Development Officer

2008-01-31

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Development Officer will assist the Manager of Business Development to build and nurture private and public sector financial support for the School District , ensuring fundraising benchmarks are met each year.   The Development Officer will develop and implement a comprehensive plan for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and securing private donations and major gifts and will also work on grant proposals, corporate sponsorships, business partnerships and revenue development programs in the Business Development Department. 

The work requires a significant degree of independence and judgement and involves work of a highly specialized nature.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist with identifying and contacting individual donors, connecting donor interests with appropriate District programs and securing financial contributions.

Assist in the development, planning, prioritization and implementation of an annual personal giving program for the District and the Bell Performing Arts Centre.  Develop alumni or member communications, an individual donor recognition program, direct mail and/or other similar giving programs.

Research and identify foundation and corporate funding sources, complete grant and sponsorship proposals, prepare final reports and nurture ongoing relationships with foundation and corporate donors.

Draft media releases, articles for the district’s parent newspaper Ed Com, promotional and communications material to support individual, corporate and foundation donations. 

Liaise with school principals and staff to identify current and topical funding needs.

Coordinate the acceptance of appropriate in-kind donations.

Maintain the department’s calendar of activities ensuring strict adherence to application and donor recognition deadlines.

Create the District’s annual donor thank you ad.

Coordinate annual sponsor appreciation events.

Become an expert on district fundraising policy and regulation and respond to questions about interpretation from schools and principals.

Coordinate and participate in Education Business Community Partnerships Advisory Committee (EBCPAC) activities including:  setting meeting dates and agendas; presenting fundraising and project proposals; taking meeting minutes; circulating key information to EBCPAC members; and handling the annual funding survey.

Assist in the coordination of special rental agreements as they relate to the department’s revenue generation activity.

Assist with fulfillment of sponsor agreements for key District programs and major events such as:  Summer Camps, Trading Up, Envision Jazz Festival, RBC Take P-art, VanCity Junior Credit Unions, Maintenance Vehicle Advertising, Cold Beverage Agreement, Westminster Savings Fine Arts Festival and staff lottery.

Attend local tradeshows, seminars, presentations and meetings regarding charitable and donations activity as required.

Prepare sponsorship and donation activity reports.

Update and maintain the Business Development Department’s web page.

Perform other related duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Experience with prospect and donor stewardship management coupled with the ability to build strong relationships with donors, sponsors and district stakeholders. 

Ability to gain and maintain an understanding of the needs in district offices and schools as they relate to sponsorship and fundraising opportunities.

Knowledge and demonstrated skill using MS Office applications and graphic design software.  Knowledge of donor management software such as Raiser’s Edge Software an asset.

Strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on communications, leadership, teamwork, and the ability to work within given organization structures and timelines.

Familiarity with the methods and resources used to research new donors. 

Ability to successfully develop and manage projects.

Ability to prepare and deliver sales or fundraising presentations to large groups of people.  Solid negotiating and strong “closing” skills.

Excellent problem-solving and listening skills.

Ability to work independently, to multi-task and to meet deadlines under pressure.

Thorough attention to detail; organized.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

Degree in English, Communications, Journalism or Fundraising from a post-secondary institution recognized by the district.  The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is an asset.

Three years fundraising experience including proven success with individual donor relations programs and grant and sponsorship proposal writing.

LICENCE, CERTIFICATES AND REGISTRATION

Valid B.C. Driver’s Licence.