Manager, Donor Stewardship and Alumni Engagement
/ORGANIZATION:
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
DEADLINE:
Oct. 1, 2025
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
Situated on unceded, traditional and ancestral xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), and səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territories in Vancouver, Canada, Emily Carr University of Art + Design (ECU) is where creativity meets practice. Ranked among the world’s top 30 universities for art and design (QS 2024), ECU is recognized globally for its hands-on, practice-based teaching and learning environment that equips students to experiment, take risks and drive innovation.
Since 1925, ECU has championed bold ideas and emerging talent through a close-knit, studio-intensive setting that connects students with award-winning faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and real-world opportunities. Today, ECU serves more than 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students, along with thousands more through continuing studies, contributing to Canada’s cultural and creative sectors and shaping the future of art, media, design and research.
As we mark our centennial in 2025, ECU continues to ask what art and design can make possible. 100 years in the making, we are shaping what comes next.
WEBSITE:
http://www.ecuad.ca
JOB DESCRIPTION:
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Manager of Donor Stewardship + Alumni Engagement leads the development and implementation of strategies that strengthen connections with donors and alumni. This role focuses on donor stewardship, engaging existing donors strategically to strengthen relationships and support retention. By fostering meaningful connections, the manager helps ensure continued contributions, supporting the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the fundraising cycle. This role oversees alumni engagement initiatives that build a sense of community, pride, and lifelong connection to the institution. They are responsible for designing and executing stewardship plans that recognize and retain supporters at all giving levels. Working collaboratively with the Advancement team, and a variety of internal and external partners, the Manager will design and implement creative and innovative engagement programs, events and strategic communications to continue to engage alumni and donors in meaningful ways that support the University’s Mission and Mandate.
BENEFITS OF JOINING THE EMILY CARR COMMUNITY
Enrollment in a comprehensive benefits package, including Dental Coverage, Extended Health, Disability Coverage and Life Insurance.
Membership in the College Pension Plan.
Competitive vacation and Professional Development benefits.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Create and implement effective alumni engagement strategy to strengthen relationships with alumni and support the University’s strategic initiatives.
Manage alumni databases and maintain records of alumni communications and interactions. Lead a data strategy for alumni in the fundraising database.
Develop policies, procedures, and systems to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, laws, and privacy requirements. Manage the audit trail of all donations and receipts in accordance with the Canada Revenue Agency and the Auditor General of British Columbia.
Ensure compliance with FOI/POP legislation regarding the collection, use, and disclosure of alumni information. Advise alumni and partners on compliance matters as needed.
Generate surveys, review data, and create reports to evaluate the effectiveness of engagement activities and major events to support data-driven decisions.
Lead the planning and execution of engagement events and opportunities for alumni and donors in collaboration with Advancement, Events, and senior staff and faculty.
Attend alumni and university events as an ambassador of the University.
Liaise with the alumni community to identify needs and gather data to guide future planning. Lead process reviews and new initiatives to support ECU’s strategic direction.
Develop donor stewardship strategy with an annual plan of activities and communications.
Collaborate with Advancement staff and the Executive Director to align donor communications and outreach events with fundraising strategy.
Manage the creation of engaging content (videos, web, newsletters, social media calendars) in collaboration with Marketing and Communications.
Conduct research on prominent alumni, prepare reports, and provide recommendations to the Executive Director.
Partner with Communications + Marketing, IT Services, and other internal partners to implement digital solutions for the ECU Foundation + Alumni website.
Manage reporting staff, including recruitment, coaching, development, and performance management.
Lead and oversee external and contract service providers to ensure project goals are met on time and on budget.
Recruit and oversee alumni volunteers to support engagement initiatives such as events, reunions, tours, mentoring, and communications.
Work closely with the Executive Director, Advancement to foster collaboration between advancement, events, and alumni relations teams.
Contribute to the department’s budget planning, develop and monitor expenditure plans, and implement financial controls.
Foster a culture of Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) by staying current in trends and recommending improvements.
Perform other related duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, business, or a related field.
Minimum five years of progressive experience in advancement, donor relations, alumni engagement, or related areas.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience considered.
Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategies that build meaningful relationships.
Proficiency in project management and communication tools, including Microsoft 365, Raiser’s Edge, social media platforms, MailChimp, CMS, Hive, etc.
Knowledge of fundraising principles, donor lifecycle, and alumni engagement trends.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a focus on relationship building.
Experience in post-secondary and/or non-profit sectors an asset.
Experience working with Boards, volunteers, and donors an asset.
Knowledge of best practices in fundraising, social media, volunteer management, and web analytics.
Strategic and technical experience in planning and managing projects.
Strong written and oral communication skills (gift proposals, presentations, newsletters, website stories, appeal letters).
Proven management and administrative skills.
Ability to build effective relationships with diverse partners.
Tact, diplomacy, and cultural sensitivity when interacting across diverse perspectives.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and collaborate across departments.
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
Proficiency with surveys, data analysis, and reporting.
Commitment to JEDI and reconciliation.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, visit https://ecuad.peopleadmin.ca. Competition closes on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. Emily Carr University especially invites applicants who demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from historically disadvantaged groups including women, persons with diverse gender expressions and identities, persons of all sexual orientations, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous persons. Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
REMUNERATION:
$85,711 to $114,281 per annum
Region:
Metro Vancouver
Job Status:
Full Time
