Position Summary

The Director of Advancement and External Relations (AER) plays a pivotal role in shaping Pearson College’s philanthropic vision and strategic advancement objectives, especially during this critical period between campaigns.

Reporting to the Head of College, this position leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive advancement strategy aimed at achieving ambitious annual fundraising targets—more than $4M annually — while building and nurturing long-term donor, alumni, and community relationships.

This role requires a forward-thinking leader who will oversee all aspects of Advancement and External Relations, from operational management and alumni engagement to marketing and public relations. The Director will develop and manage key strategies and programs that will strengthen the College’s reputation and reach, engaging major donors, enhancing alumni relations, and supporting relationships with governmental and diplomatic communities. As a member of the College’s Leadership Team, the Director will collaborate closely with other senior leaders to support Pearson College’s strategic plan and ensure that AER initiatives align with the College’s mission and growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

• Co-create and lead the implementation of the strategic advancement and external relations plan that drives our philanthropic ambitions in support of the larger Pearson College strategic plan.
• Based on overall strategies and program goals, and in collaboration with the AER staff, develop annual operation plans for each of these areas, with clear targets and accountabilities, ensuring that best practice activities are in place to support advancement goals.
• Responsibility and accountable for day-to-day AER operations, including line management and budgets.
• Provide appropriate oversight and guidance, including the development of policies, procedures, and reports related to best practices in information management and tracking, ensuring that the Advancement database is maintained in a manner that allows it to be used to its full potential.
• Contribute to the overall direction and management of the College by serving as a member of the College’s Leadership Team.
• Serve as an ambassador and representative of the College, establishing and maintaining effective relationships with alumni, volunteers, donors, funders, partners, friends and the wider community.

Specific responsibilities and accountabilities of this position include but are not limited to:

Advancement:

• Establish the overall fundraising strategy, goals, and metrics, in close collaboration with the Head of College and Senior Manager of Donor Engagement and Gift Planning.
• Support the Advancement team to execute the plan that will result in the successful attainment of annual fundraising goals for operational, capital and endowment giving.
• Oversee the major donor prospect pipeline through ongoing prospect identification, research and evaluation.
• Initiate and sustain strong relationships with a portfolio of major donors, personally securing 5-7 figure donations, as well as supporting the Head of College and Board Directors as appropriate.
• Alongside the Senior Manager of Donor Engagement and Gift Planning, continue growing the Lester B. Pearson Legacy Society planned/legacy giving program to inspire long term support of the College.
• Forge and strengthen ties with new and existing donors, partners, and stakeholders to deepen engagement and to attract new and increased investment in Pearson College.
• When ready to launch the next campaign, collaborate closely with Head of College and other roles which may include a Campaign Director and/or Campaign Cabinet to initiate and support a professional, strategic, and integrated approach to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities, as well as the development of specific strategies and actions for individual donors and prospects.

Alumni Engagement:

• In close collaboration with the Manager of Alumni Engagement, develop a vision and strategic plan for Alumni Relations that will inspire and engage alumni, volunteers, employees, and students, with the goal of enhancing friend-raising and fundraising for the College.
• Build upon existing Alumni Relations programs and activities, and develop new and innovative activities that align with and support the overall Advancement strategy and goals.
• Oversee the building and cultivation of lifelong relationships with our 4,800+ alumni.
• Review mass communications between Pearson College and its alumni, ensuring that information about both the College’s goals and accomplishments is effectively communicated, and that appropriate opportunities are provided for alumni to engage in dialogue with the College, students, and other alumni.
• Encourage the Head of College, Advancement staff, and College employees in the support of and participation in the alumni activities of the College.
• Collaborate with Senior Leaders, faculty and staff to develop strategies that align alumni activities with the goals of the College.

Leadership & Management:

• Embraces the mission and daily experience of Pearson, becoming familiar with the College’s history, and living its vision and values.
• Advocate for and champion the College’s values, and principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Foster an empowered team environment for AER staff by guiding, mentoring, supervising, and supporting staff to reach their full potential and achieve, or exceed, their goals.
• Support, guide, and enable the Engagement Committee of the Board.
• Establish clear performance goals, expectations and benchmarks, and implement processes to manage and evaluate individual and team success.
• Motivate volunteers to be effectively and strategically involved in appropriate ways in our advancement activities.
• Provide encouragement, and support to ensure effective involvement of senior. organizational leaders and senior volunteers in Pearson’s advancement efforts.
• Represent the College on campus, in the community, and across the country and around the world to build a strong network of support; speak passionately about the mission, vision, and needs of the College in public appearances, speaking engagements, and digital formats.
• Model a high level of professionalism in all interactions, communications and activities.
• Support the migration of the database to the Raiser’s Edge NXT in the next 6-12 months.

Communications & Marketing:

• In close collaboration with the Manager of Communications and External Relations, support the creation and implementation of an integrated marketing and branding program to raise both awareness and support for Pearson College.
• Oversee communications and marketing, and public relations initiatives designed to further enhance national and international awareness of Pearson College’s strengths, successes and impact.
• As appropriate, support and coordinate activities related to maintaining and enhancing positive and proactive relations with various levels of government and with the diplomatic community in Canada and internationally.

Desired Experiences and Competencies

• Significant social profit advancement or fundraising experience, ideally in a youth-serving or educational institution.
• Proven success in major gift fundraising and comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, develop, and maintain meaningful and authentic relationships with prospects, donors, alumni, volunteers, and other constituents to strengthen ties and grow financial support.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills to work in collaboration with a wide range of colleagues and constituencies.
• Ability and interest in managing, developing, and mentoring staff.
• Understands, embraces, and supports the College’s mission and values.
• An understanding of the value and role of all aspects of a robust advancement program, including but not limited to Alumni Relations, annual giving, and planned giving.
• Knowledge of how to effectively market and communicate the values and mission of the College, both internally and externally.
• Excellent writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
• Principles and techniques for communications and public relations related to fundraising campaigns.
• A high level of integrity, honesty, and a strong work ethic.
• Proven organizational skills, attention to detail, and respect for confidentiality.
• Proficiency with fundraising management software and administrative systems, ideally Raiser’s Edge.
• University degree from a recognized post-secondary institution, or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• This is a full-time position requiring occasional local, national, and international travel and some work outside of normal business hours.
• While this is may be a hybrid role, the Director will need to maintain a significant campus presence, particularly early in their tenure, with a preference for at least 4 days per week and potentially shifting over time.