Stewardship Officer

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University Advancement (UA) promotes McGill to its global community and to the public, engaging alumni, volunteers and friends of the University, and building on McGill’s record of fundraising success in support of University priorities.

By joining UA, you can be part of a dynamic and exciting team of professionals that is making an extraordinary impact on the world by advancing the philanthropic and engagement ambitions of McGill University.

To find out more about UA, please visit us at www.mcgill.ca/advancement/ua-careers

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Associate Director, Donor Relations, the incumbent provides robust stewardship support to the development/fundraising team, with a focus on specific faculties or units. In collaboration with the lead fundraiser(s) and various UA teams, the incumbent plans and implements strategies to ensure all donors in their focus receive -targeted stewardship, and high-priority donors receive enhanced, customized stewardship. The incumbent carries out timely and meaningful stewardship activities based on defined strategies.

Primary Responsibilities:

• On an annual basis, undertake a planning process with the senior fundraising leads to review stewardship initiatives for the top donors and develop an annual plan; decide on programmatic touchpoints for strategic donor segments, faculty/unit fundraising priorities, as well as customized stewardship opportunities for high priority donors/prospects.
• Carry out planned and ad-hoc stewardship tasks including (but not limited to) developing/planning impact communications, carrying out recognition activities, and identifying stewardship engagement opportunities.
• With the support of the Donor Communications team, prepare select customized stewardship reports for principal gift donors.
• In collaboration with Alumni Engagement, coordinate recognition and engagement events, as needed
• Utilize stewardship IT systems (CRM) to document planned stewardship activities, track their completion, and monitor performance of stewardship KPIs.
• Develop relationships with faculty/unit-based recipients of donor support and ensure clear communication regarding stewardship expectations.
• On a regular basis, meet with fundraising leads to review priority donors and funding initiatives, new gift agreements for recognition opportunities/needs, and, where applicable, faculty/unit dashboard statistics to ensure compliance
• Participate in the written acknowledgement program, including of the development letter templates for top priority initiatives. When required, work with the Faculty/unit’s administrator to coordinate the Dean’s signature.
• On an ongoing basis, and in partnership with Gift Compliance, review stewardship legal obligations and ensure UA compliance with stewardship expectations defined by signed gift agreement.
• Plan and implement the written acknowledgement program, including annual refresh of letter templates. Work with the Faculty/unit’s administrator to coordinate the Dean’s signature.
• On an ongoing basis, and in partnership with Gift Compliance, review stewardship legal obligations and ensure UA compliance with stewardship expectations defined by signed gift agreement.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Directly relevant experience in an academic/higher education, foundation, or charitable organization. Demonstrated understanding of the advancement field.
• Proven experience working with donors and managing complex projects and programs.
• Results-driven, a self-starter, and highly motivated, with a demonstrated ability to build constructive and effective relationships.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven focus on stakeholder engagement with strong verbal and written presentation and communication skills.
• Advanced ability to effectively plan, organize, establish priorities, negotiate and problem solve.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to manage multiple projects within tightly prescribed timetables. Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a PC environment, using MS Office, and client-server database software.
• Bilingual in French and English.

As one of Montreal's Top Employers, here is what we offer:

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English: McGill University is an English-language university where day to day duties may require English communication both verbally and in writing. The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 3 on a scale of 0-4.

For a definition of our language proficiency levels, please click here.

Minimum Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree 3 Years Related Experience /

Annual Salary:

(MPEX Grade 05) $73,470.00 - $91,840.00 - $110,210.00

Job Profile:

MPEX-COM2C - Development & Alumni Relations - Professional 2

Hours per Week:

33.75 (Full time)

Supervisor:

Director Donor and Volunteer Engagement

Position End Date (If applicable):

Deadline to Apply:

2026-11-27

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [email protected].