Job Title
Philanthropic Impact Specialist (Program Specialist)
About the University
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We are one of Canada’s top universities and leading research institutions. With more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students, two campuses (Lethbridge and Calgary), seven faculties and schools, and more than 2,500 employees, ULethbridge is Lethbridge’s second largest employer. Faculty and staff come together to contribute, each in their own way, to establishing ULethbridge as Canada’s destination university. In 2022, Lethbridge was recognized as one of Canada’s top small cities.
Position Details
The University External Relations Office is currently accepting applications for a Philanthropic Impact Specialist. This is a full-time, continuing position reporting to the Director of Alumni and Community Relations.
This position is responsible for planning, developing and implementing communications and recognition programs that deepen relationships with donors, alumni and community members to advance the University’s key priorities and inspire continued philanthropy.
The Specialist supports donor relations activities with leadership, annual and major giving relationship managers, working closely with frontline fundraisers to ensure all donors are delighted by the gratitude, acknowledgement, and recognition they receive. The role requires a strategic and relationship-centric approach to create meaningful opportunities to engage donors and share the impact of their philanthropic contributions. A skilled communicator, the specialist will enthusiastically seek out opportunities and actively motivate others to contribute content and information to demonstrate the impact of philanthropy at ULethbridge. The role requires the ability to think and act creatively, as well as expertise in facilitating discussions with cross-functional teams to recommend and implement strategies that enhance the University’s relationship-building program.
In the first year, the Specialist will be heavily focused on developing a suite of institutional materials and articulating processes used to recognize philanthropic contributions and advance relationships. With a thorough understanding of institutional priorities and key messages, the Specialist will lead the development of materials such as thank you cards, packages and letters, and work to document and enhance processes relating to gift acknowledgement and recognition. Once established, this position is responsible for the maintenance and regular review of the donor communications materials and tools, ensuring the technological, operational and procedural requirements of the program continue to be met.
The University of Lethbridge is undertaking a job classification review for Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) positions. As such, the classification level currently assigned for this position may be adjusted as a result of this project.
Position Qualifications
- A post-secondary degree, preferably in communications, business, development or a related field.
- Superior written and verbal communication skills and proven experience working within existing brand guidelines.
- Strong collaboration skills with the ability to communicate effectively and maintain a good working relationship with internal and external stakeholders..
- Demonstrated ability to support a high-impact customer-focused service environment, operating with a high degree of tact and diplomacy.
- Advanced organizational and time management skills. Proven ability to prioritize and complete tasks while working in an environment with multiple competing deadlines.
- Well-developed research, synthesis, analysis, writing and presentation skills, with the ability to prepare reports and recommendations.
- Experience advising clients and colleagues, and negotiating project scope and timelines would be an asset.
- High professional and ethical standards for handling confidential information.
- A preference for experience in donor relations and stewardship.
Starting Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE)
$4,772.00 - $5,403.00 monthly
Full Salary Range (at 1.0 FTE)
$4,772.00 - $6,034.00 monthly (AUPE - Grade 11)
