Development Officer, Botanic Garden

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Temporary Librarian, Administrative and Professional Staff Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $26,772.80 to $44, pro-rated). This position has an initial appointment of 4 years.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at Enterprise Square and the University of Alberta Botanic Garden.

We are seeking a warm, enthusiastic relationship builder that is thoughtful to join our dynamic and passionate team. This role is all about creating meaningful connections. Reporting to the Manager, Leadership Annual Giving, the Development Officer will be the champion for the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, connecting generous alumni, faculty, stakeholders, and friends with opportunities to support the Garden's incredible mission. This work will be done in close collaboration with the Garden's Director and the Manager of Leadership Annual Giving.

The Development Officer will work hand in hand with the Garden's leadership and our broader Development team to nurture inspiring relationships that deepen our donors' engagement and lead to impactful philanthropic contributions. A key focus will be managing a dedicated portfolio of 40-50 donors who have the potential to make philanthropic investments. Additionally, this role will be instrumental in designing special, donor facing projects that celebrate our supporters and further connect their passions to the Garden's future. The successful candidate will be a confident and collaborative communicator, working comfortably with colleagues, senior executives, the Director of the Botanic Garden, volunteers, and, most importantly, our wonderful community of supporters.

The Vice-President - External Relations leads the University of Alberta's efforts to enhance and protect its reputation locally, nationally, and globally. This role oversees the development and execution of strategic initiatives that shape how internal and external audiences perceive the university.

With a focus on communication, engagement, and relationship-building, the Vice-President provides leadership for Communications and Marketing, Alumni Relations, Advancement, and Government and Community Relations. These teams collaborate to support the university's brand, foster donor and alumni engagement, and establish strong connections with public and community partners.

Through these coordinated efforts, the Vice-President - External Relations ensures the university's image, influence, and impact are advanced in alignment with its mission, values, and long-term goals.

• Forge Inspiring Relationships: You will be the primary point of connection, personally cultivating meaningful relationships with a select group of 40-50 loyal supporters who are ready to make a significant impact through leadership gifts ($1,000+$). This involves prioritizing thoughtful engagement, including around 35-50 personal visits annually.
• Translate Passion into Progress: Strategically partner with the Leadership Annual Giving Manager to set and achieve philanthropic goals that directly fund the UABG's most vital programs and future growth, ensuring every effort aligns with the University's standards for generosity.
• Celebrate and Report Impact: Create compelling reports (in partnership with the Manager) that joyfully show donors the difference their generosity makes each year, upholding our commitment to transparent and grateful stewardship.
• Guide the Giving Journey: Act as a thoughtful conductor for our donors' engagement. This includes identifying new friends, nurturing existing relationships, and carefully guiding them through a seamless cultivation cycle, ensuring their journey with the UABG is always rewarding and inspiring.
• Ensure Flawless Gratitude: Collaborate across teams to ensure that every gift is processed accurately, all agreements are properly documented, and donors receive prompt and meaningful acknowledgement that celebrates their commitment.

• Be the Garden's Voice: Enthusiastically represent the UABG's vision at events and campaigns, and develop customized giving strategies that effectively match the passion of our donors with the Garden's specific needs and initiatives.

• 3+ years of progressive fundraising experience (is an asset). Related experience in sales, marketing, financial services, public relations or business development (considered). This experience must include direct, face-to-face client/customer/public interaction.

• A minimum of a high school diploma is required, and an undergraduate degree in a related discipline is preferred.
• Project management experience with demonstrated ability to manage multiple accounts/tasks simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated, proactive, energetic, creative, goal-oriented.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Knowledge of diverse fundraising tools and strategies, including the giving cycle.
• Knowledge of planned giving basics (preferred).
• Excellent problem-solving, judgment, and discretion.
• Skilled decision-making with appropriate consultation.
• Self-motivated, proactive, energetic, and creative.
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork and resourcefulness.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to understand donor needs, cultivate relationships and match them with philanthropic priorities and opportunities.
• Interest in all aspects of higher education and a dedication to promoting the university's fundraising priorities through developing excellent relationships with all stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and implement annual gift solicitation strategies.
• Ability and willingness to travel to meet with donors and prospective donors

Application Instructions

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The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.