Senior Donor Relations Officer
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Salary: $84,655.22 - $112,153.60
Ready to start your next chapter with NAIT?
At NAIT, we’re passionate about building a team of talented, dedicated professionals who share our commitment to excellence and innovation. Your skills and experience can shape the future of education and make a real impact in our community.
If this opportunity feels like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply and join us in creating a brighter future – together.
Important Application Deadline Notice
Please note that Workday closes job postings at 11:59pm MST on the day before the posting end date listed above.
To ensure your application is received, submit no later than 11:59pm MST the day prior to the posting end date.
Internal NAIT Employees
Please note that this posting is intended for external candidates. Current NAIT employees should apply through the NAIT Jobs Hub to be considered for this opportunity.
Reporting to the Senior Manager, Donor Relations, the Senior Donor Relations Officer (SDRO) plays a strategic leadership role in advancing NAIT’s culture of philanthropy through the stewardship of principal gift donors ($1M+), planned giving supporters and complex donor partnerships.
The SDRO is responsible for designing and delivering highly personalized stewardship, accountability and impact strategies that deepen donor relationships, demonstrate institutional transparency and accountability, and inspire continued and future investment in NAIT priorities. The role ensures excellence in donor recognition, trust and compliance while aligning stewardship practices with NAIT’s strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities:
Principal Gift Stewardship & Account Strategy Development
Envision, plan, manage and execute customized, multi-year stewardship and engagement plans for principal gift donors and industry partners.
Innovate and lead accountability and impact reporting for $1M+ gifts, working with colleagues to include strategic narratives, data synthesis and outcome-driven storytelling.
Collaborate with donor relations colleagues, development staff, senior leaders and academic units to ensure integrated donor engagement strategies.
Advise on stewardship approaches for complex gifts, endowments and capital investments, ensuring all donor commitments are fulfilled and communicated.
Execute bespoke donor engagement opportunities, events and communications.
Serve as an advisory resource to the Advancement team on stewardship strategy and donor communications.
Oversee the creation of partnership and impact reports aligned with contractual and philanthropic commitments.
Manage reporting calendars for major and principal gifts to ensure consistency, accuracy and timeliness.
Planned Giving Program Development & Engagement
Lead the stewardship framework for NAIT’s planned giving and legacy donor program.
Develop recognition and communication strategies that honour legacy donors and highlight long-term impact.
Partner with Legal, Finance and Advancement colleagues to ensure transparency, compliance and accuracy in planned gift stewardship.
Contribute to the ongoing development and documentation of business processes, frameworks and best practices.
Skills & Abilities:
Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building and diplomacy skills when engaging senior donors and stakeholders.
Advanced writing and storytelling abilities to convey complex information clearly and compellingly.
Strong project management skills with excellent attention to detail.
Advanced analytical and critical-thinking capabilities.
Proven ability to collaborate, influence and build consensus across teams
Self-starter with strong sense of ownership, follow through and orientation towards results
Qualifications:
Relevant post-secondary degree/diploma in Business, Marketing, Communications
3-5 years' experience in fund development, particularly with individuals, donor relations, portfolio management, or business development.
Demonstrated experience stewarding major, principal or complex gifts/client accounts.
Strong knowledge of fundraising best practices, donor relations principles and accountability standards.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and fundraising CRM systems
Knowledge of CRA regulations, privacy legislation and fundraising ethics.
Remuneration: Refer to salary range noted on posting, plus a comprehensive benefits package.
The compensation range for this job posting is : $84,655.22 - $112,153.60
NAIT is committed to a transparent, fair, and human-centered hiring experience. All candidates are assessed directly by our recruitment and hiring teams.
About NAIT
We are known as one of Alberta’s top employers. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT’s culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.
People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. For eligible positions, we offer benefits and unique perks focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, eligible employees receive paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s.
NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.
NAIT is committed to fostering a safe environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our Centre for Community and Belonging (CCB) and our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted. If you require any accommodations, please connect with us at careers@nait.ca.