Pivot

The start of January 2022 feels quite strange. It is a much different scenario that we had predicted. A few short months ago, the end of the pandemic was in sight. We were actively and excitedly planning the resumption of in-person alumni events and the return of business travel. But 2022 had other plans. As I contemplated where to begin upon returning from the university holiday closure, the word at the forefront of my mind was “pivot”. We’ve done it many times over the past two years and the word is tired. That said, we must do it again. While I am sad to see our in-person plans placed on hold for a bit longer, I am reminded that these situations bring out the best in us. We will need to re-imagine our interactions with alumni, dig even deeper to develop creative ways to keep our stakeholders actively engaged, and find more unique strategies to combat Zoom and virtual fatigue. While challenging, I’m encouraged by the possibilities to stretch the bounds of our creativity. We know how to “pivot” and succeed, and I am confident that we will do it again.

Many of you may also have additional responsibilities and hardships outside of work again. Please remember that there are resources available to you during this time. Your managers have access to resources to help provide you with the support and flexibility you might need over the next few weeks or months. And there are lots of resources available on the Queen’s website. Please reach out for assistance.

Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education awards nominations

In the interest of celebrating all the extraordinary successes the Office of Advancement had in 2021, please consider nominations for the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) Prix d'Excellence awards. 

Prix d'Excellence awards recognize outstanding achievements in alumni affairs, public affairs, communications, marketing, development, advancement services, stewardship, and overall institutional advancement, and submissions are open from Jan. 24 to Feb. 7. 

As in the past, Kate Bearse will co-ordinate entries on behalf of the Office of Advancement. Those planning a submission should let Kate know as soon as possible, and final entry drafts should be forwarded to Kate by Jan. 31 for submission to CCAE by the deadline. We did great work this year - the Prix d'Excellences are one way for us to celebrate those successes. 

Shortly after the CCAE deadline, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) Circle of Excellence awards are due. The Circle of Excellence awards showcase outstanding work in the advancement services, alumni relations, communications, fundraising, and marketing. Exciting changes are coming this year, based on recommendations from an Awards Task Force of CASE volunteers and staff, the 2022 Circle of Excellence Awards will look quite different. Changes are designed to make it easier and more affordable to enter. Check out the updated and new categories on Jan. 12. Submissions are due March 9 for submission by the CASE deadline. 

Employee Spotlight

The Employee Spotlight celebrates the arrival of our new staff by profiling responses they share through a fun and informal survey that will help us get to know them better. Be sure to review these profiles and use these fun facts and tidbits to find commonalities, embrace differences and spark a conversation. This week we welcome two new members to Advancement:

Troy Nicholls in the position of Web Programmer Analyst. Learn more about Troy and his favourite hobbies.

Yvette Greenall in the position of Administrative Assistant, Alumni Strategy. Learn more about Yvette and what she is most looking forward to in her new role.

Jobs with Advancement

We need your recruitment help. Know great talent that would be a good addition to our team? If so, please promote the vacancies below with your networks and let’s find some amazing new team members.

Applications (including a cover letter and résumé) must be submitted through CareerQ. For additional information on this posting, please reach out to either Carla Ferreira Rodrigues or the hiring manager for the position you are interested in.

Apply to available positions