Job Description

Description

The

Medicine Development team

within

VP Development and Alumni

is currently seeking a Full-time Regular

Senior Donor Communications Specialist.

The Office of Development & Alumni at the University of Calgary is a dynamic team of 200+ professionals committed to advancing the university's mission through strategic partnerships across campus and with the community. Within this environment, the Cumming School of Medicine's (CSM) Fund Development Office plays a critical role in raising support for key university and faculty priorities, often in collaboration with external partners such as the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation.


Reporting to the Director of Donor Engagement & Communications, the Senior Donor Communications Specialist is the voice that brings donor impact to life, crafting compelling, custom and bulk reports that show donors the real-world difference their gifts make. This position will also develop other fundraising materials that inspire continued generosity, such as proposals and cases for support. Success requires collaboration with internal and external communications teams, the ability to translate complex medical research for general audiences, and strong organizational and judgment skills in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.


This position deals with confidential materials and requires the effective management of information both internally and externally. The incumbent will have the opportunity to create meaningful content that demonstrates the impact of philanthropy, engages our community of supporters and helps drive the university's fundraising success.

Primary Purpose of the Position:

(Key purpose, functions, roles):


This position will support strategic communications for the CSM Fund Development Office through excellent planning, research writing and editing of accurate and inspiring donor engagement collateral mentioned above. Other writing responsibilities will include solicitation or strategic mass e-mails, event invitations, key messages, web copy, social media copy, remarks and storytelling such as articles and videos.


The incumbent will also be responsible for guiding, executing and tracking strategic donor engagement planning for top CSM donors.


Integrating donor relations strategy, messaging, accuracy and collaboration are keys to the successful navigation of this role, along with creativity and a sense of fun.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

(job functions include but are not limited to):

Research/Writing of donor impact reports (45%)

This is a significant responsibility given the large number of donors to the Faculty. Research, write, edit, lay out and secure approvals for customized and bulk reports for specific CSM donors sharing the impact of their gifts. Manage email distribution of bulk impact reports Collaborate with vendors as needed to create customized donor impact reports.

Research/Writing of fundraising collateral (35%)

Research, write, edit, layout (as needed) and proof customized fundraising documents such as cases for support, customized proposals with budget breakdowns and email solicitations. Work with fundraisers and director on fundraising proposals and provide strategic advice and edits to strengthen message, ensuring our best work goes out into the public sphere.
Collaborate with vendors as needed to complete customized fundraising collateral.

Storytelling and other communications (15%)

Write, edit and proof articles generated by the CSM Fund Development Office for incorporation into Faculty communications, including but not limited to annual reports, UCalgary's donor newsletter, and the UToday newsletter. Lead editorial planning, writing, approvals and distribution for annual CSM Report to Community Create compelling stories and videos for on- and off-campus print and electronic media, linking key messages to strategic communications, stewardship and recognition plans. Create compelling content for CSM Giving page in support of fundraising priorities. Manage customized donor engagement projects as appropriate, including video, infographics or other content. Draft speaking remarks and other event- and/or recognition-related materials, as required. Collaborate with vendors as needed to complete donor storytelling collateral.

Engagement planning (5%)

Working with the Director of Donor Engagement & Communications, fundraisers and the central Stewardship team, plan, create and maintain engagement plans for CSM's top donors.

Project Management/Strategic Responsibilities:

With the Director of Donor Engagement, prepare integrated internal and external communications strategy for stakeholders, ensuring best practices implemented for achieving targets, meaningful communication, donor impact reporting, publication development and other communication vehicles. Maintain accuracy, quality, creativity, and linkages to strategic messaging on behalf of the institution. Research and document information/data relating to projects and develop and implement action plans appropriate to the needs of the project.

Qualifications / Requirements:

Post-secondary diploma/degree in a relevant area such as communications, public relations, marketing, journalism. 5-7 years of relevant experience in professional writing/communications/journalism, ideally in a fundraising or donor-relations context. Knowledge and experience formulating and executing high impact, engaging, strategic donor-focused communications and campaigns - especially fundraising proposals and donor impact reports. Knowledge of the donor cycle and how stewardship, communications and recognition fit into that cycle Expertise developing communications strategies, including tailoring and packaging key messaging for cultivation of specific stakeholder audiences. Experience in research, editing, writing and project management. A demonstrated portfolio of excellence in writing, editing, and producing content that speaks to depth and breadth of ability; examples of writing for all media including print, web, video, social and digital with understanding of how to write for different platforms and channels. Accuracy and attention to detail. Able to take initiative and to work both independently and in a team environment. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving and research skills. Excellent time management. Creativity and a sense of fun. Able to exercise diplomacy, tact, discretion and good judgment. Able to work effectively with senior levels of management, faculty and staff. A proven ability to work under tight deadlines and juggle multiple priorities. Knowledge of Tableau, BBCRM, Drupal and CRMs, email marketing software, UCalgary-wide practices, the complexities and organizational structure of UCalgary, video production, creative programs, including Adobe Creative Suite and iMovie/Adobe Premiere Pro, are all assets.

Application Deadline:

September 4, 2025.

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.


This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the

Specialist / Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.


For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our

Management and Staff Careers website

.

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 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 Institutional Commitments (

equity@ucalgary.ca

) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (

hrhire@ucalgary.ca

).

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.