Director of Advancement

Location

Vancouver, BC | Canada

Job description

Vancouver School of Theology

Director of Advancement

Position Description

General Information:

Reports to: The President

Employment Status: Full Time

Works Closely with: Management Team, Communications and Marketing Officer, Development Assistant, Recruitment Officer

Relates to: All departments as concerns advancement

Position Summary:

Reporting to the President, the Director of Advancement, is a full-time position and serves as a member of the Management Team of the school. The Director of Advancement will provide expertise and personnel to guide fundraising and marketing at VST in order to advance the school's mission and vision. This should be done in three highly interrelated ways: (1) developing VST's community of financial support (thereby increasing the longer-term financial capacity and vitality of the school); (2) guiding and enhancing VSTIs efficiency and effectiveness in communicating and marketing its message and; (3) managing a small department (Communications and Marketing Officer and Development Assistant) to greatest effectiveness. The Director of Advancement provides effective leadership and oversight of the school’s advancement program, working collaboratively with the President, board members, faculty, staff and volunteers.

Specific Responsibilities:

1. Financial Advancement:
   • Design and lead a five-year development strategy that will enable VST to build and sustain a trajectory of aggressive growth in impact and revenue;
   • Plan and undertake as the key contact between VST and its donors a concerted, continuing fundraising program, with a view to implementing industry best practices and adapting to the rapidly changing marketplace, both in terms of Christian mission and donor relations;
   • Strategically position and utilize the President of VST to assist in fundraising efforts;
   • Develop VSTIs financial support base, through work with various Christian communities & traditions and others who are interested in the work of VST beyond its current base of support;
   • With the VST leadership management team identify, cultivate and maintain a portfolio of individual, corporate and foundations donor;
   • Provide leadership to VST's team of fundraising resources such as grant writing, data management and supervise the moves management process throughout the organization;
   • Oversee the healthy development and enhancement of fundraising programs, including direct mail, electronic newsletters, benefit events, and the monthly giving program and planned giving;
   • Supervise the organization of events to gather supporters and expand VST's constituency.

1. Marketing Development:

• Design and orchestrate an integrated marketing strategy to review and curate VST's brand as a leading seminary and school for theological education, and attract sufficient resources to sustain the school by:
• Capturing and packaging VST's vision with the best ideas of the school's staff, channeling them into improved graphic identity, fund development and marketing programs;
• Provide insight and leadership to organizational marketing with a view to leveraging all of VST's assets for demonstrable, measurable and significant growth;
• Providing a key voice in reviewing and curating VST’s brand, while strategically leveraging and framing the brand in a way that resonates with the segments of the faith communities that could support VST;
• Ensuring the integration of all aspects of marketing and communications to support fund development;
• Maximizing VSTIs direct mail programs, online presence and benefit events for financial growth;
• Supporting colleagues in student services (recruitment) as a source of expertise;
• Overseeing the production of all VST communications (print and electronic).
• Identify and develop opportunities for cooperation with other organizations / schools for mutual advancement.

1. Management of Advancement Support Staff/Budgets

• Hire, supervise, train and evaluate institutional advancement staff as may be approved by the President

• Encourage professional development among the staff
• Educate and encourage the Board and Faculty to seek out opportunities for school support
  • Prepare and submit recommendations for the institutional advancement and communications program budgets during the school’s annual budget process and manage the budgets, ensuring that the programs and projects stay within the budget allocation and are completed in a timely manner.

Qualifications:

• Superior strategic and tactical communications and marketing skills, and a record of accomplishment in apply them in an academic, non-profit based organization
• Familiarity with internet applications, social media and other emerging technologies and a willingness to learn new applications
• Strong proficiency in verbal and written communication, with excellent English and grammar skills
• Proficiency in MS office applications and Donor Perfect programs
• Track record of successful project and budget management including experience in directing and

managing multiple projects simultaneously.

• Demonstrated facility in market positioning and competitive analysis
• Leadership and interpersonal skills with a strong track record of building consensus and exhibiting

a collaborative style

• Ability to communicate effectively about Anglican, United and Presbyterian churches and

theological education

A bachelor’s degree is required; and advanced degree is a plus. A minimum of two years experience in a related administrative position, preferably in a higher education sector with knowledge of mainline Protestant theology, culture and practice.

The successful applicant will have a commitment to the importance of theological education, proven management skills, be well organized, have a professional demeanor and presence, positive attitude, strong work ethic, outstanding attendance and punctuality, inter-personal skills and be a self-starter. This position requires someone who will exercise a high level of discretion; have the ability to deal with diverse groups of individuals and situations with a high degree of tact and good judgement. The successful applicant will possess a consultative leadership style and seek out new opportunities along with sense of humour and enthusiasm.

Interested candidates should:

• submit a CV
• cover letter
• contact information for three references

To Shari Coltart

Vancouver School of Theology

**************@vst.edu

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The position is open until filled.

Only applicants eligible to work in Canada will be considered.

Job tags

Salary