Development Communications Manager, Ontario Veterinary College University of Guelph

The Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE); Guelph; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

L'Université de Guelph recherche un Development Communications Manager pour soutenir les efforts de collecte de fonds à travers des communications stratégiques. Le candidat idéal alliera compétences en rédaction, en gestion de projets et en collaboration avec des équipes pour construire des récits inspirants qui encouragent la générosité des donateurs.

Qualifications

• Cinq ans d'expérience dans les communications de fundraising et une trajectoire de dons majeurs.
• Excellente connaissance des principes de levée de fonds et des documents de soutien de cas.

Responsibilities

• Collaborer avec l'équipe pour développer des propositions et des rapports de reconnaissance pour les donateurs.
• Répondre aux besoins spéciaux des donateurs avec des matériaux de communication sur mesure.

Skills

Superior writing skills

Excellent editing and proofreading skills

Communication and interpersonal skills

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Education

University degree in communications or related discipline

Tools

InDesign

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Are you a skilled communicator with a talent for transforming complex ideas into compelling, donor-centered stories? Do you want to play a key role in inspiring philanthropic support for groundbreaking veterinary education and research?

The University of Guelph is hiring a Development Communications Manager to join the External Relations team at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC). Reporting to the Stewardship and Engagement Manager, you’ll work at the intersection of fundraising and strategic communication, developing customized proposals and stewardship reports for the College’s top donors and prospects.

You’ll collaborate with advancement professionals, faculty, researchers, and senior leadership to create University-branded materials that translate OVC’s fundraising priorities into inspiring narratives. Your work will help secure transformational gifts and recognize the impact of donor generosity, all while supporting the OVC’s mission to improve the health of animals, people, and the planet.

If you’re a strategic thinker with excellent writing skills and a passion for storytelling that drives impact, we’d love to hear from you!

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Working closely with the OVC Advancement team to develop strategy and execute tailored communication vehicles for specific donors (with philanthropic asks ranging from $25K – $15M) i.e. presentations, briefs, pitch materials, and leave-behind collateral.
• Researching all aspects of priority projects to ensure continuity and accuracy.
• Conveying complex problems and opportunities – from those of the U of G to those of the greater global community – in a way that is inspiring and timely.
• Co-evolving a suite of branded fundraising collateral.
• Conducting interviews with faculty, staff, students, and senior leadership for the development of stewardship reports for OVC’s top donors.
• Requesting and interpreting the raw text and graphic/photo content from donor-supported program managers or faculty chairs for the development of annual or biennial stewardship reports, according to an established report calendar.

Requirements

• University degree in communications, marketing, or related discipline, with five years’ experience in fundraising communications and a track record of securing major gifts.
• Superior writing skills are critical. The successful candidate will have demonstrated, through a portfolio of samples, professional-level writing ability with respect to style, organization, and structure, appropriateness to subject, breadth of subject matter, and clear understanding of the target audience(s) and presentation of key message(s).
• Excellent editing and proofreading skills.
• High level of skill with InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Word, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of graphic design, publication layout, and publishing processes.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent knowledge of university advancement and fundraising principles, specifically relating to campaigns, proposals, and case for support documents.
• Familiarity with CRA guidelines and ethical fundraising procedures as they apply to major gift fundraising in the post-secondary sector.
• Critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask.
• Ability to think and act quickly, effectively, and resourcefully under pressure, exercise tact, diplomacy, discretion, and good judgement.
• Strong time management skills.

The University of Guelph (www.uoguelph.ca) is one of Canada’s leading research-intensive comprehensive institutions, with a record of outstanding scholarship in the arts, humanities, social sciences, life sciences, physical and engineering sciences, agriculture, and veterinary sciences. This is your chance to join us in our endeavor to improve life.

To view a detailed posting for the role of Development Communications Manager, please go to our website at https://careers.uoguelph.ca/.

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, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.