Stewardship Engagement Manager

Department: OAC Advancement

This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph.

Temporary full-time from 03/16/2026 to 08/20/2027.

Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent.

If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph you must apply on the internal Career Page in order to be considered as an internal applicant. Career Opportunities ()

In our work, we advance the mission of the University of Guelph by building lifelong relationships with our community: alumni, donors, and friends. Our vision is for the University of Guelph to be personally relevant in the lives of our community members. Through these relationships, we amplify the impact of philanthropy to create unique solutions for the challenges facing our world.

As a member of this campus-wide team, the Stewardship Engagement Manager epitomizes the department’s shared values of respect, empowerment, integrity, appreciation, and forward focus.

The University of Guelph is currently planning to launch its first fundraising campaign since 2014. The campaign aims to expand on the University’s recent fundraising growth so that AA&D becomes a team that consistently raises $75 M a year by 2030 (a record $55 M was raised in FY24/25). By aligning donor passions with the university's ambitious goals, the campaign will boost revenue, elevate the university's global profile, deepen donor relationships, and create a highly developed culture of philanthropy across the University community.

Institutional leaders and volunteers will be highly engaged in advocating for the university's global impact and the vital role of philanthropy in achieving this vision.

Reporting to the Director, OAC Advancement, the Stewardship & Engagement Manager leads the development and execution of a comprehensive stewardship and donor relations strategy for OAC’s major gift donors contributing $150,000 or more. The Manager ensures that high impact donors feel appreciated, informed, and connected to the outcomes of their generosity—strengthening long‑term loyalty and supporting future philanthropic investment.

Donor Stewardship & Relationship Management

• Steward a portfolio of major donors giving $150,000+ through tailored communication, recognition, and engagement.
• Ensure fulfillment of donor commitments, including impact reporting, recognition requirements, and agreement related obligations.
• Provide strategic support to gift officers on stewardship plans and donor engagement approaches.

Engagement Planning & Experience Design

• Create customized and segmented engagement plans informed by donor interests and giving intent.
• Coordinate meaningful campus experiences such as visits, events, program updates, and opportunities to connect with faculty and students.

Collaboration & Institutional Alignment

• Work closely with OAC advancement staff, department chairs, faculty, and administrative partners to gather accurate information and impact stories.
• Partner with the central AA&D Stewardship & Donor Relations team to align messaging, processes, and recognition standards.
• Represent OAC in cross campus stewardship initiatives.
• Track stewardship deliverables, reporting cycles, and donor communications using appropriate systems and tools.
• Monitor donor feedback and sector trends to refine stewardship strategy and improve service quality.
• Maintain organized documentation to ensure consistency and support advancement priorities.
• Thoughtful stewardship is essential to retaining and growing philanthropic support for OAC. By delivering personalized, meaningful donor experiences, the Stewardship & Engagement Manager strengthens donor trust, deepens engagement, and contributes directly to the College’s ability to secure transformative support.

The university recognizes that no one individual will have the following skills/experience in equal measure but the qualifications below will be used to assess the suitability of candidates throughout the process:

• University Degree in communications, marketing, or related discipline. Along with 3 to 6 years experience in fundraising. A combination…