Overview:
Term: 16 Months
The Associate Director (AD), Advancement in the School of Optometry & Vision Science, is a member of the Science Advancement team who works in the context of the University’s Office of Advancement. The AD reports directly to the Director of the School of Optometry & Vision Science and to the Director of Advancement of the Faculty of Science. The Associate Director, Advancement acts as the key point person with respect to advancement for the School of Optometry & Vision Science.
The Associate Director, Advancement provides strategy direction and guidance to a professional staff involved in fundraising, alumni and stakeholder relations and advancement communications on Optometry & Vision Science related, advancement focused initiatives.
Primary responsibilities involve the strategic planning for the School of Optometry & Vision Science’s advancement activities including designing and implementing fundraising campaigns and special appeals, managing the major gifts portfolio and providing leadership, managerial and professional advice to the Director of the School of Optometry & Vision Science. This includes preparing fundraising strategies and approaches, liaising and consulting on University-wide development and alumni procedures and informing Faculty of Science Advancement and the University’s Office of Advancement in matters of policy and processes as they impact the School.
Managerial responsibilities include overseeing the planning and development of communications materials, planning and implementing alumni engagement initiatives, including the conduct of special events to support pipeline and strategic development.
Working in a collaborative framework, the AD will work closely with other central Advancement, Faculties and Schools and federated university and affiliated university colleges.
Responsibilities:
Establishes the direction and priorities for advancement activities and resources in the School of Optometry & Vision Science
Creating and implementing an effective, ongoing advancement program for the School of Optometry & Vision Science. Ensures advancement programs are aligned with overall university, and Faculty goals, objectives and policies
Provides leadership, priority setting and management direction to staff and volunteers supporting initiatives and events directly associated with the School of Optometry & Vision Science,
Informs strategic planning and central annual fund activities related to School priorities
Directs, sets work priorities and objectives for professional staff hired in support of Optometry & Vision Science advancement programs and priorities (i.e. consultants, Development Officer, Communications personnel)
Works with the Director, Associate Directors, and administrative staff in the School to consult and develop effective advancement programs and the annual business plan
Collaborate with Faculty of Science and academic support units to establish and steward funds (trust/endowment) for gift fulfillment
Organize and train volunteers to advocate and engage in solicitations which promote the School, support pipeline development and gift solicitation
Major gift fundraising
The AD will execute all aspects of the School’s advancement program under the authority of the Director of School. This includes setting priorities, developing long-range and immediate/annual operational plans and pipeline development
Initiates, leads, directs and manages programs designed to maximize financial support from a wide range of potential individual donors (i.e. reunion appeals). Directs proactive research on individuals identified as having significant donor potential
Oversees and directs the strategic development of cultivation and solicitation plans and gift proposals for specific projects, including written proposals, oral presentations, volunteer management and ultimately stewardship of gifts received through recognition activities and events
In collaboration with the Director of Advancement, Science and leadership in the Office and Advancement, as appropriate, develops and implements strategies for select Principal gift prospects, non-alumni and unassigned prospect appropriate to School priorities
Working independently in a decentralized environment, the AD operates with a higher level of autonomy since there are significant health professional standards and interprovincial regulations to be considered in gift development
Prospect management, pipeline development and reporting
Participates in prospect identification, review, research, management and clearance for the School of Optometry & Vision Science and looks for opportunities to leverage and partner with colleagues across the Faculty of Science, Faculty of Health and other faculties
Tracks the progress of proposals and intermediate strategies for moves between submission and decision to ensure timely closure. Ensures accurate reporting on gifts to the School of Optometry & Vision Science
Ensures that all development programs and campaigns are kept on a deadline-driven timetable and that donor recognition and acknowledgement programs are in place to maintain, grow and evolve good donor-centred relations with the School’s supporters
Records activities in CRM including used for prospect tracking and clearance systems, and prepare regular progress reporting on fundraising targets through prescribed standardized reporting tools
Create, manage and report on an operating budget, as appropriate to financial delegations
Representative of the School of Optometry & Vision Science
Develops and maintains a good working knowledge of the University’s activities and the School of Optometry & Vision Science priority projects, as well as the provincial and regulatory authorities which will affect advancement strategy
Promotes the needs of the School at fundraising and other special events through public speaking engagements and personal contact
Develops effective relationships with senior academic administrators, faculty and volunteers and representatives of the philanthropic community. Through cultivation and solicitation efforts, establishes and maintains relationships with appropriate senior officers, board members, and donations officers in corporate, foundation, association, and individual sectors
Works closely with provincial and national professional associations in order to further build and strengthen our alumni contacts, maintain a consistent national presence, to increase fundraising success, and to continue to be sensitive and knowledgeable of provincial needs, challenges and successes within the profession and Optometry & Vision Science education
Consults with colleagues at other Faculties/Schools of Optometry & Vision Science provincially, nationally and internationally to seek information on related fundraising, alumni and related communication issues and developments
Develops a national network of senior volunteers, spokespersons and leaders, identifying, motivating and advising on their activities
Qualifications:
University degree, or equivalent combination of education and progressive fundraising experience is required
Progressive fundraising experience with extensive experience in securing major gifts
A track record of successful donor engagement and gift solicitation, including the ability to effectively marry donor philanthropic goals with Faculty priorities and activities
A demonstrated ability to develop and implement advancement strategies for major gift development with a strong ability to successfully solicit, secure and close major gifts, in a decentralized environment
CFRE and post-secondary training in fundraising, not for profit and volunteer management is a strong asset
A solid understanding of the university environment including the integration of research and in-depth understanding of Science and fundamental research is an asset
A deep understanding and awareness of professional schools, health professions, professional bodies and health regulatory bodies
Superb written communication, public speaking and interpersonal skills
Excellence in computing skills; and knowledge of and proficiency with Constituent Management software (i.e. Raiser’s Edge) or similar applications, Website content management and HTML experience
Travel – regular travel required, including international travel
Working Hours – typically, regular working hours, with evening/weekend work required
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