Description
Full-time Permanent Position
Who We Are
Located on 10 beautiful acres in the heart of Olde Oakville, St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School (SMLS) is a premier Canadian independent school for girls. We offer an enriched academic and co-curricular program aimed at personalized learning designed for girls from JK to Grade 12. Our unique signature programs and supportive environment equip each student for success in their chosen path.
An Opportunity to Join SMLS
Role Overview
To support our vision of empowered young women challenging and transforming the world, we are currently seeking a Sr. Development Officer. Reporting to the Director, Development, the Sr. Development Officer is a key member of the 3-person Development team focused on annual giving, communication, philanthropy, fundraising, and research activities to support the school’s development initiatives. The Sr. The Development Officer will build meaningful relationships with the members of our community and inspire support for our school.
Position Details
Department: Development
Reports to: Director, Development
Experience: 5+ years experience in a fundraising environment
Understanding of the donor cycle
Experience with Raiser’s Edge software (or similar CRM)
Experience in a non-profit setting
Experience in an Independent School (asset)
Qualifications: University degree/College diploma in fundraising and/or a relevant field, combined with 5 or more years of experience in fundraising
Member of AFP (asset)
Working Conditions: Office Environment, Mac, Google
Occasional evening/weekend work
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising and Donor Engagement
Lead a comprehensive and multi-channel annual campaign plan to support the priorities and strategic goals of the school
Develop the planning and strategy of the annual giving program
Identify and develop opportunities for engagement with prospective mid-level donors and collaborate in building and executing personalized cultivation, solicitation and stewardship activities
Craft personalized and compelling campaign communications that inspire support for SMLS
Support the Director, Development in major gift fundraising efforts, prospect identification, and preparing reports for the leadership team and the Board of Governors
Liaise with the Director, Community Relations to support alumnae engagement plans, events and fundraising activities
Identify opportunities to engage community members in meaningful ways that deepen their commitment to the school
Support activities in each stage of the donor cycle
Lead the development of annual Development publications including our Gratitude Report, Impact Report and personalized stewardship reports
Build meaningful relationships with donors, parents, alumnae and other members of the school community to inspire philanthropic support
Track and analyze giving patterns, funds raised and communications data, ensuring goals are being met.
Act as a brand ambassador to represent SMLS externally with confidence and professionalism
Engage our school community to nurture a culture of philanthropy and volunteerism
Development Support
Support the planning and execution of Development and community events
Ensure that data is captured in Raiser’s Edge in an accurate and timely manner
Work collaboratively with the Development Team to support cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans
Collaborate with other departments to ensure timely effective dissemination of information
Utilize available platforms to create connections and meaningful engagement opportunities with community members
Other related duties as assigned
Who You Are
Your Strengths
Above all else, the successful candidate is a champion for girls’ education. You are also:
An enthusiastic, articulate, and creative individual who communicates with ease and confidence.
A critical thinker who demonstrates initiative, integrity and attention to detail.
A team player who enjoys being part of a vibrant, collaborative community and contributes positively to all areas of the school.
Your Knowledge, Skills & Experience
We are seeking a dynamic fundraising professional with excellent communication skills and a willingness to continue to develop and grow their skill set.
Demonstrated ability to interact well and use good judgement with donors
Demonstrated effectiveness working collaboratively among all areas of an organization
Experience using Raiser’s Edge
Knowledge of fundraising best practices and fundraising trends, and how systems and processes support efforts to identify, cultivate and sustain relationships with donors
Strong working knowledge of maintaining donor databases
Capacity to report financial and statistical data
Strong administrative, organizational and communication skills
Why Join SMLS?
Our work is meaningful and important. As a school, we support each student’s interests, talents, learning needs and strengths. Through our world-class facility, Signature Programs, expertise in girls’ education, and dedication to personalization, our students become lifelong learners equipped to achieve excellence in whatever path they choose.
When you join SMLS, you join a fun and supportive community!
Our employees enjoy competitive compensation packages and may be eligible for some of the following benefits:
Health, vision, and dental care
Life insurance, AD&D insurance, and Long Term Disability insurance
Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Mental health & wellbeing resources
Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan / RRSP program with up to 5% employer match
A healthy lunch program during the school year
On-site fitness facilities
On-site parking
Time off during Winter Break and March Break
Summer hours and extra long weekends in line with the school calendar
OUR VISION
Young women empowered to challenge and transform the world.
OUR MISSION
To engage each girl in a personalized, real-world learning experience where she explores her unique pathways within a nurturing community.
OUR VALUES
Excellent · Courage · Integrity · Belonging
If you are interested in this opportunity to join SMLS, please submit a cover letter and resume to: humanresources@smls.on.ca
We appreciate and thank all applicants for your interest in SMLS, however, only those candidates invited for an interview will be contacted.
SMLS is an equal opportunity employer and we accommodate any needs under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment within our community.
Please contact Human Resources with any requirements or questions.
