Job Description Title: Development Officer

Reports to: Director of Advancement

Start Date: As soon as possible

Salary Range: $65,000 to $75,000 per year

Scope

Reporting to the Director of Development & Community Relations, the Development Officer assumes the important role of spearheading fundraising initiatives at Meadowridge, utilizing effective front-line fundraising strategies and fostering connections within the community.  

Duties and Responsibilities

Development:

• Initiates fundraising efforts at Meadowridge School and to generate increased giving and participation in support of the school’s Major Gifts program, special projects, capital campaigns and events
• Prospect development process (research, identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship) of individuals and organizations that are annual, major, or planned gift prospects Includes creating prospect research profiles and analysis
• Responsible for the management of a personal portfolio of current and prospective donors with the goal of moving each of these prospects towards making a gift to the School. This responsibility requires a high number of direct face-to-face meetings, occasionally including the Head of School and other senior administrators
• Conduct data entry as appropriate for prospects and donors (Primarily Actions, Relationships, Proposals)
• Develops engagement strategies that lead to the identification and solicitation of event sponsors and volunteers
• Assist in recruiting, orienting, training, and supporting volunteers involved in gift solicitation and stewardship
• Provide assistance as required to assure that receipts and acknowledgements are provided on a timely basis and gift income is recorded properly
• Assist in developing strategies, customized proposals and oversee content for briefing notes for prospect/donor meetings within the major gift pipeline, as well as for meetings with senior staff or volunteers
• Monitor trends in the community/region and adapt fundraising strategies, as necessary
• Foster an understanding of philanthropy within the community

Community Relations:

• Provide oral and written translation services in mandarin for various school departments
• Support the school with written translation services in mandarin for various school publications, communications, and materials
• Liason between Chinese parent community and the school, providing feedback and updates whenever possible
• Support Open Houses and other school related events. This includes supporting the Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration
• Assist in the communications with families to support admissions, enrolment, and re-enrolment
• Supports the online WeChat group for Chinese parents by translating key information of school news
• Assist with school events as necessary by the Advancement team
   

Skills and Attributes

• Demonstrated success in building, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding new relationships
• Success in driving results by working collaboratively and cooperatively with staff and volunteers
• Passion for the education of young people
• Understanding of and affinity for independent school education
• Dynamic and energetic individual who wishes to work in a highly focused environment
• Superior interpersonal and engagement skills
• High level of sound and independent judgment, reasoning, and discretion
• Knowledge of applicable data privacy laws and CRA tax laws
  Well organized and attentive to detail
• Outgoing, inclusive, and welcoming in nature
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, desktop programs and database programs, particularly Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge
• Initiates and completes processes that achieve new, unique, or challenging objectives
• Establishes goals and achieve increases in organizational effectiveness
  Advocates and exhibits excellent customer service internally and externally
• Welcomes a dynamic and changing environment
• Enthusiastic and creative with a positive attitude
• Possess a high level of integrity
• Outgoing and engaging
• Valid BC driver’s license, flexibility to travel, work flexible hours when required, including evenings and weekends
   

Qualifications

• Fluency in Mandarin and English
• University degree in a related field, or a combination of education and experience in fundraising
• Minimum of 5 years of fundraising experience with a not-for-profit organization and a proven track record in securing major gifts
• CFRE designation preferred but not required

Meadowridge School provides a fun, engaging, supportive, inclusive place to work and the opportunity to learn and grow with an exceptional community of professionals.  We offer a comprehensive total compensation package which includes:

Extended Health and Dental
A matching RRSP Program
Employee and Family Assistance Program
Wellness Program including an annual allowance
Access to the schools fitness centre and gym
Acres of forest and trails to explore in
Social events and staff lunches 
Extensive professional development opportunities

Please visit our website at Meadowridge.bc.ca for more information about our school.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and celebrates individuals from all backgrounds, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ (persons of all sexual orientations and genders). We encourage candidates from underrepresented communities to apply, as we believe in equal opportunities and diverse perspectives. We are dedicated to providing accommodations throughout the hiring process and during employment for individuals with disabilities, ensuring an accessible and inclusive environment for all.

Meadowridge School acknowledges it is located on the ancestral, unceded territory of the Katzie, the Kwantlen, and the Stó:lō First Nation. We value the opportunity to learn, live, play, and share educational experiences on this traditional land. Meadowridge School is committed to building strong meaningful relationships and positive partnerships with all the traditional keepers and stewards of this land.

We thank all for applying, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.  This position will remain open until filled.