EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADVANCEMENT
Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) is seeking a visionary and strategic leader to serve as the Executive Director, Advancement.
Inspired by a strong tradition of social responsibility and an enduring commitment to the advancement of women, MSVU is committed to academic excellence and the pursuit of knowledge through scholarship, teaching and intellectual endeavour of the highest quality.
From its inception, MSVU has been concerned about the wellbeing of individuals and communities, at home and abroad. Established by the Sisters of Charity-Halifax in 1873, MSVU was one of the first institutions of higher education for women in Canada. At a time when women could not vote, MSVU provided an opportunity for women to learn and participate equally in society. In 1925, the Nova Scotia legislature awarded MSVU the right to grant its own degrees, making it the only independent women's college in the British Commonwealth. A new charter was granted in 1966, changing the name from Mount Saint Vincent College to Mount Saint Vincent University.
Recognized as a leader in innovative education, MSVU is a dynamic and welcoming community. Tracing its development from academy to college to university, MSVU is a story of humanity and growth. It's an institution that was established by women for the advancement of women, with social responsibility and social justice at its core. Today, MSVU is strongly committed to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) across all facets of the university, within the local community, and in society at large.
Mount Saint Vincent University is located in Mi'kma'qi, the unceded ancestral territory of the Mi'kmaw People. MSVU acknowledges, with deep respect, the long history and cultural traditions of the Mi'kmaw People and is committed to building and maintaining relationships based on the principles of mutual trust, respect, reciprocity and collaboration in the spirit of reconciliation.
Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, University Relations, and working closely with the President and the MSVU leadership team, the Executive Director, Advancement provides strategic leadership in creating initiatives that advance the university's goals and mission. The Executive Director, Advancement leads a multi-disciplinary team of managers and staff who support the University's priorities in the areas of fundraising, donor and supporter stewardship, including building relationships with corporate partners and with alumni, and also oversees the implementation, management and support of all philanthropic relationships at the university including the development of supporting policies and procedures. The Executive Director provides vision and leadership to the institutional advancement program including the development and execution of capital campaigns, as well as programs in major giving and planned giving; corporate and foundation giving; donor and alumni relations; gift processing and other fund-raising support. In support of these objective, the Executive Director develops and maintains an effective communication and stewardship program that creates and enhances lasting relationships and maintains consistent, deliberate and meaningful interactions with donors.
In partnership with University leadership, the Executive Director develops strategies to build and enhance connections with the university's external communities, including alumni, in support of advancement objectives, and also provides leadership to advancement activities across campus, working closely with university administration, deans, directors and their representatives, to develop and integrate institutional and faculty advancement plans.
The ideal Executive Director of Advancement is a strategic, dynamic, solutions-focused leader who is deeply familiar with the fundraising landscape and well-experienced in all areas of Advancement operation, including relationship management, data management, team leadership, and communications. Possessing an inclusive leadership style, this person will provide leadership to all areas of the Advancement function and will advance strategic fundraising and donor initiatives from inception through to completion in a dynamic environment.
Leveraging your considerable expertise, the Executive Director should be an experienced team builder who can inspire, grow, and mentor staff, while building engagement both within and external to the University. This position works with senior management to facilitate financial support for MSVU and establishes fundraising best practices and strategies for the Advancement team. The University will draw upon your fundraising expertise in support of established and future funding priorities, including an upcoming multimillion dollar campaign.
Experience and Qualifications
The Executive Director, Advancement should possess the following experience and qualifications:
- Experience effectively managing capital campaigns and other giving programs with a proven track record of success, including securing gifts of $1M+.
- Extensive knowledge of and experience with the donor/philanthropic community.
- Superior communication, presentation and interpersonal skills; writing effective proposals and associated development materials and correspondence.
- Experience developing and leading the execution of annual and long-range fundraising strategies and operational plans, including associated budgets.
- An understanding of and appreciation for the Mount's 150 years of history, having a strong commitment to social justice, and a commitment to advancing EDIA (equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility) and truth and reconciliation in keeping with MSVU's mission and strategic plan.
- Several years of progressive experience in a senior fundraising development role, experience in a university setting is a definite asset.
- A university degree would be preferred and a CFRE designation would be considered a benefit.
To learn more about this opportunity, contact Katherine Frank ([email protected]) or Beth McLennan ([email protected]). Completed applications can be submitted online at www.kbrs.ca/Career/17443734588740000008ISY
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
KBRS and MSVU will provide support in the recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact [email protected]
Mount Saint Vincent University is located in Kjipuktuk, part of Mi'kma'ki, the unceded ancestral land of the Mi'kmaw (L'nu'k) People. This territory is covered by the Covenant Chain of Treaties of Peace and Friendship signed between 1725 and 1779. We are all treaty people. We pay respect to the knowledge embedded in the custodians of the lands and waters and to the Elders, past, present, and future.
Mount Saint Vincent University is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates including women, persons of any sexual orientations and gender identities and/or expressions, Indigenous persons, African Canadians, other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, and other groups that would contribute to the diversification of our campus. Candidates who identify as being from any of these groups are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify in their application materials. All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
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