Position Overview

The Prospect Research team in the Office of Advancement is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Senior Research Strategist for approximately 2 years, with the possibility of extension.

Reporting directly to the Manager, Prospect Research, this position is responsible for managing strategic information that will assist development and senior staff with the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift & high level donors (>$25,000 with focus on $1M+).  The Senior Research Strategist will manage all efforts to build a pipeline of qualified donors in support of key institutional initiatives. The qualified candidate should have knowledge of a wide range of electronic and print resources and must be highly proficient in the use of sophisticated searching techniques and analysis of financial and other information.
 
In addition, this position will play a crucial role in maintaining a collaborative and supportive work environment by fulfilling an advisory role for junior members of the team and contributing to the recommendation and implementation of new research projects or processes that maximize the effectiveness of the unit.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Undertake proactive research to identify and qualify new prospects both at the major gift (> $25,000) and principal gifts level ($1 million and above) for all faculties, with an emphasis on targeted cities in Canada and the United States. Prospecting may be project-related or otherwise.
• Analyzing, synthesizing and communicating targeted information to assist movement of prospects through the development cycle, including the recommendation of strategies for cultivation and solicitation of donors
• Contributing to the development of a cohesive and efficient research team by collaborating with the Director and other senior staff members on staff training and other team initiatives
• Training and mentoring project staff
• Keeping up-to-date on developments in prospect research by attending training sessions, communicating with other researchers by means of national, international and local professional organization memberships, conferences and listservs focusing on prospect research and fundraising issues

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Post-secondary education in a related discipline (MLIS, Communications, Business)
• Proven success in prospect research for development, preferably in a post-secondary environment
• Membership in the Association of Professional Researchers for Advancement (APRA) and experience at the University of Calgary are assets
• Ability to creatively identify prospect pools and strategies by mining various resources and databases to surface and qualify individuals, foundations and corporations for diverse faculties and initiatives
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to determine priorities and accomplish goals independently through good judgement and effective project management techniques
• Ability to contribute expertise and solve problems in a collaborative manner to achieve greater results
• Past experience leading staff to achieve goals while promoting a positive work environment
• Thorough knowledge of the purpose and function of prospect research to successful fundraising activities
• Knowledge of the principal tools and best practices for development research (including sources of public records available through the Internet, online databases, directories and various periodicals)
• Expertise in analyzing, synthesizing, and communicating information gathered from a variety of diverse sources into intelligence that will guide decision-making
• Excellent computer skills including word processing and database/information management with particular experience using MS Office applications and Raiser's Edge
• Demonstrated professionalism, tact and maturity in handling highly sensitive and confidential information ethically and with discretion
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, and attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize and meet deadlines

Application Deadline:  October 2, 2023

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. 

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy in line with the foundational goals of Eyes High, committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.