Manager, Annual Giving – Advancement and External Affairs

Manager, Annual Giving – Advancement and External Affairs

At Saint Mary's University, you will be surrounded by a talented and dedicated team of professionals committed to accessibility, diversity, and the provision of a positive and supportive learning environment. We recognize the importance of the contribution and growth of each individual in the University's success. We are currently looking to fill the position of Manager, Annual Giving to join our Advancement team.

What we offer

As a team member at Saint Mary's, we are proud to offer many benefits. Some of these include:

  • Competitive compensation
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Defined Contribution Pension plan
  • Vacation
  • Personal days
  • Flexible Workplace
  • Professional development
  • Holiday closure
  • Summer hour schedule
  • Employee Transit EPass through Halifax Transit

Job Information and Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Director of Alumni Engagement, the Manager, Annual Giving will:

  • Develops, implements and updates annual giving policies and procedures to ensure accuracy, security and integrity of fundraising data.
  • Works closely with all units within Advancement to develop a variety of long term, sustainable fund development strategies, initiatives and reporting mechanisms to evaluate progress.
  • Ensures Annual Giving staff and representatives maintain programs in accordance with all applicable tax laws and operational/financial policies of the University.
  • Develops strategies that achieve optimal participation rate, increase average gift size, and facilitate continuous lifetime giving.
  • Oversees the development, implementation and management of a campus-wide annual giving plan that includes strategies and initiatives that utilize direct mail, electronic and social channels, student calling, face-to-face solicitation, giving clubs, crowdfunding, and special events to achieve the objectives and goals as set out in the annual plan.
  • Develops market segmentation and develops a comprehensive schedule of solicitations for each calendar year that includes existing programs, as well as new and innovative programs.
  • Manages a portfolio of leadership gift prospects at the $1,000 to $25,000 level. Determines appropriateness of making a gift solicitation, and level of gift to ask for and carries out personal solicitation of the prospects.
  • Supervises annual giving staff, student callers, casual personnel, and office volunteers.
  • Develops timelines and schedules activities to meet established goals.
  • Works with External Affairs and external suppliers team to plan and produce solicitation materials for each Annual Giving program, including brochures, letterhead, pledge forms and return envelopes.

Experience and Education Requirements

To be the successful Manager, Annual Giving you will have:

  • University Degree.
  • Minimum 5 years related experience.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and enterprise level information systems. CRM Advance experience an asset.
  • Strong research and data analysis skills.
  • Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends, as required.
  • Demonstrated supervisory experience; unionized environment considered an asset.

Application Details

Apply for this opportunity online using our online application system through Career Beacon. Click on "Apply Now" and complete all required information fields. Qualified candidates should submit the following with their application:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter
  • Three Professional References

Late applications may not receive consideration. We appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls please.

At Saint Mary's University, equity and diversity are integral to excellence and enrich our community. As an institution committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and respect, we encourage all qualified candidates to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who self-identify as Black/African Nova Scotians, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons/visible minorities, persons with disabilities and women. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please contact Talent Acquisition at hr@smu.ca.

Company Website: http://www.smu.ca.

Saint Mary's University is one of Canada's top primarily undergraduate universities known for its international collaborations, leadership in entrepreneurship, and research that benefits local and global communities. Our programs in Arts, Science, Graduate Studies and the Sobey School of Business are among Canada's best and feature professors who are committed to the success of their students. Saint Mary's provides our more than 6,400 students with a place that fosters possibility, excellent research opportunities, and distinguished graduate and professional programs combined with a caring community. Nestled in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, on Canada's east coast, Saint Mary's University is marked by iconic buildings, green spaces and fresh ocean air. The Saint Mary's University community is committed to a prosperous future for the world-a World without limits.

Learn more about working at Saint Mary's University here and follow us on LinkedInFacebookTwitter and Instagram!

Position Summary


Posted:

January 13, 2026

Deadline:
January 27, 2026


Location:

Halifax, NS

Career Level:
Experienced

Compensation:

$69,429 to $89,468
APC Group, Group 6

Type:
Full-Time