Annual Giving Student Leader

A student’s relationship with SAIT doesn’t end at convocation — we are proud of the life-long relationships we have with our alumni. The Alumni and Development department shares SAIT’s story, connects donors to incredible people, projects and experiences. SAIT is fortunate to receive financial support from our alumni family, industry and community at large. If you’re passionate about nurturing the connections between SAIT and our alumni family, we want to meet you. 

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Manager, Annual Giving, the Annual Giving Student Leader coordinates and implements personal solicitation and stewardship outreach to SAIT alumni, donors, friends and students. Demonstrating a comfort and ease with phone calls, the Annual Giving Student Leader is responsible for a donor engagement and outreach portfolio with a focus on donor acquisition, retention, reactivation and stewardship.  The Annual Giving Student Leader is responsible for communicating via phone, text and email the goals and accomplishments of SAIT to potential donors which inspire them to donate in support of student awards and various fundraising efforts across campus.

The Annual Giving Student Leader works in collaboration with the members of the Annual Giving team to support other fundraising initiatives, including Giving Day and Family Campaign, through direct response solicitation strategies. In addition to phone and online solicitations, this role participates in fundraising activities that utilize digital solicitation tools, like ThankView to secure, renew and steward annual giving donors.

These initiatives are critical to the overall success of the annual giving program and to moving the overall development program forward in key areas. This role requires a person who is able to demonstrate effectiveness and genuine warmth in contact with others, have a motivating personality, a positive attitude, and be at ease speaking with many people of various backgrounds. The Annual Giving Student Leader must understand the principles of alumni/donor relations and the importance of building relationships. They must have excellent aural, written and verbal communication skills; be a motivated self-starter with strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines and targets. As part of a high-performing team that is tasked with multiple responsibilities, they must have the ability to translate plans into action and meet objectives; and be able to work independently and as part of a team. 

• Fundraising  - 70%
• Call alumni to build rapport, update demographic information and acquire gifts for the priority funds
• Serve as a SAIT ambassador by establishing an open and engaging line of communication between SAIT and its alumni
• Demonstrate excellent telephone etiquette and able to engage individuals in conversations
• Gain an understanding of the priority funds, special events and SAIT’s annual needs for financial support
• Text/email alumni, friends and donors to solicit donations and provide acknowledgements
• Use digital solicitation tools to connect with donors
• Coordinate activity with fellow Annual Giving Team members 
• Record data and the progress on performed touch-points
• Respond to donor inquiries by phone, text and email 

• Student Philanthropy and Crowdfunding - 5%
• Actively seek opportunities to engage SAIT students in fundraising activities both as advocates and donors
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to grow student philanthropy on campus

• Stewardship - 5%
• Conduct thank-you phone calls, text messages, and emails to thank donors for their contribution
• Record and send ThankView videos
• Sign post-cards 

• Data Entry - 20%
• Record and receive incoming donations
• Record personal information changes
• Handle personal information with extreme confidentiality
• Document daily progress

• Minimum 
• Current SAIT student
• One year of experience in fundraising, direct response, or customer service.

• Preferred 
• Experience in soliciting philanthropic gifts 
• Familiarity with Fundraising database systems and spreadsheet applications.

• Skills Required
• Excellent communication skills -written, verbal and virtual. 
• Articulate writing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively. 
• Ability to work productively under pressure to meet deadlines. 
• Flexibility, discretion, and ability to maintain confidential information.  
• A strong ability to prioritize tasks, work independently and maintain consistently close attention to detail. 
• Strong computer skills including working knowledge MS Office. 
• A positive attitude is a must
• Excellent etiquette and manners
• A clear speaking voice
• Willing to accept feedback and adapt as necessary
• Previous call centre and sales experience is an asset

Job classification: OTHER - POOLED/ NOT CLASSIFIED - A9000

Salary range: $18.22

# of positions: 2

Position End Date: April 30, 2025

Posting closing date: Open until positions are filled

A flexible Hybrid work model can be offered for this role in accordance with SAIT guidelines.

About SAIT

SAIT is a global leader in applied education. Named one of Alberta’s Top Employers, we offer the chance to work with a purpose — preparing the next generation of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, advocates and explorers.

Building on our 100+ year history, we’re looking for innovative, bold and collaborative employees who embrace change and deliver world-class customer experiences. Your future starts now at SAIT.

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is essential to achieving SAIT’s vision to be a global leader in applied education. It creates the conditions for a healthy campus where everyone feels welcome, respected and empowered to succeed. SAIT values fairness, shared accountability and the importance of representation. The institution expects a commitment from its students and employees to continuously develop an equitable and inclusive mindset that celebrates diverse experiences and perspectives. Learn more about EDI at SAIT.

BEWARE FALSE POSTINGS AND RECRUITING OFFERS

SAIT has been made aware of individuals or organizations posing as SAIT using false postings to attract job seekers and collect personal information. Please be aware that SAIT will never request sensitive personal information beyond what is required for an application.

Career opportunities at SAIT will always be posted on the SAIT career site and we encourage applicants to only apply directly through there. When your application is completed you will receive an email confirmation, if you did not receive one please check your junk mail or try applying through the SAIT career page again.