Senior Development Officer

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Position Summary:
Under the general direction of the Executive Director of Health Affairs, the incumbent will develop, plan and implement strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing and stewarding major gifts of at least $100,000 for the Goodman Cancer Institute. The incumbent will be responsible for developing and managing a portfolio of prospects, managing multiple groups of high-level fundraising volunteers, developing and building relationships with alumni around professional and social networks.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage a prospect portfolio (approx. 100 prospective and current donors) and carry out significant steps (moves) in accordance with a strategy designed to result in increased philanthropic support for the Goodman Cancer Institute, Faculty MHS and McGill University.
• Identify, cultivate and solicit prospects capable of contributing "some" special gifts ($25,000 - $99,999) and "the majority" major gifts of $100,000 or more to Faculty and University priorities. Through personal visits, identify and qualify individuals to determine capacity, inclination and interests in providing special and major gift support to the Faculty. Evaluate and recommend appropriate next steps for newly qualified potential donors and current donors.
• Develop major gift fundraising strategies and timetables, in collaboration with the Director and other fundraising team within the FMHS to secure gifts of $100,000 or more from top prospects. This includes providing strategic development support for visits by the Dean, and other senior administrators.
• Develop a strategic annual plan for approval and provide progress report towards goals.
• In collaboration with FMHS, manage the organization of special events geared to major gifts prospects and to enhancing ongoing alumni relations with this particular group of prospects.
• Manage volunteer networks that assist in the identification, cultivation and solicitation of prospects.
• Use the Prospect Management System to file timely and appropriate contact reports, record proposals, follow up actions etc. and analyze data to effectively identify, cultivate and steward prospects and donors.
• Work closely with FMHS Communications to ensure that messages and communications (case statements, proposals, bulleting, and donor reports) are consistent with the University’s case for support and fundraising priorities.
• Work with colleagues throughout the University Advancement Development Office, including other Faculty-based staff to achieve university-wide fundraising goals.
• Undertake special projects.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• The position requires an in-depth knowledge of fundraising best practices, a strong track record of closing $100K+ gifts in a metrics driven, team environment.
• A minimum of five years of direct fundraising experience required with seven to ten years of direct fundraising experience preferred in an academic/higher education or in business development in the private sector.
• The candidate must be a results-driven, highly motivated fundraiser who can lead, build a high level of trust in relationships, and influence others to reach ambitious objectives. The candidate should have the proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment and be able to manage multiple projects within tightly prescribed timetables.
• The candidate must possess demonstrated skills in planning, organizing, priority setting, and problem solving in a fundraising environment.
• Discretion, diplomacy, and good judgment are essential, as are strong networking skills, and a donor-focused attitude.
• In addition, the candidate requires the ability to make difficult decisions, identify potential risks and adjust activities to reach required goals.
• The candidate must be an exceptional communicator with demonstrated ability to tailor speech to the level and experience of internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong presentation ability and written communications skills are also required, including the ability to prepare complex advancement communications, such as case statements and proposals.
• Proven to work autonomously and manage own schedule, with the ability to regularly work on