Stewardship Engagement Officer

**Classification & Regular Hours**: Hours per Week: 35 Salary Grade 15: $69,180 - $81,370, commensurate with experience. Please note, this is a 3 year contract opportunity. **About Western**: Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference. **About Us**: The Western Advancement division plays a leading role in strengthening awareness of and support for the University’s mission and goals by leading alumni relations and fundraising efforts across campus and beyond. All departments within the Division build enduring alumni and public trust through understanding and support for Western University in a coordinated campus-wide effort that results in the engagement and funding needed to make an impact. There are 3 departments within the Division - Departments of Development, Alumni Relations and Advancement Operations. **Responsibilities**: The Stewardship Engagement Officer is a key role in the Donor Experience team within the Department of Development. The role is responsible for supporting the full scope of stewardship and donor relations activities within their portfolio related to the design, development, implementation, management and evaluation of innovative and transformational donor relations and stewardship activities. The Stewardship Engagement Officer will support the cultivation, solicitation, recognition and retention of the interest and commitment of donors and friends, as well as the enhancement and strengthening of the university’s relationships with prospects, volunteers and alumni. The role will ensure the timely recognition, thanking and reporting to donors, and will contribute to the development of strong and lasting relationships through consistent, sustainable and transparent practices. The Stewardship Engagement Officer will work in collaboration with colleagues across University Advancement and the University to design, implement, manage and evaluate a range of stewardship strategies, plans and activities that are critical to the continuation of philanthropic support of the University. **Qualifications**: **Education**: - Undergraduate Degree; major in a Communications related discipline such as English and/or Writing, Master’s of Library and Information Sciences, Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations is preferred **Experience**: - 5 years’ experience in donor relations and stewardship, including the preparation of written stewardship reports and other related communications (e.g., correspondence and donation, grant or sponsorship agreements or contracts) - Experience fundraising in a University or other complex non-profit environment is preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: - Ability to collaborate and develop credible relationships with a wide variety of individuals - Oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on agreements, reports and acknowledgements - Ability to work in a manner that models best practices in confidentiality standards - Cross-cultural competency with an ability to interact and work effectively with people from different cultures and backgrounds - Self-driven, critical thinker who is highly skilled at anticipating and resolving stakeholder relation issues - Ability to make decisions and recommendations that are clearly linked to the organization's strategy and goals - Commitment to ongoing professional development with a desire to take on new challenges - Discretion, tact and maturity to deal with public relations issues related to higher education - Ability to remain highly motivated, resilient, innovative, and collaborative when faced with challenges - Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University’s events and activities as required - Problem solving skills and sound professional judgment, especially regarding confidential/sensitive matters - Proven ability and natural inclination to develop relationships by interacting with people in a professional, respectful and diplomatic manner - Advanced computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe InDesign and Adobe Professional - Familiarity with best practices in records maintenance and with charitable sector and fundraising databases **Western Values Diversity**: Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194. **Please Note**: We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will