Description
Shawnigan Lake School is a leading independent co-educational boarding school for ages 12-18 (grades 8-12) on Canada’s beautiful west coast. Our world-class facilities situated on a stunning 270-acre campus include eleven boarding houses, a theatre, film lab, an observatory, salmon hatchery, rowing crew house on the lake, dance studio, state of the art Learning Commons and Library, recording studio, and robotics lab. Our diverse, inter-disciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
For more information, explore our Shawnigan at a Glance.
We offer a competitive compensation package and a nurturing, family-friendly workplace. This is a full-time position with a salary range of $100,000 to $120,000 per annum. Actual salary offered will be commensurate with education, experience, and internal parity.
Shawnigan Lake School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff (and volunteers) to share this commitment. Candidates will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with previous employers and a vulnerable sector criminal record check.
JOB DESCRIPTION
DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS
The Director, Major Gifts is a central part of the fundraising team focused primarily on raising resources to deliver Project Future initiatives, including capital projects, scholarships, and endowment.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced major gift fundraiser with a full understanding of the trends impacting the fundraising industry. They will be a team player, passionate about education and youth development, and will thrive while connecting with high-net-worth donors in a school setting. As part of the Advancement & Community Engagement team, overall philanthropic support for the School and effective modelling the School’s core values of Curiosity, Compassion, Community, and Courage are fundamental to this position.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Advancement & Community Engagement, responsibilities include:
Advancement and Fundraising
Seek and secure major gifts in support of Project Future and Shawnigan Lake School;
Manage and develop relationships, identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding a defined portfolio of current and prospective Shawnigan donors;
Pursue annual fundraising goals and performance metrics to ensure achievement of schoolwide objectives and departmental fundraising strategy ;
Build donor relationships through the most effective methods, including phone, email, and individual face-to-face meetings involving travel, ensuring that donor experiences are unfailingly positive and engaging;
Incorporate estate/legacy giving and bequests into major gift solicitation strategies;
Ensure records regarding campaign gifts and pledges are maintained, including gift agreements, payment schedules and pledge reminders for outstanding pledge balances.
Community Engagement
Work with key Departments to coordinate strategic community engagement initiatives;
Participate in School and local-area events to develop a personal profile and network in the Shawnigan community;
Build and maintain relationships with local partners and organizations.
Administration
Work with the Database Manager and Finance team to ensure major donor and gift information is managed and updated accurately and in a timely manner;
Ensure fundraising action notes are recorded for all strategic interactions with constituents.
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Business, Communications, Public Relations or related discipline;
Minimum two years experience in major gift fundraising and concrete understanding of Moves Management, preferably in educational settings;
Knowledge of prospect research process;
Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge NXT or similar CRM database platform;
Aptitude to connect authentically with people and build effective interpersonal relationships;
A results-oriented focus with sound judgment, a driven attitude, excellent strategist;
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with hardworking, motivated, cause-oriented professional;
Organized, strong attention to detail, able to accept direction and work independently, and as a team;
Willing to travel internationally.
NEXT STEPS
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter specifically expressing your interest in working at Shawnigan to the attention of Joanna Robinson, Executive Director of Advancement & Community Engagement email at recruitment@shawnigan.ca.
Shawnigan Lake School is an equal opportunity employer committed to establishing an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or any other basis protected by applicable law.
We express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest in this position, however only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Position closes when filled.
