Senior Director, Donor Experience

Position Purpose and Summary

The Senior Director of Donor Experience reports directly to the Senior Vice President, Advancement. Working closely with the VP of Alumni Engagement, Senior Director of Philanthropy, and the Manager of Advancement Marketing, the Senior Director of Donor Experience strategically designs, implements and coordinates a positive and meaningful experience for donors through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship programs for all donors and prospects in the acquisition, cultivation and mid-level areas of TWU's donor pipeline.

The Senior Director of Donor Experience engages with and cultivates the next generation of donors through personalized digital engagement and relationship-building activities focused on specific donor interests. Using technology tools, this position is responsible for developing personal, customized relationships with an assigned portfolio of donors, alumni, and parents. Additionally, the Senior Director of Donor Experience steward's donors from a posture of gratitude, providing information to deepen their understanding of the University and the impact of their giving.

Key Areas of Accountability

Donor Experience

• Oversees the acquisition, cultivation and mid-level donor pipeline, helping to build this critical area of the pipeline of mass support through the delivery of multi-channel fundraising campaigns and an annual calendar of donor stewardship and engagement opportunities.
• Strategically design, build and implement donor journeys to facilitate a deeper connection to TWU, provide meaningful communication, and inspire donors and potential donors to participate in the life of the University.
• Works collaboratively across the organization to source compelling campaign and donor communication content and to identify opportunities to include annual donors in cross-departmental engagement initiatives, continually developing and driving recommendations to optimize annual donor engagement and grow unrestricted revenue.
• Leads and collaborates with inter-departmental partners, building the strategy, planning and production of print and digital campaigns, collaterals, and communications to support the donor experience.
• Expand TWU's donor pipeline through initiatives like Giving Day, collaborating with the VP of Alumni Engagement on the execution of Giving Day, as well as developing a comprehensive new donor welcome strategy for new contributors to TWU.

Fundraising Strategy and Leadership

• Provide strategic advice, input and collaboration with the Senior Vice President, Advancement, in the development and implementation of annual fundraising goals, long-term fundraising plans, capital campaigns, key projects and initiatives, and fundraising events.
• Perform a key leadership role in executing donor experience strategy in ways that maximize personal contacts and visits with key individuals to expand the university's donor base.
• Assist in the design and implementation of special projects as needed.
• Actively participate as a member of the Advancement Leadership Team.
• Monitor key philanthropy metrics and data to measure progress towards achieving fiscal and campaign goals.
• Build a small team to support a consistent and exceptional donor experience and foster a culture that prioritizes transformation over transaction by growing within the team an understanding of biblical stewardship and generosity.
• Works closely with the Manager, Advancement Marketing to collaborate and maximize our partnership with the University marketing-communications team and resources.
• Manage a small portfolio of major donors (approximately 10) and develop and implement tailored action plans and strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward this portfolio of donors.

The Person

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to listen with empathy
• A heart for stewardship and a posture of genuine curiosity to serve donors intent, interest and philanthropic goals.
• Excellent skills in diplomacy and relationship building and ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and with discretion.
• Excellent communication skills in written and verbal form, including comfort in speaking to large audiences.
• An ability to prioritize transformation over transaction in donor-relations and an eagerness to foster biblical stewardship and generosity.
• Values and demonstrates collaboration.
• Results-oriented team leader with solid experience in planning, prioritizing, organizing and executing strategic development initiatives.
• Exemplary analytical skills: an ability to clarify and solve complex problems.
• Technically sound experience in using donor databases and leading research tools.
• Experience in developing and leading donor experience initiatives.
• CFRE certification and an advanced degree would be an asset.

Personal

Driven and inspired by Trinity Western University's vision that every graduate is equipped to think truthfully, act justly and live faithfully for the good of the world and the glory of God.

A dedicated and mature evangelical Christian with an earnest desire to serve in family, church, work and community. A firm commitment to TWU's mission, values, Statement of Faith and Community Covenant. Strength of character and reputation, a winsome personality with a positive and friendly attitude in the midst of a busy and challenge atmosphere.

Servant-Leader Way of Life: Committed to live in a manner that exemplifies Jesus Christ with all on-and-off-campus contact.

Key Internal Interactions

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Advancement

Standards and Requirements

Education: Graduate Degree in related field, preferably in Business

Experience: At least five years' experience in fundraising, sales, or a related field, to include prior management experience.

Experience in university settings preferred, to include fundraising or advancement.

Benefits Of Working at TWU:

• A comprehensive benefits package which includes extended health, dental, and insurance and an RRSP matching program.
• Annual statutory holidays (14) with generous vacation accruement.
• Tuition Benefit for TWU undergraduate and graduate level courses to enhance knowledge and professional competency.
• Torch tuition scholarship for dependents of eligible employees attending TWU.
• Free access to TWU's fitness/gym facilities and the Norma Marion Alloway Library.
• Subsidized meals at the main cafeteria.
• Discounts and perks for the on-site Trinity Western Outfitters Campus Store and coffee shops, as well as shops and restaurants in Fort Langley.
• Wellness benefits (i.e., counselling, sick days, personal days, and health/wellness spending account).
• Free recreational equipment rentals (e.g., paddle boards, snowshoes, kayaks, etc.).
• Free employee parking on campus.
• Special community events throughout the year.
• Employee and Family Assistance Plan (EFAP).
• A positive Christian fellowship environment.

Trinity Western University encourages applications from all eligible candidates who are able to commit to the University's mission, values, and Christian identity as articulated in its Statement of Faith and Community Covenant. We are committed to an ethic of inclusion and to the equal treatment of all persons without discrimination in accordance with human rights law.

We particularly invite applications from indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and visible minorities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations during the application process should contact People & Culture.

Trinity Western University is located on the traditional ancestral territory of the Sto:lo people.