Associate Director of Development, Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS)

Associate Director of Development,
Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS)

York University Foundation provides fundraising leadership aimed at helping York University redefine the possible.  With the successful completion of York to the Power of 50 fundraising campaign, which raised $207 million in celebration of the University’s 50th anniversary, the Foundation is moving to a new phase in its support of the University’s fundraising priorities. Our path moving forward will be guided by Provostial White Paper, unanimously endorsed by Senate, earlier this year. The White paper can be found at: http://vpacademic.yorku.ca/whitepaper/.

Launched July 1st, 2009, the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS) combines the strengths of the Atkinson Faculty of Liberal & Professional Studies and the Faculty of Arts.  As one of the largest faculties in Canada, LA&PS offers the most comprehensive range of programs in social sciences, the humanities and related professional fields. The Faculty’s ambitious strategic plan, approved this spring (http://www.yorku.ca/laps/strategy/index.html), serves as a guide for the Faculty moving forward.

We are seeking an accomplished and knowledgeable fund development professional for the role of Associate Director of Development to support the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies (LA&PS).  Reporting to the VP, Development, the successful candidate will work closely with the Faculty’s Dean and advisory committee to assist in the growth of the Faculty’s tremendous capacity as a champion of pioneering and socially relevant liberal arts education, research and related professional programs. The incumbent will provide strategic leadership and will manage an active portfolio of approximately 200 prospects.  S/he will identify and qualify prospects; strategically cultivate prospects; design and develop solicitation strategies; identify gift opportunities that match donor interests; personally solicit gifts; and continually steward donors. 

Responsibilities

1. Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, at various stages of cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.  Prospects include individuals, corporations and foundations.
2. Liaise with Academic leadership and appropriate faculty to articulate the case for support and to develop fundraising strategies and priorities.
3. Liaise with the Academic leadership fundraising advisory committee(s) to canvass prospects and to establish priorities related to fundraising programs. 
4. Manage professional fundraising staff by providing effective leadership in prioritizing goals and evaluating performance. 
5. Develop major gift cultivation and solicitation strategies, including writing custom proposals, negotiating gift terms and bringing solicitations to closure. 
6. Working with the Manager of Stewardship, ensure recognition and thorough stewardship including follow-through on the gift implementation, administration of the funds and related expenditures.
7. Contribute to the research and identification of new prospects, working cooperatively with all the other development personnel in the process of prospect management and clearance with the goal of finding the best fit between donors and the highest-level priorities of the University.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• A minimum of five (5) years of professional fundraising experience, preferably in an educational setting
• A proven track record of major gift success, including negotiating and closing expendable and endowed gifts
• Strong leadership and coaching skills to ensure staff meet fundraising goals
• Experience in motivating senior volunteers
• CFRE designation, preferred, plus involvement in a professional association
• A proven ability to work in a complex organization and receptive to change
• A professional and superior client-service approach
• Excellent project management, prioritization and organizational skills
• Outstanding leadership and communication skills; demonstrated goal oriented approach
• Competency with word-processing and spreadsheet applications, fundraising and prospect management databases and Internet skills
• Valid driver’s license required
• Individuals sought with a combination of experience and career interests including:  campaigns; foundation proposal-writing.  Gift planning experience is an asset.

To be considered, interested candidates should forward their resume and a cover letter. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Closing Date:   Friday, September 10, 2010
Contact Information: Ana P. Fini, HR Coordinator
Email:   joinyuf@yorkfoundation.yorku.ca
Website:   www.yorku.ca/foundation