Development Officer - Fundraising Specialist

The Surrey School District respectfully acknowledges that our schools reside on the traditional, unceded, and shared territories of Coast Salish peoples: The q̓ ícə̓ y̓ - Katzie, the qʼwa:n̓ƛʼən̓ - Kwantlen and the SEMYOME - Semiahmoo First Nations, who have been stewards of this land since time immemorial.

Surrey Schools values an inclusive school district, where equity is deeply embedded and diversity welcomed.  We are committed to creating and cultivating diverse, inclusive and barrier-free environments for all applicants, employees, students, and their families.  We work to continuously grow and improve our practices, celebrate our differences, and empower people to promote positive change in our communities.  Our identity, as Surrey Schools, is expressed in the shared values of openness, fairness and tolerance and recognize the importance of diversity of identity and thought.  We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Surrey Schools, recipient of the BC Top Employers and Canada's Greenest Employer awards, is the largest school district in BC and the second largest employer in Surrey.  Spread across one of the fastest-growing cities in British Columbia, Surrey Schools provides quality education to over 77,000 students with 124 schools sites and a variety of other learning facilities, offering a broad range of innovative programs and services to support the learning of our students.  The Surrey School District team of approximately 13,000 employees works tirelessly every day to ensure that children are getting the best start they can, providing the preparation to be our leaders of tomorrow.  

A challenging fundraising position exists working under the direction of the Manager, Business Development, the Fundraising Specialist will be responsible for identifying, soliciting and negotiating with prospective corporate, foundation and individual donors through presentations, grant applications, direct asks and  major gifts that will maximize financial returns in support of the district’s goals and objectives.  The candidate will be responsible for researching and identifying prospective donors from the community and for soliciting and closing gifts. The Fundraising Specialist will also undertake donor stewardship and recognition activities, reporting, coordinating advertising and sales programs and negotiating business agreements.

Working in a highly complex environment, the Fundraising Specialist will be equally comfortable speaking in front of large groups and dealing with high level donors on a one-on-one basis.  The candidate will enjoy working independently, as well as with others, and will demonstrate initiative and confidence in making first contact with potential donors.  The Fundraising Specialist will represent the department at internal and the district at external committees and meetings as directed by the Manager, Business Development.   

A degree in English, Communications, Marketing, or Fundraising is required along with  a minimum of three years of experience in a high level fundraising position.  Evidence of successful fundraising campaigns and achieving financial targets, problem-solving skills, ability to write and design comprehensive proposals are essential for this position.  Equally important are interpersonal communication, and multi-tasking skills. 

Starting salary for this bargaining unit position will be $34.12 per hour with an attractive benefits package including pension.  A valid BC driver’s licence and access to a vehicle are required.

Qualified applicants can apply on Make a Future at https://bit.ly/3jVql5h.  The closing date for this position is February 27th, 2023 at 4:00pm.  

Note:   Successful applicants will be required to consent to a Criminal Records Search prior to employment.  Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. To all others, thank you for your interest.