Development & Community Relations Officer

Job Description Title: Development & Community Relations Officer

Reports to: Director of Development & Community Relations

Start Date: As soon as possible

Scope

Reporting to the Director of Development & Community Relations, the Development & Community Relations 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 

• Initiates fundraising efforts at the School 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 in the Raiser’s Edge database.
• Develops engagement strategies that lead to the identification and solicitation of sponsors and volunteers.
• Lead and manage the Community Enrichment Program, including fostering meaningful parent engagement and supporting volunteers as active contributors to the Meadowridge community.
• Assist in the management and facilitation of the New Family Onboarding Program.
• Provide assistance as required to assure that gift 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.
• 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.
• Liaison between Chinese parent community and the school, providing feedback and updates whenever possible.
• Support and assist the Advancement team with all Advancement led events.
• 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 and school news.

The Development & Community Relations Officer is instrumental in planning and executing the Development team’s engagement trip to China, designed to strengthen relationships with families living and working abroad and deepen community connections. Requires a minimum commitment of two consecutive weeks of travel, with extended workdays dedicated to meetings, events, relationship-building activities, and translation support.

Skills and Attributes

• Valid BC driver’s license, flexibility to travel, work flexible hours when required, including evenings and weekends
• Demonstrated success in building, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding 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
• Establish 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

Other duties as assigned.

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

We offer a comprehensive benefit plan including:

• Extended Health and Dental
• RRSP Matching 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
  

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. If you require accommodations during the application process, please email employment@meadowridge.bc.ca  

Meadowridge School acknowledges it is located on the ancestral, unceded territory of the Katzie, the Kwantlen, and Coast Salish Peoples. 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