers.
• Assists in the coordination and development of an annual donor report including coordination of stories and recognition lists.
• Develops and implements a plan for the annual reporting of donor-sponsored endowments and trusts.
• Develops and establishes gift agreements, student award terms of reference, naming rights, acknowledgement letters, memorandums of understanding and such other donor related documents as required.
• Develops and sustains excellent working relationships at all levels of the faculty and university to generate interest and participation in stewardship initiatives.
• Meets regularly with the Director of Philanthropy, Director of Principal Gifts, Development staff, Financial Aid Office representatives, and Graduate Office representatives to enhance current stewardship programs and design new programs intended to accomplish a collaborative approach that invites input and participation, a commitment to stewardship planning which incorporates meaningful donor engagement and integrated stewardship planning and programming.
• Attends University events and assists as required; Acts as a contact for Development Officers and donors to address questions about donor funds; Represents Saint Mary's University on appropriate professional associations.
• Develops, implements and updates stewardship and donor recognition policies and procedures.
• Ensures gifts are being spent in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Budgets for, incurs, and reports on all stewardship-related expenses.
• Maintains a high degree of confidentiality in all aspects of Development and University activities.
• Supervises the Donor Engagement Coordinator including the assigning of tasks and/or delegating responsibility; monitoring performance and providing day-to-day and periodic formal performance feedback; counselling and providing training and development opportunities to enhance performance levels and team participation; and Initiating disciplinary action, recommends and justifies discharge where warranted.
• Oversees contractual workers and directing and advising the work of volunteers.
• Other duties as required

To be the successful Stewardship Officer you will possess Bachelor's degree and/or completion of a community college level program in Fundraising, Public Relations or related field and a minimum two (2) years of directly related experience in fund development, communications, or public relations. Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) designation will be considered an asset. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a strong track record of success in stewarding major gifts. Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills; excellent organizational, analytical and time management skills; strong experience in writing correspondence or copy; and experience with Microsoft Office, donor databases and prospect tracking systems will ensure your success in this position. Knowledge of a university environment will be considered an asset.

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: October 11, 2019 Competition Closes: October 21, 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