Development and Engagement Specialist

Athabasca University's University Relations Department is currently recruiting for a Development and Engagement Specialist.

This is a permanent full-time position commencing January, 2025.

 

The Position:

Reporting to the Manager, Fund Development and working closely with the Director, Strategic Engagement, other development colleagues, the Strategic Engagement unit and other members of the Vice-President University Relations (UR) portfolio, the Development and Engagement Specialist acts as an integral member of AU's Strategic Engagement team with a core focus on development. The Specialist's focus on development is aimed to ensure the universities long-term sustainability, and to support the growth of development efforts and engagement across the institution.  

This full-time position assists the Manager, Fund Development, Director, Strategic Engagement, and other development focused colleagues with tasks that enhance AU's ability to identify, cultivate, and steward supporters towards securing philanthropic and sponsorship contributions. This includes providing high-level support and project coordination of fundraising efforts, day-to-day processes, support mailings and event invitations, monthly reporting updates, events support and responding to general inquiries. The role will work in close collaboration with all members of the Strategic Engagement unit, primarily supporting development aims, and closely connecting on other institutional initiatives the unit oversees. 

The Specialist's efforts will often support AU leadership, including the VP UR, Dean's and other senior leadership team members. Their supports, in the form of documentation, coordination, updates and request management will contribute to the cultivation of gifts in alignment with engagement-centric, relationship driven practices. The Specialist is expected to perform tasks with a high degree of service and exemplar attention to quality and detail. The work of the unit and UR is fast-paced, and the Specialist will need to manage multiple tasks and priorities in an often ambiguous environment.  The Specialist will also work collaboratively as requested on other Strategic Engagement initiatives within the unit and across UR in support of AU, including, but not limited to convocation and other institutional events, community engagement and alumni engagement.

 

The full job description can be viewed at: Development and Engagement Specialist 

 

Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in an appropriate area such as marketing, communications, public relations or non-profit studies and two or more year's related work experience is preferred. An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered
• Minimum of two years experience in a fundraising environment
• Knowledge of Canada Revenue Agency guidelines for charitable giving and tax receipting
• Demonstrated experience in post-secondary or complex organizational environment considered an asset
• Be people-oriented with strong customer service, interpersonal and communication (verbal, written, and presentation) skills
• Possess excellent organizational and time management skills, be able to multi-task effectively and efficiently especially during peak periods (i.e., semester start-up), and meet deadlines; attention to detail is a must
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and internet applications
• Be a motivated, self-starter and able to work both independently and within a team
• Be able to respect confidentiality of records with demonstrated professionalism in handling highly sensitive and confidential information
• Be able to foster positive working relationships with students, alumni, and staff at all levels 
• Ability to demonstrate University values of, integrity, community, adaptability, respect, and excellence
• Ability to problem solve with strong communication skills to work collaboratively across AU teams
• Be able to work the occasional evening or weekends
• Be able to travel as required
• Experience working in a post-secondary environment is an asset but is not required
• Knowledge and experience with Raiser's Edge or similar CRM systems is an asset but is not required

 

Contact Information 

For further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Jessica O'Connell, Director, Strategic Engagement, at [email protected]

 

Athabasca First

Wherever possible, AU seeks to attract and hire qualified team members to reside in the Athabasca region. We will offer relocation assistance for the right candidate should you decide to relocate to the Town of Athabasca. As a resident of the town or county of Athabasca, you can choose to work on and from our beautiful campus in Athabasca.

To discover the Town and Region of Athabasca, go to: Visit Athabasca.

What AU Offers: 

Benefits and Pension eligibility differs based on employee group and may include:

• Defined Benefits Pension Plan
• Alberta Health Care
• Extended Health Care
• Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Disability Coverage
• Vacation
• Office Closure between Christmas and New Year's Day
• Discretionary Benefit Fund
• AU Course Allowance
• A Variety of Leaves (e.g., Maternity/Parental/Adoption, Compassionate Care, etc.)
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Educational credentials will be verified before an offer of employment is extended. An offer of employment is conditional upon verification of educational credentials. 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority. 

Athabasca University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, persons of any gender identity and expression, and members of visible minorities. 

Where applicants have equal skills, abilities, and experience, candidates residing within or willing to relocate to the County of Athabasca will be given preference.

Working outside of Canada is not supported by Athabasca University. You are legally not permitted to work for Athabasca University if you are living outside of Canada.