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Development Officer

A student’s relationship with SAIT doesn’t end at convocation — we are proud of the life-long relationships we have with our alumni. The Alumni and Development department shares SAIT’s story, connects donors to incredible people, projects and experiences. SAIT is fortunate to receive financial support from our alumni family, industry and community at large. If you’re passionate about nurturing the connections between SAIT and our alumni family, we want to meet you. 


The Opportunity


Reporting to the Manager, Principal Gifts & Campaign the Development Officer, Campaigns is responsible for the creation and implementation of strategies to nurture, solicit, close, and steward individual, corporate, foundation, and association leadership giving prospects up to $100,000.


The Development Officer’s efforts will be primarily focused on advancing SAIT strategic priorities for the current fundraising campaign. Utilizing the Moves Management fundraising philosophy, the Development Officer manages a prospect/donor portfolio requiring ongoing cultivation, timely visitation, and solicitation efforts. The Development Officer spends a significant amount of time in direct interaction with donors, helping these constituents fulfill their passions and interests through their giving to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. This position works closely with the Major Gifts team, particularly with Manager, Principal Gifts & Campaign other Senior Development Officers the other Development Officer, and the Major Gifts Coordinator.


Role Responsibilities
  • Core Responsibilities - 80%
  • Manage and actively maintain a portfolio of major gift prospects; implement key strategies to raise funds for SAIT’s key priorities
  • Build and steward relationships with SAIT’s current and prospective donors. Secure major gifts up to $100,000 in value from corporations, individuals and foundations with an emphasis on both corporate and individual philanthropic gift fund-raising.
  • Prepare and deliver high quality proposals (cases for support), presentations and other communications materials for leadership gift prospects and donors. 
  • Actively lead and participate in calls with key prospects. 
  • Cultivate, support, communicate and manage leadership volunteers assigned to the development process. 
  • Take an active role in the implementation of appropriate donor recognition and stewardship strategies, policies and procedures, for accounts within portfolio. 
  • Direct the preparation of research to support key accounts within portfolio and participate in prospect identification and evaluation of prospects. 
  • Work closely with fellow Development Officer, Senior Development Officers and Prospect Research Team to identify and build detailed gift plans for key prospects.
  • Some Gift planning/legacy (planned) giving work with individuals as appropriate. 
  • Record the relationship building process with contact reports filed in a relationship management system to facilitate open communication and team based fundraising environment.

  • Team Participation - 20%
  • Participate as a valued collaborative member within SAIT’s team of Senior Development Officers and Development Officers within the Alumni & Development Team
  • Help develop and implement SAIT’s “best practice” and innovative fundraising strategy.
  • Active participation in SAIT’s Prospect Management (PMC) process


Qualifications and Experience
  • Minimum
  • Post-secondary Diploma in business, marketing, fund raising, communications or related field
  • 1 to 3 years in major gifts fundraising
  • Eligibility for membership in AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals)
  • Driver’s license and own vehicle
  • Ability to travel and to conduct evening and weekend work
  • English fluency (written and spoken)
  • Successful/proven gift solicitations of $100,000 or more
  • Familiarity with Fundraising database systems and spreadsheet applications

  • Preferred
  • Post-Secondary (Undergraduate) Degree in business, marketing, communications or related field
  • More than one year in major gifts fundraising
  • Fundraising experience at a post-secondary institution
  • Pursuing CFRE and between 2-3 years experience
  • Previous post-secondary work experience
  • High degree of business literacy
  • Evidence of ongoing upgrading of skills in communications, marketing, business, gift planning or fundraising


Job classification: P2120 - Junior Development Officer

Salary range: $70,000 - $80,000

Paid Leave: 4 Weeks Vacation / 14 Flex Days per year

# of positions: 1

Hours Per Week: 37.5

Posting closing date: December 12, 2024


View a summary of our benefits and perks for salaried employees as one of Alberta's Top Employers, including health & dental care, pension plan, vacation & special leave and flexible work options at our beautiful inner-city campus.


A flexible Hybrid work model can be offered for this role in accordance with SAIT guidelines.


About SAIT

 

SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.

 

Building on our 100+ year history, we’re looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.

 

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. It creates the conditions for a healthy campus where everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered to succeed. SAIT values fairness, shared accountability and the importance of representation. The institution expects a commitment from its students and employees to continuously develop an equitable and inclusive mindset that celebrates diverse experiences and perspectives. Learn more about EDI at SAIT.

 




BEWARE FALSE POSTINGS AND RECRUITING OFFERS

 

SAIT has been made aware of individuals or organizations posing as SAIT using false postings to attract job seekers and collect personal information. Please be aware that SAIT will never request sensitive personal information beyond what is required for an application.

 

Career opportunities at SAIT will always be posted on the SAIT career site and we encourage applicants to only apply directly through there. When your application is completed you will receive an email confirmation, if you did not receive one please check your junk mail or try applying through the SAIT career page again.

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What You Should Know About Development Officer, SAIT

The Development Officer role at SAIT in Calgary, AB, is a fantastic opportunity for those who are passionate about forging connections and making a significant impact in the lives of students and alumni. As a Development Officer, you will be the driving force behind nurturing relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations interested in giving to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. This isn’t just fundraising; it’s about creating a legacy of support that enhances SAIT’s strategic priorities. In this role, you will report to the Manager, Principal Gifts & Campaign and lead efforts to solicit gifts of up to $100,000, ensuring that our fundraisers can meet the ambitious goals set for our current campaign. You will manage a diverse portfolio of major gift prospects, actively cultivating relationships and initiating impactful conversations that lead to major gifts. You’ll also have the opportunity to collaborate with a dynamic team of like-minded development officers and participate in creating innovative fundraising strategies. Your expertise in preparing compelling proposals and presentations will play a crucial role in engaging potential donors and communicating SAIT's vision. If you’re energetic, organized, and ready to contribute to the community spirit that surrounds SAIT, then we can’t wait to meet you. Join us in growing our alumni network and fostering the connections that continue long after graduation. Your journey starts here, and we are excited to see you thrive in this rewarding role at SAIT.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Development Officer Role at SAIT
What does a Development Officer at SAIT do?

A Development Officer at SAIT is responsible for creating and implementing strategies aimed at nurturing relationships with donors and securing major gifts up to $100,000. This includes managing a portfolio of prospects, preparing proposals, and working closely with a team to achieve fundraising goals.

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What qualifications do you need to become a Development Officer at SAIT?

To become a Development Officer at SAIT, you typically need a post-secondary diploma in a related field, such as business or communications, along with 1 to 3 years of experience in major gifts fundraising. Familiarity with fundraising database systems and a proven record of securing major gifts are also crucial.

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Why is the Development Officer role important at SAIT?

The Development Officer plays a vital role at SAIT by building lasting relationships with donors, which is essential for securing financial support that benefits students and the broader community. Their work directly impacts SAIT's ability to fund key projects and initiatives.

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What skills are important for a Development Officer at SAIT?

Important skills for a Development Officer at SAIT include strong communication and interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to create compelling proposals. Being organized, collaborative, and having a passion for fundraising are also essential attributes.

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What is SAIT's approach to fundraising?

SAIT utilizes a Moves Management fundraising philosophy wherein Development Officers strategically manage and cultivate relationships with donors to maximize giving potential. This approach ensures that each donor feels valued and connected to SAIT's mission.

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How does SAIT support its Development Officers?

SAIT invests in its Development Officers by providing a collaborative team environment, professional development opportunities, and access to key resources that help them succeed in their fundraising efforts.

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What benefits come with being a Development Officer at SAIT?

As a Development Officer at SAIT, you can expect a competitive salary range, generous vacation and flex days, and access to benefits like healthcare, dental plans, and flexible work options. Plus, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a difference.

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Common Interview Questions for Development Officer
Can you describe your experience with major gifts fundraising as a Development Officer?

In answering this question, focus on specific examples from your past roles where you successfully secured major gifts. Highlight any strategies you employed, challenges you faced, and the impact your fundraising efforts had on the organization.

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How do you build and maintain relationships with donors?

Talk about your approach to relationship-building, emphasizing proactive communication, regular engagement, and personalized outreach. Use examples to demonstrate how your efforts have resulted in sustained support from donors.

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What strategies have you used in past roles to solicit major gifts?

Outline specific strategies you’ve utilized in past fundraising efforts. Discuss the importance of research, understanding donor motivations, and tailoring your approach to individual prospects to secure significant donations.

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How do you prioritize your portfolio of major gift prospects?

Discuss your criteria for prioritizing prospects based on factors such as past giving history, capacity to give, and engagement level. Mention any tools or methods, like a CRM system, that you’ve used to manage your portfolio effectively.

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Describe a successful proposal you have prepared for a major gift.

Be prepared to outline a specific proposal, discussing the key objectives, the process of crafting the proposal, and how you ensured it resonated with the donor’s interests. Highlight the outcomes of this proposal.

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What role does teamwork play in the fundraising process?

Share your belief in the value of collaboration within fundraising teams. Provide examples of successful team dynamics in previous positions that led to achieving or exceeding fundraising targets.

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How do you handle rejection from a potential donor?

Discuss your resilience and approach to handling rejection. Stress the importance of learning from each interaction and following up with the prospect later, maintaining a positive attitude throughout.

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What motivates you to work as a Development Officer?

Share your personal motivations, such as a passion for education or community service. Highlight how being a Development Officer allows you to make a meaningful impact in students’ lives and the institution as a whole.

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How would you promote SAIT’s mission to potential donors?

Talk about your understanding of SAIT’s mission and values, and how you would communicate these effectively. Include the focus on real-world impact, student success, and how donor support translates into tangible outcomes.

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What do you see as the biggest challenges in fundraising today?

Address current challenges in the fundraising landscape, such as economic uncertainties or shifts in donor behavior. Discuss your strategies for overcoming these challenges, including adapting approaches or finding new donor segments.

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