Are you a relationship-focused fundraising professional with a passion for student development and the transformative power of athletics? Do you want to play a leading role in shaping an inclusive, vibrant campus community that supports wellness, equity, and student success?

The University of Guelph is hiring a Senior Development Manager to join the Major Gift Advancement team. In this high-impact role, you will drive major and planned giving efforts that support a broad range of student-focused priorities—from mental health and wellness to food security and gender equity in sport.

Reporting to the Director, Major Gift Advancement, you’ll lead strategic fundraising initiatives for Athletics and Student Affairs, managing a portfolio of top donors and prospects. You’ll collaborate closely with senior university leadership, including the Provost, Vice-Provost (Student Affairs), and Director of Athletics, as well as with colleagues across Alumni Affairs & Development, to build meaningful partnerships that advance key institutional goals.

You’ll play a vital role in the university’s next fundraising campaign, helping elevate the University of Guelph’s global profile and deepen its culture of philanthropy. Whether you’re championing support for student wellness programs or the “She’s Got Game” initiative to advance women in sport, your work will directly impact the future of thousands of students.

If you’re a strategic, donor-centric fundraiser with a strong track record in major gift development—and you’re inspired by the opportunity to support the next generation of leaders, athletes, and change-makers, we’d love to hear from you.

 Your key responsibilities will include:

• Identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors and prospects through the fundraising cycle
• Maintaining a robust pipeline of 60-80 donors/prospects and undertaking 10-15 meetings per month with donors/prospects.
• Preparing briefing materials to support the participation of senior administration in fundraising activities.
• Collaborating with the Provost & Vice-President (Academic), Vice Provost (Student Affairs), Director of Athletics and other internal partners to advance donor relationships as well to identify university priorities that will resonate with donors.
• Creating and presenting materials to advance fundraising asks, such as generic cases for support and customized proposals.
• Negotiating the closure of major and planned gifts, including the creation of gift agreements and other supporting documentation.

We believe that fundraising is a team sport, and collaboration with colleagues across the board is essential for success. Working in tandem with senior development managers in other colleges is expected.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree, with preference given to demonstrated commitment to professional development, graduate degree, relevant diploma, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ fundraising experience, with a proven track record of success in securing major and planned gifts, or equivalent experience in a related field.
• The ability to think and act quickly and effectively under pressure, exercising tact, diplomacy, discretion, and good judgment.
• A proven ability to interact effectively with senior executives in the corporate community.
• Management of large and complex fundraising projects, especially capital campaigns.
• Superior written and interpersonal communications skills, including effective relationship building and experience in managing senior volunteers.
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite and donor databases and/or CRM systems.
• A passion for athletics and/or a background in athletic and student-focused charities is an asset.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is an asset.

NOTE: The University has adopted a policy relative to flexible work arrangements. This appointment is regularly performed on campus but is eligible for a flexible work arrangement under the terms of this policy.

The University of Guelph (www.uoguelph.ca) is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive comprehensive institutions, with a record of outstanding scholarship in the arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, physical and engineering sciences, agriculture, and veterinary sciences. This is your chance to join us in our endeavor to improve life. 

To view a detailed posting for the role of Senior Development Manager, please go to our website at https://careers.uoguelph.ca/.

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.