Do you believe in the power of ideas, possibility, and in building community? 

The Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is looking for an experienced and innovative Manager, Fund Development who is up for the challenge of planning, driving, and executing all aspects of the fundraising strategy for a small institution. 

This is a permanent full-time position. Hours of work are 35 hours per week. 

Why AUArts? 

Alberta University of the Arts (AUArts) is a community of thinkers, shapers, makers and risk takers. We are students, faculty, staff and alumni rich in diversity of culture and thought, challenged to fearlessly explore what moves us, drives us, and implores us to see the world differently. 

AUArts offers its 1,100 students studio-based programming that leads to a Bachelor of Fine Arts in one of nine disciplines, a Bachelor of Design in one of two, and an MFA in Craft Media. It has deep roots in Calgary’s creative community and will soon be celebrating its centennial. 

The Opportunity 

Competition #2021-MP-AU-03 

Reporting to the Vice President, Advancement, this role is responsible for building philanthropic relationships in the community that advance the mission of AUArts and its strategic priorities. The Manager, Fund Development leads the creation and execution of a new, comprehensive fund development growth strategy that includes a multi-million fundraising campaign to be achieved before the University’s centennial in 2026. Within a small team, this role will grow and transform fund development and create a sustainable function for the organization. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Fundraising Strategy, Planning and Execution 

  • • Coordinate and execute all aspects of a new, comprehensive fundraising program that includes major gifts, grants, sponsorships, fundraising events, direct mail, online giving, planned giving and donor stewardship. 
  • • Drive internal processes to assess and develop strong funder-ready projects and institutional cases for support. 
  • • Ensure effective revenue and expense budget management for various fund development needs. 
  • • Conduct ongoing evaluation of fund development activities, processes and results for effectiveness and continuous improvement. 
  • • Research and implement regulatory, fundraising and communications best practices, policies and procedures, and brief appropriate internal colleagues. 
  • • Work collaboratively with Advancement colleagues, including the Gifts Administrator to achieve overall fund development goals, and communications and marketing to develop and coordinate fund development content and collateral for internal and external contacts. 
  • • Work in close partnership with the President and CEO, and when relevant, with the Board Chair and the Advancement Committee of the Board. 

Donor Stewardship and Relationship Building 

  • • Develop and manage a portfolio of mid- to high-level giving prospects for the purpose of proactive donor cultivation and solicitation. 
  • • Prepare exceptional and successful case for support materials, proposals, grant applications, presentations and other communication materials for donors, prospective donors and community partners. 
  • • Provide professional, timely and high-quality support to the Vice President, Advancement, the President and CEO, and Board’s fundraising relationships and donor stewardship activities. This includes anticipating needs, preparing and drafting strategies/materials and tracking and prompt follow-up/action items. 
  • • Research and support Vice President, Advancement to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward donor prospects, including individuals, corporations, foundations, community groups and granting organizations/agencies. 
  • • Work collaboratively with Advancement and internal and external contacts to leverage AUArts initiatives and events for the purpose of donor development and stewardship. 

Documentation, Reporting and Analytics 

  • • Monitor fund development plan performance for achievement of revenue targets. 
  • • Ensure high quality information management and administrative processes are in place to support the fundraising program. 
  • • Analyze results and make recommendations for program enhancements and growth. 
  • • Manage and maintain appropriate information related to donors, community partners and prospects using Raiser’s Edge database software. 
  • • Ensure compliance related to Canada Revenue Agency and all other regulatory bodies, as well as applicable internal Policies and Procedures, and monitor and 
  • educate internal stakeholders on trends and developments in the charitable sector. 

The successful candidate will have: 

  • • Minimum undergraduate degree in a relevant field 
  • • Minimum five (5) years’ experience leading fund development programs or initiatives 
  • • Demonstrated campaign experience from planning through to implementation and stewardship 
  • • Demonstrated ability to work independently 
  • • Demonstrated strong written and presentation skills 
  • • Knowledge of fund development best practice and charitable sector trends 
  • • Knowledge of fund development and donor software, such as Raiser’s Edge 
  • • Philanthropic knowledge and experience in Calgary and area 
  • • Demonstrated experience of philanthropy specific to the arts is an asset 
  • • Knowledge of post-secondary environments is an asset 
  • • Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is an asset 

Compensation: 

The salary level is established to be $68,000 – $85,000 CAD per annum dependent upon skills, education and experience and includes a competitive benefits package. 

How to Apply 

Applications must include the following in a SINGLE PDF DOCUMENT: 

  • • Cover Letter 
  • • Curriculum Vitae / Resume 

Please upload your single document to the “Resume” section – do not upload any documents to the “Cover Letter” section. You will be required to create an account in order to submit your application. Please visit our How to Apply page to ensure your application is complete prior to submission. 

Review of applications will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. 

Further information about AUArts is available on our website at www.auarts.ca. 

AUArts is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversity of the university. We encourage expressions of interest from all qualified applicants for consideration for this or other suitable vacancies although applications from Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. 

The collection of personal information is for the purpose of determining eligibility and suitability for employment as authorized by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act, section 33(c). If you have any questions about the collection of your information, please contact our FOIP Coordinator at foip@auarts.ca 

Manager, Fund Development

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