Coordinator Local Engagement

Ontario University Athletics; Guelph; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Ontario is seeking a Coordinator for Local Engagement. This role focuses on fostering student success through community engagement and experiential learning initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in program leadership, community partnerships, and volunteer management, along with an undergraduate degree in a related field. This is a temporary full-time position, starting on March 30, 2026, with a focus on enhancing student employability and civic engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years experience in community organizations or higher education.
• Experience in designing educational programs.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational planning and delivery of local engagement initiatives.
• Cultivate partnerships with organizations and faculty.
• Oversee budget management and program evaluation.

Skills

Facilitation skills

Communication skills

Project management

Team leadership

Community engagement

Education

Undergraduate Degree in relevant field

Tools

Microsoft365

Job description

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Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Requisition ID: 2085

Department: Experiential Learning
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

Temporary full-time from 03/30/2026to10/08/2027
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 (sapsf.com)

General Purpose

The Experiential Learning department plays a critical role in fostering student success and employability and supports the institution’s commitment to providing students with opportunities to apply their learning in real‑world contexts. The department provides career development for UofG students including co‑operative education, career education, campus and community‑integrated learning, and experiential learning development and recognition. These areas are supported by business operations, marketing and communications, employment services and systems. The University has the second largest co‑operative education program in Ontario, with over 7,000 participating students. Thousands more students engage in a broad range of co‑curricular learning opportunities both on and off‑campus.

Aligned with the University’s commitment to providing diverse experiential learning opportunities that cultivate employability skills and global citizenship competencies, the Coordinator, Local Engagement in the Experiential Learning Hub provides portfolio‑level leadership for programs and services that facilitate meaningful student engagement with the local community. The role contributes to the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of experiential learning initiatives aligned with institutional priorities, supporting student employability, promoting lifelong civic engagement, and contributing to student persistence and success.

Reporting to the Manager of Campus and Community Integrated Learning, the Coordinator is responsible for the day‑to‑day planning, coordination, delivery, and evaluation of a defined portfolio of local engagement programs. The role exercises independent judgment in operational decision‑making, contributes analysis and recommendations to strategic planning, and implements initiatives within established policies, procedures, and strategic direction, in consultation with the Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Program and Portfolio Leadership: Lead the operational planning and coordinated delivery of a portfolio of local engagement initiatives in the Guelph‑Wellington community, including large‑scale campus‑wide volunteer events (Project Serve), group‑based community‑engaged learning initiatives, and individualized student volunteer advising. Program approaches are informed by student and community feedback, institutional priorities, and emerging best practices.
• Program Development and Implementation: Lead the design, implementation, and ongoing refinement of experiential learning programs aligned with unit goals and strategic direction, including the Volunteer Experience and Career Training (VECT) program, the Foundations for Volunteering Module, and the Experience Guelph Volunteer Opportunities Portal. The Coordinator exercises independent judgment in program delivery and improvement, while escalating complex or high‑impact decisions as required.
• Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate and sustain collaborative partnerships with non‑profit and public sector organizations, faculty, and campus departments to support reciprocal community benefit and student learning outcomes.
• Supervision and Student Development: Provide day‑to‑day supervision, coaching, and performance feedback to student staff and volunteers, supporting leadership development and effective program delivery.
• Risk Management, Administration, and Evaluation: Oversee operational and financial aspects of the portfolio, including an annual budget of approximately $18,000, and act as the primary operational point person for risk management, program evaluation, and quality assurance within the local engagement portfolio.
• Recognition and Community Impact: Lead volunteer recognition and appreciation initiatives that celebrate student contributions and strengthen institutional‑community relationships.

Requirements

• Undergraduate Degree in Experiential Education, Social Work, Community Development, International Development, Psychology, Sociology, Child and Youth Development, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of three years of progressive experience working in, or closely with, community organizations, volunteer management, and/or higher education.
• Demonstrated understanding and practical experience applying experiential learning and student development theories in postsecondary education.
• Experience designing, implementing, and assessing educational or experiential programs with learning outcomes.
• Strong teaching, facilitation, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective partnerships and collaborative relationships.
• Experience supervising and supporting volunteers and/or staff.
• Highly developed organizational, administrative, and time and project management skills.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing risk management plans and emergency protocols.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft365 platforms.
• Basic AI literacy and experience using tools to enhance program efficiency and support volunteer engagement.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain accountability for outcomes within a complex portfolio.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10924132
Classification: P&M FT- Band 03
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands
The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

*Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.

At the University of Guelph, fostering aculture 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.

Posting Date: 01/22/2026
Closing Date: 02/05/2026