Written by Bobbie O'Connor, Senior Advisor, Strategic Initiatives & Operations
Six weeks into my new role and I’ve learned a few important things about Queen’s:
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The Castle is haunted, and thus I’ll never step foot inside
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My favourite president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, was the recipient of a Queen’s honorary degree
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And most importantly, Tricolour is used as a noun and is a cultural short-hand for belonging (just so we're clear, I’m wearing my tricolours while writing this).
I have truly appreciated the warm and supportive welcome you have provided! It has made it easy to acclimate and dive into the important work ahead, including launching the new Driving Development Initiative.
Behind every great fundraising shop exists, among other items, a framework of strategy, research, and training that guides and supports the work. The Driving Development Initiative was developed to examine and enhance our framework so we can best support our fundraising teams.
For fiscal year 2022, our goals are to reimagine and streamline our prospect framework, performance metrics, and dashboards and reports to provide engaging resources, tools, and trainings. This initiative is a collaborative effort that will involve people at every level and across multiple units.
The initiative is guided by a steering committee comprised of leaders from development, advancement services, alumni relations, and donor relations. Learn more about the committees goals and purpose. Additionally, working groups have also been established to dive deeper and help execute the work. Learn more about the working groups or view the list of colleagues participating.
In the coming months there will also be chances for volunteers to provide insights, test prototypes, and provide feedback. So be on the lookout for announcements about additional driving development opportunities.
I am excited to embark on this project with so many teammates supporting its undertaking. By utilizing our collective ingenuity, knowledge, and skills, we will not only be able to elevate our fundraising program and achievements, but in turn our philanthropic support for the legendary education and research happening here at Queen’s University.
As they say in a post pandemic world: My Teams window is always open for a chat – but, as an elder-millennial, I still highly value your emails too. Whatever vehicle you prefer, I’m here for it – just reach out.
Congratulations Patty McHenry
The Distinguished Service Award recipients were announced on Friday, and among them was Patty McHenry. Patty has been a dedicated staff member since 1987. As a Principal Gifts Officer in the Office of Advancement, Patty has fostered relationships that have advanced Queen's with transformational gifts. She has been a trusted advisor and partner of Queen’s leaders, and is renowned for her personal and caring stewardship of the university community. Congratulations, Patty!
Employee Spotlight
The Employee Spotlight celebrates the arrival of our new staff and current 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. We have welcomed two new members to Advancement:
- Dove Konda-Foley in the position of Senior Prospect Management Analyst. Learn more about Dove and all of the places she lived while growing up.
- Natalie Shaw in the position of Development Coordinator, Arts & Science. Learn more about Natalie and what she is most looking forward to on her first day.
This week we are also featuring our website superhero, Madelaine Johnson, Digital Communications Officer. Learn more about Madelaine and what she (literally) can't live without.
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.
Available Position:
COMPETITION NUMBER | POSITION | UNIT AND DEPARTMENT | CLOSING DATE | GRADE |
J0221-0855 | Associate Director, Regional Strategy | Alumni Relations & Annual Giving | July 27, 2021 | 10 |
J0721-0758 | Relationship Manager, Annual & Class Giving | Smith Development & AR | August 8, 2021 | 8 |
Did you know?
The Faculty of Health Sciences presents: COVID-19 Mythbusting with Queen's Docs
As we approach campus reopening, it is important to understand the difference between COVID-19 myths and realities. Dr. Samantha Buttemer (Assistant Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences, Public Health Advisor, Faculty of Health Sciences), and Dr. Gerald A. Evans (Chair, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences) discuss these myths and what steps Queen's is taking in order to move forward.