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Tableau said it best: Becoming data-driven is a shared journey. It doesn't matter what dashboards or data models we have, to truly create a culture where data and analytics are at the centre of business strategy and decision making takes organization-wide commitment and dedication. As we continue our journey to become an organization that better incorporates data and analytics into our decision making, Advancement Services is pleased to formally announce the Advancement Data Challenge.

The challenge is meant to showcase how the Office of Advancement effectively uses data to better our organization, celebrate and recognize our peers, and inspire new ideas.

The basics:

1. The challenge will take place on March 24th, 2021.
2. Establish a business goal (i.e. what do you want to improve or achieve).
3. Collect relevant data, conduct analysis, and apply the insights gained to inform your approach to achieving your goal.
4. Present to your Advancement colleagues (along with a few esteemed judges — TBD)!
5. The challenge will be conducted virtually and each presentation will be limited to three minutes.   
6. Prizes and accolades guaranteed.

Topics may range from how data is used to move strategic priorities forward to embedding analytics in processes and workflows to target outcomes. The data used can come from any source (i.e., not limited to information in Advance). Entries will be assessed on creativity, comprehension, communication, and engagement, and should be geared toward an audience with no analytics background. We challenge each unit to submit at least one entry — but individual and cross-departmental initiatives are strongly encouraged. To support you with this challenge, a member from our Insights Advancement team will be available for pre-scheduled remote office hours, starting in November. Watch QUIRC for details on how you can get involved and how we can help. We look forward to taking this next step in our analytics journey together.

Amber Palmer wins APRA’s “Chopped” competition for data scientists

In early October, APRA International hosted their inaugural “Data Science Now” competition. Our very own Amber Palmer participated in the “Data Science Dashboard Challenge” and was one of four winners in a field of over 20 international contestants. The Dashboard Challenge is modelled on the popular cooking show Chopped. Each contestant receives a “basket” of data with the task of presenting it in an accurate, innovative, and usable format. For 2020, participants were asked to present year-to-date fundraising progress at a fictional organization at both the primary and subgroup level. Challenging indeed. Please join Advancement Services in extending a well-earned “congratulations” to Amber for her skill, dedication, and success in this important competition. 

Upcoming learning forum session: Gifts in kind

Keeping up to date on best practices and policies in our sector is both a necessity and a challenge for frontline development colleagues and those of us that support their efforts to build sustaining relationships.  In response to a recent influx of in-kind giving inquiries, Gift Services will be offering a refresher information session on Nov. 3 from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. Please keep an eye out for an invitation within the next few days. While this session is primarily aimed at Development staff, we would encourage anyone who works with donors on a regular basis to attend. 

Reminder! Advancement Values – our value statements? 

By Kate Bearse, Executive Assistant, Office of the Vice-Principal (Advancement) 

A friendly reminder that last week we started the Define phase of our values work. In this survey you will find Advancement’s values and two value statements. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to participate in this survey and choose one statement per value. In the Nov. 9 ALTogehter Now, we will reveal the chosen value statements before we move into our next phase, Validate.

Keep an eye on ALTogether Now for even more information and activities that I hope you will participate in. 

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 resume) must be submitted through CareerQ. For additional information on this posting, please reach out to either Katelyn, Carla, or the hiring manager for the position you are interested in.

Available Position:

Fun fact

Last week the Arts & Science Development team met for a socially distanced stroll!