Senior Development Manager - Lang

Ontario University Athletics; Guelph; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic team at one of Canada's leading universities as a Senior Development Manager. This exciting opportunity involves major gift fundraising to support the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics. You will play a crucial role in building relationships with alumni, donors, and the community, aiming to generate significant contributions to advance the university's mission. If you are passionate about philanthropy and have a proven track record in fundraising, this role offers a chance to make a meaningful impact while working in a collaborative and supportive environment. Embrace the opportunity to redefine leadership and contribute to the future of education and community development.

Benefits

Flexible Work Arrangements

Professional Development Opportunities

Supportive Team Environment

Networking Opportunities

Qualifications

• 5+ years of fundraising experience, preferably in higher education.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for generating a minimum of $1 million in new major gifts annually.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit donors through the fundraising cycle.

Skills

Fundraising Experience

Relationship Building

Communication Skills

Project Management

Negotiation Skills

Education

Undergraduate Degree

Graduate Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Donor Databases

CRM Systems

Job description

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Primary Category Page: Staff and Management

Division: Alumni Affairs and Development

Requisition ID: 1038

Department: Major Gift Advancement

This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph.

Employment Type: Temporary full-time from 02/16/2025 to 08/21/2026 (Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent)

Internal Application: If you are a current employee of the University of Guelph, you must apply on the internal Career Page to be considered as an internal applicant.

General Purpose

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.

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

In our work, we advance the mission of the University of Guelph by building lifelong relationships with our community: alumni, donors, and friends. Our vision is for the University of Guelph to be personally relevant in the lives of our community members. Through these relationships, we amplify the impact of philanthropy to create unique solutions for the challenges facing our world. As a member of this campus-wide team, the Senior Development Manager epitomizes the department’s shared values of respect, empowerment, integrity, appreciation, and forward focus.

The Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics is committed to developing leaders with a social conscience, an environmental sensibility, and a commitment to their communities. If you are looking to join a supportive team who are redefining leadership and business education to respond to our changing world, we encourage your application to this exciting role.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Major Gift Advancement, the Senior Development Manager is responsible for major gift fundraising (contributions of $25,000 or greater and planned gifts) to support the fundraising priorities of the Gordon S. Lang School of Business and Economics. The Senior Development Manager is expected to personally generate a minimum of $1 million in new major gifts and pledges annually and works to advance priorities with alumni, corporations, grateful clients, and other friends of the University.

We believe that fundraising is a team sport, and collaboration with colleagues across the board is essential for success. Working in tandem with senior development managers in other colleges is highly encouraged. More specifically, responsibilities include:

• Identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors and prospects through the fundraising cycle.
• Maintaining a robust pipeline of 60-80 donors/prospects and undertaking 10-15 meetings per month with donors/prospects.
• Preparing briefing materials to support the participation of senior administration in fundraising activity.
• Collaborating with the Director, the Dean, and other internal partners to advance donor relationships as well as to identify university priorities that will resonate with donors, including scholarships, faculty/program support, and capital projects.
• Creating and presenting materials to advance fundraising asks such as generic cases for support and customized proposals.
• Negotiating the closure of major and planned gifts, including the creation of gift agreements and other supporting documentation.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree, with preference given to demonstrated commitment to professional development; graduate degree, relevant diploma, or equivalent combination of education/experience.
• A minimum of five (5) years of fundraising experience, with preference for major gift fundraising track record in a higher education setting, or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is an asset.
• Experience working with senior volunteers.
• The ability to think and act quickly and effectively under pressure, exercising tact, diplomacy, discretion, and good judgment.
• A proven ability to interact effectively with senior executives in the corporate community.
• Management of large and complex fundraising projects, especially capital campaigns.
• Superior written and interpersonal communications skills, including effective relationship building and experience in managing senior volunteers. Proficient use of Microsoft Office Suite and donor databases and/or CRM systems.

Please include a cover letter along with your resume in your application.

NOTE: The University has adopted a policy relative to flexible work arrangements. This appointment is regularly performed on campus but is eligible for a flexible work arrangement under the terms of this policy.

Posting Date: 01/22/2025
Closing Date: 02/12/2025