Development Manager - College of Social and Applied Human Sciences

Development Manager - College of Social and Applied Human Sciences

Location:

Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

Primary Category Page:
Staff and Management

Division:
Alumni Affairs and Development

Requisition

Department: Major Gift Advancement
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

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 ()

This position is an opportunity to join a highly collaborative and results-focused team of passionate fundraising professionals in Alumni Affairs and Development at one of Canada’s leading comprehensive research-intensive universities.

Alumni Affairs & Development (AA&D)’s purpose is to maximize philanthropic support for the University of Guelph’s mission of creating unique solutions for the challenges facing our world. We achieve this purpose by building the kind of deep and sustained relationships with our donors, alumni and friends that increase awareness of, engagement with, and investment in the University of Guelph’s work. As a member of this campus-wide team, the Development Manager, College of Social & Applied Human Sciences (CSAHS) advances philanthropic support for priorities that enhance the student and campus experience.

The role 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. 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 Senior Development Manager, CSAHS and working in partnership with the Advancement team, you will be a relationship builder responsible for the personal solicitation of donations, estate gifts and sponsor ships of high‑end annual gifts, focusing on growing major gifts in the range of $25,000 to $500,000. This role supports the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences’ relationships, reputation, and resources.

This includes engaging alumni, grateful clients, corporations, and friends of the University of Guelph to build lasting philanthropic support. The Development Manager will personally generate support through relationship‑building and strategic engagement, with a focus on both advancing current funding opportunities and identifying new prospects to strengthen and grow our donor pipeline.

This position carries an annual fundraising goal that may evolve year to year, depending on institutional priorities and donor opportunities. Flexibility and adaptability will be essential to success, as will the ability to connect authentically and confidently with donors and prospects from diverse backgrounds. More specifically, the responsibilities of this role include:

• Identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors and prospects through the fundraising cycle;
• Maintaining a personal prospect portfolio of 80‑100 cleared donors/prospects, undertaking 10‑15 face‑to‑face (virtual and in‑person) meetings per month with donors/prospects;
• Preparing briefing materials to support Senior Administration (President, VPs, AVPs, Dean) fundraising activity;
• Collaborating with the Director of Major Gift Advancement, Associate Director Development, the College Dean, the Senior Development Manager, and other campus partners to identify and advance fundraising priorities that will resonate with donors, including scholarships, sponsor ships, student‑focused initiatives, and capital projects;
• Creating and presenting materials to advance…