Associate Director Development Student and Campus Experience

Location: Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1

This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph. Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent, 20 month coverage.

General Purpose

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 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.

The Associate Director of Development, Student and Campus Experience (ADD-SCE) 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, aiming to expand on the University’s recent fundraising growth so that AA&D becomes a team that consistently raises $75M a year by 2030.

Duties And Responsibilities

The ADD-SCE is a senior fundraising professional charged with securing philanthropic support for programs and initiatives that drive student success and positive developmental experiences across the University of Guelph campus. This role reports to the Director of Major Gift Advancement and partners closely with the Provost and Vice President (Academic) and the Vice Provost (Student Affairs).

The ADD-SCE will focus on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors committed to initiatives that directly contribute to student well-being, academic success, and campus community development. The Associate Director will play a critical role in advancing institutional goals by connecting donor interests with impactful initiatives benefiting students.

The ADD-SCE, in collaboration with their team, is also tasked with building a planned giving pipeline in partnership with AA&D’s Planned Gift team. The ADD works closely with the Major Gift Stewardship Engagement Manager to carry out the stewardship of donors, including supporting staff in the student wellness portfolio in the implementation of gifts in accordance with donor approved gift agreements.

In addition, the ADD-SCE will help develop and implement a long-term fundraising strategy for Student and Campus Experience initiatives aligned with the overall University of Guelph multi-year and annual strategic fundraising plans.

Requirements

• 6-9 years of experience in university or other public sector fundraising experience, with a proven track record of success securing principal and major gifts from a variety of stakeholders.
• Completion of an undergraduate degree; CFRE is preferred but not mandatory.
• Experience leading and managing team members, volunteers, and working with senior staff.
• Ability to engage senior leadership in a variety of sectors at a strategic level.
• Superior strategic planning, people management, and administrative skills.
• Superior interpersonal communication skills, including effective relationship building.
• Leadership and motivation skills, with proven ability to lead groups towards completion of long-term goals.
• Experience with all aspects of the advancement environment.
• Ability to think and act quickly and effectively under pressure.
• Experience with public relations, communications, and alumni relations programs.
• Successful experience managing personnel with diverse job requirements.
• Experience managing the personnel and resource requirements of competing projects.
• Experience implementing complex processes and overlapping cycles of activity.

Why choose the University of Guelph

• Comprehensive Extended Health Care Benefits: Immediate enrollment in extended health to cover yourself and your family.
• Time off: Strong vacation allocation, floater days, and paid time off during the December closure.
• Wellness: Yearly flexible spending credit for Health Spending, Wellness, or Professional Development.
• Learning & Development: Curriculum and other professional growth opportunities.
• On-campus Activities: Discounts on food and apparel, fitness programming, access to networking events.
• Improve Life: Work that directly impacts a brighter future by turning knowledge into action.
• Flexible work arrangement: Required to be fulfilled both remotely and on-campus.

Employee Type: Temporary, 20 month coverage of regular employee.

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.

Posting Date: 10/05/2026 Closing Date: 10/19/2026