Summary

Reporting to Director, Strategic Engagement and working closely with other development colleagues, the Strategic Engagement unit, and members of the Vice President University Relations (UR) portfolio, the Manager, Fund Development is an integral member of AU's Strategic Engagement unit in University Relations.

Description

Guided by Like No Other, Athabasca University’s (AU) strategic plan, AU’s approach to accessible yet transformative education and research is truly distinctive. Our academic mission is to remove barriers to post-secondary education for learners, regardless of their age, location, career, or educational background. 

Based in the beautiful region of Athabasca, Alberta, AU is one of four Comprehensive Academic and Research Universities (CARUs) in the province. We are a public, board-governed, open, and online university serving more than 35,000 students across Alberta, Canada, and around the world. 

AU seeks to be an agile and inclusive workplace in which all team members can grow, make their highest contribution, and each make a difference to our academic vision and mission. We are strongly committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and with Indigenous Peoples and communities, conciliation. 

Led by President Dr. Alex Clark, AU is embarking on an exciting new chapter. Drawing from five decades of growth in distance and online education, we aim to grow our position as Canada’s foremost innovator in flexible, online and accessible learning. With an inclusive Senior Leadership Team dedicated to empowering every team member to contribute, learn and thrive, AU stands poised for an exciting and ambitious next stage of development. 

 

Athabasca University's University Relations Department is currently recruiting for a Manager, Fund Development.

This is a permanent full-time position commencing January, 2025.

 

The Position:

Reporting to Director, Strategic Engagement and working closely with other development colleagues, the Strategic Engagement unit, and members of the Vice President University Relations (UR) portfolio, the Manager, Fund Development is an integral member of AU's Strategic Engagement unit in University Relations. The Manager is the primary external facing fundraiser, working closely with faculties, units and leaders to drive forward development initiatives, leading the external facing efforts with donors, funders and prospects. AU seeks to enhance current development and engagement initiatives that will support long term sustainability and set up the university well for development initiatives with the launch of new the strategic plan. The Manager will play a critical role in the university's fundraising efforts through increasing the pipeline of major donor prospects, identifying gift opportunities and securing and stewarding major gifts. This full-time position will be responsible for generating philanthropic support for AU, advancing its mission and fostering strong relationships with current and prospective donors. They will manage a varied portfolio of primarily major gift donors and prospects, including individuals, corporations, and foundations. 

 

The full job description can be viewed at: Manager, Fund Development

 

Qualifications:

  • A University degree is required; preferably in business, arts, communications or other related field
  • A minimum of 5 years directly related business development or fundraising experience
  • Demonstrated experience in successful major gift solicitation ($25,000+) is required
  • Experience in formal and informal people management highly preferred
  • Experience working in post-secondary, public sector or the non-profit sector is highly preferred
  • People-oriented with strong customer service, listening and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills, be able to multi-task effectively and efficiently especially during peak periods (i.e., semester start-up), and meet deadlines; attention to detail is a must
  • Ability to produce compelling development communication tools including cases for support, gift proposals, presentations and collateral materials
  • Strong leadership and team-building skills
  • Sound judgment and decision-making capabilities
  • Demonstrated respect for confidentiality and professionalism in handling highly sensitive and confidential information
  • Be a motivated, self-starter able to work both independently and collaboratively across AU teams as required
  • Be able to work occasional evenings or weekends
  • Be able to travel as required

 

Contact Information 

For further information regarding this opportunity, please contact Jessica O'Connell, Director, Strategic Engagement, at joconnell@athabascau.ca

 

Athabasca First

Wherever possible, AU seeks to attract and hire qualified team members to reside in the Athabasca region. We will offer relocation assistance for the right candidate should you decide to relocate to the Town of Athabasca. As a resident of the town or county of Athabasca, you can choose to work on and from our beautiful campus in Athabasca.

To discover the Town and Region of Athabasca, go to: Visit Athabasca.

What AU Offers: 

Benefits and Pension eligibility differs based on employee group and may include:

  • Defined Benefits Pension Plan
  • Alberta Health Care
  • Extended Health Care
  • Life Insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
  • Disability Coverage
  • Vacation
  • Office Closure between Christmas and New Year's Day
  • Discretionary Benefit Fund
  • AU Course Allowance
  • A Variety of Leaves (e.g., Maternity/Parental/Adoption, Compassionate Care, etc.)
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Educational credentials will be verified before an offer of employment is extended. An offer of employment is conditional upon verification of educational credentials. 

All educational credentials must be recognized in Canada.  

E-Transcripts shared directly from your Post-Secondary Institution via email are acceptable. 

WES https://www.wes.org/ca/ may be used to verify international educational credentials. Processing time for verification of international qualifications may take up to one month; please plan accordingly. 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents will be given priority. 

Athabasca University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, persons of any gender identity and expression, and members of visible minorities. 

Where applicants have equal skills, abilities, and experience, candidates residing within or willing to relocate to the County of Athabasca will be given preference.

Working outside of Canada is not supported by Athabasca University. You are legally not permitted to work for Athabasca University if you are living outside of Canada.