Director, and Alumni Engagement

With gratitude, Renison University College acknowledges that it is located on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Hodinohsyó:ni, and Attawandaran (Neutral) Peoples, which is situated on the Haldimand Tract, land granted to the Six Nations that includes ten kilometres on each side of the Grand River from mouth to source. The active work toward reconciliation takes place in all corners of Renison’s campus through research, learning, teaching, community building, and outreach.

Established in 1959 as an affiliated institution of the University of Waterloo, Renison University College offers a distinctive, close-knit community where students live, learn, and grow. Renison combines a strong sense of belonging and inclusion with the academic opportunities and resources of a world-class university. Guided by its  Strategic Plan, Meeting the Moment, Renison is focused on nurturing transformative student leaders;

advancing Indigenization, decolonization, inclusion, diversity and equity; fostering a strong and healthy community; strengthening teaching, research and learning; and advancing institutional sustainability. These priorities build on Renison’s distinctive educational strengths and longstanding commitment to student success and well-being, experiential learning, and community partnerships, which result in distinctively meaningful relationships with partners and alumni. Together, Renison’s committed faculty, engaging learning environment, vibrant student experience, strong sense of community, and commitment to social justice position the College to make a meaningful contribution to the University community while preparing graduates to contribute positively in a diverse and complex world.

Renison University College invites applications and nominations for the position of inaugural Director, Advancement and Alumni Engagement to lead its advancement strategy and build the philanthropic partnerships that will shape the institution's future. Reporting to the President and Vice-Chancellor and serving as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Director will provide strategic leadership for fundraising, alumni engagement, donor relations, and campaign development.

A central priority will be advancing the One Renison Capital Campaign, an ambitious initiative to expand residence capacity while modernizing essential campus infrastructure to create safe and welcoming student housing, strengthen long-term financial sustainability, and enhance the Renison experience for generations to come.

This highly visible role will lead the planning and execution of fundraising strategies in support of the One Renison Campaign and other institutional priorities. The Director will provide strategic leadership for campaign planning, readiness, and execution, ensuring alignment between fundraising objectives, institutional priorities, and key strategic initiatives. They will strengthen the major gift pipeline, cultivate and steward connections with donors, develop compelling fundraising strategies, and support the recruitment and mobilization of campaign volunteers and volunteer leaders.

The Director will also build and lead a high-performing advancement team, overseeing the development of campaign communications, stewardship programs, and related fundraising activities, while ensuring effective systems for donor management, tracking, analysis, and reporting. Serving as a key ambassador for Renison, the Director will build confidence among donors, alumni, volunteers, community partners, and institutional stakeholders, helping to foster a culture of philanthropy that advances Renison's mission and long-term sustainability.

The successful candidate will hold a bachelor’s degree, with a master’s degree…