Senior Development Officer – ST. MILDRED’S-LIGHTBOURN SCHOOL

An Opportunity to Join SMLS

To support our vision of empowered young women challenging and transforming the world, we are currently seeking a Senior Development Officer. Reporting to the Director, Development, the Senior Development Officer is a key member of the Advancement team focused on the success of our fundraising programs. In collaboration with the Director, Development, the Senior Development Officer builds meaningful relationships with the members of our community and inspires support for our school.

Located on 10 beautiful acres in the heart of Olde Oakville, St. Mildred’s-Lightbourn School (SMLS) is a premier independent school for girls from JK through to Grade 12. Our mission is to engage each girl in a personalized, real-world learning experience where she explores her unique pathways within a nurturing community.

Position Details
Department: Development
Reports to: Director, Development

Experience: 5+ years experience in a fundraising environment
Qualifications: University degree/College diploma in fundraising and/or a relevant field, combined with 5 or more years of experience in fundraising
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.
• 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).
• 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.

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.