About the Advancement Services & Annual Giving Department

Advancement Services and Annual Giving plays a pivotal role in support of Mount Royal’s vision of creating exceptional learning experiences for a world of possibilities. We are proud to advance this vision by cultivating long-term and inspired relationships with the community and raising funds for the university’s priorities: from more scholarships and bursaries for students to innovative programs and initiatives and state-of-the-art campus spaces.

About the Role

Reporting to the Manager, Information Systems & Data Management, the Senior Prospect Researcher, Donor & Fundraising Strategy plays a crucial role in identifying, evaluating, and managing potential donors to support the Mount Royal University Foundation. This role focuses on major and high-level donors ($25,000+, with a focus on $100,000+) and involves advanced research, data analysis, and portfolio management. The Senior Prospect Researcher, Donor & Fundraising Strategy also provides strategic guidance and mentorship to junior team members.

Key Responsibilities

Prospect Research (60%)

• Lead the development of the prospect pipeline using best practices and innovative methodologies.
• Proactively identify, analyze, and assess prospects using financial, biographical, corporate, and philanthropic data.
• Conduct advanced research (relationship mapping, capacity assessments, risk analysis, media monitoring).
• Summarize key insights in Raiser’s Edge, ensuring accurate data capture and analysis.
• Monitor philanthropic trends and provide actionable insights.

Strategy & Process Development (20%)

• Develop and refine prospect research and management processes.
• Provide strategic recommendations for donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Support donor segmentation and persona development.
• Advise team members on complex cases and advanced research techniques.
• Stay updated on industry best practices and maintain APRA membership.

Portfolio Management (20%)

• Work closely with the Major Gifts team to ensure accurate and effective pipeline management.
• Analyze and balance portfolios, ensuring optimal prospect distribution and assignment.
• Create and manage reports using Raiser’s Edge NXT and PowerBI.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 4+ years of experience in prospect research, preferably in post-secondary or large nonprofit environments.
• Proven ability to identify and evaluate major gift prospects.
• Strong experience with data analytics, portfolio management, and advanced research techniques.
• Hands-on experience with Raiser’s Edge and PowerBI is an asset.

Skills & Attributes

• Expertise in prospect research methodologies and fundraising principles.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to accuracy and detail.
• Excellent communication, writing, and organizational skills.
• Ability to present research findings in compelling ways.
• Self-motivated, strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Team-oriented with experience mentoring junior researchers.

Preferred: APRA membership, campaign experience, familiarity with fee-based research databases.

Salary: $70,841.00 - $89,646.00 per annum

Closing Date: Open until a suitable candidate is found

A cover letter and resume should be submitted in one .pdf document. Please title your .pdf document as follows: [Last Name], [Requisition Number], [Document Title].pdf (ex. Smith, 999999, CV.pdf).

About MRU

Founded in 1910 and located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Mount Royal University grew into a vibrant college in the 1930s and became a mid-sized university in 2009. A student-focused undergraduate university built on teaching excellence, Mount Royal University is known for our top-calibre programs, high-quality teaching and learning experience, robust delivery of liberal education, scholarly teaching, experiential learning and undergraduate research. Currently, more than 15,000 credit students choose from 14 bachelor degrees and 38 majors. Learn more at mru.ca/AcademicPlan.

Mount Royal University is situated on an ancient and storied land that is steeped in ceremony and history that, until recently, was occupied exclusively by people indigenous to this place. With gratitude and reciprocity, Mount Royal acknowledges the relationships to the land and all beings, and the songs, stories and teachings of the Siksika Nation, the Piikani Nation, the Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation (consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw and Goodstoney Nations), the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation, and the Métis. Learn more about MRU's Land Acknowledgement.

Mount Royal University is committed to removing barriers and fostering the inclusion of voices that have been historically underrepresented or discouraged in our society. In support of our belief that diversity in our faculty and staff enriches the work, learning and research experiences for the entire campus community, we strongly encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply and self-identify.

What We Offer

Talented and committed employees are the driving force behind student success. We strive to be an employer of choice among Canadian post-secondary institutions. At MRU, we recognize that people are a combination of many intersecting identities; we work to cultivate an environment that welcomes the whole person, and harnesses the strength that is available in our diversity, creating a rich and inclusive workplace.

Investing in the learning and development of our employees benefits the individual and the University. A variety of services, resources and programs encourage a healthy, productive workplace. MRU offers a competitive total compensation package including learning/training paid by employer, paid vacation, winter holiday closure, personal days and a free membership in our fully equipped recreation centre. Positions over six months may also be eligible for health and dental benefits, pension, health and personal spending accounts, and disability benefits.

Our campus offers the convenience of a full medical clinic, dentist and pharmacy, as well as a variety of wellness services such as physiotherapists and massage therapists. Campus Recreation offers many activities, including personal training, fitness classes, climbing, aquatics, sports, tournaments and certifications for students, employees and the public.