Located in the heart of one of the world’s most multicultural cities, Wycliffe College is a historic graduate theological school affiliated with the University of Toronto, and a founding member of the Toronto School of Theology. Wycliffe College faithfully serves the educational mission of the Christian Church by preparing men and women for vocational and lay ministry, through excellence in theological scholarship and spiritual formation. As a vital centre for the promotion of evangelical thought in North America, Wycliffe is shaped by our deep commitment to Scripture, discipleship in community, and passion for mission and Christ’s global church.
Wycliffe College is seeking to fill the position of Development Officer. Reporting to the Director of Development & Communications, and working collaboratively with the Principal, the Development Officer demonstrates a respect and understanding for the structure and traditions within the church in Canada. As a seasoned fundraiser, the Development Officer is a driven self-starter, with a passion for equipping leaders to advance the gospel. Motivated to see the kingdom of God grow, the Development Officer’s charisma and ability to connect well with people will aid them in fulfilling their mission to find new major donors (individuals, churches, and foundations) and nurture current ones into deeper financial engagement. As the College looks forward to a campaign in the future, the incumbent must have a solid understanding of fundraising best practices with a proven ability to initiate new relationships while soliciting major gifts with a Christian context.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Portfolio Initiatives
- Build and grow a robust ‘prospect to major gift donor’ pipeline and facilitate active movement within it to achieve revenue goals.
- Identify, research, qualify, cultivate, and solicit new major gift donors through new and existing networks.
- Work with the Development and Communications teams to write compelling and effective cultivation and solicitation materials (appeal letters, brochures, proposals, website copy, presentations, etc.)
- Attend appropriate Wycliffe College events to cultivate new and solicit current relationships towards further engagement.
- Nurture and strengthen relationships with key Alumni through regular communication and support of events and programs.
- Actively seek out and participate in strategic opportunities to be involved in the community with the aim of identifying and building relationships with prospective donors and stakeholders.
Management and Administration
- Manage and grow a portfolio of major gift donors (individuals, churches, foundations, etc.), providing exceptional donor stewardship to enable meaningful and long-term engagement with Wycliffe College.
- Support the work of the Development Committee by assisting Trustees, volunteers, faculty, and senior staff in playing an effective role in donor prospecting, cultivation, and solicitation.
- Maintain accurate constituent records and timely contact reports in Raiser’s Edge/Salesforce.
- Leverage the database for prospect research as well as regular major gift reporting and analysis on donor activity and revenue goals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience and Education
- Bachelor’s degree or higher.
- CFRE designation preferred.
- Training and/or certification in fundraising, project management, marketing/communications an asset.
- Seasoned fundraising professional with demonstrated major gift experience, including securing and closing major gifts from new donors.
- Demonstrated capital campaign experience is an asset.
- Solid understanding of fundraising best practices including CRA guidelines, and experience with major gift giving vehicles such as planned giving, gifts of securities and other gifts in kind.
- Demonstrated understanding of the Christian culture in Canada.
Competencies
- Working knowledge of Raiser’s Edge and/or Salesforce or similar CRM.
- Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality as well as exercise discretion and sound judgement.
- Work to the highest standard of ethical practice with maturity, diplomacy, and confidentiality always.
- Provide a positive influence throughout the organization by fostering a commitment to teamwork and excellence, contributing to a climate of professionalism, openness, and respect, and exemplifying the Wycliffe College brand and values at all times.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills with the ability to work well both independently and in a team, to achieve goals within prescribed timelines.
- Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a strong ability to inspire and motivate.
- Creative abilities to be resourceful and cost-efficient.
- Personal values that align with Wycliffe College’s core values.
- Passion and appreciation for the role of theological education and the future thriving of the local church.
- Demonstrated ability to interact comfortably, tactfully, professionally, and effectively with a wide range of internal and external constituencies including volunteers, donors, faculty, and staff, and community members inside the Christian community.
- Familiarity and comfort working in a Christian setting.
Salary and Benefits
- Commensurate with experience, the salary range is $80,000 - $100,000 annually.
- Competitive benefits, generous pension, and 4 weeks’ vacation (one of these weeks occurs over Christmas when the office is closed) as commensurate with experience.
Workplace Environment
- Wycliffe College is committed to employment equity and offers equal opportunities to qualified persons, including visible minorities and persons with disabilities.
- Willingness for flexible hours including some evenings, weekends, with regular travel to visit donors (mostly within the GTA & Ontario), at times with Principal, Trustees, and/or Director of Development & Communications.
- Unlimited access to a reliable vehicle and a valid Driver’s Licence.
- A laptop is provided for all required work-related activity including phone calls via Microsoft Teams, enabling the flexibility to work remotely as mutually agreed upon.
- A dedicated workstation in a shared office space at the College is provided. The incumbent is expected to be in the office 2-3 days per week with the option of working from a remote office for the remaining days upon negotiation.
- It is expected that the incumbent will spend a significant amount of time out of the office engaged in donor activities.
- A vulnerable sector police check is required; COVID-19 vaccination is strongly encouraged.
To apply, visit causeleadership.com/wycliffe-college-development-officer/
