Campaign Director

**Department**: Office of the AVP Advancement
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

Temporary full-time from 07/14/2025 to 07/14/2028

**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 the kind of 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. As a member of this campus-wide team, the Campaign Director 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. The campaign aims to expand on the University’s recent fundraising growth so that AA&D becomes a team that consistently raises $75 M a year by 2030 (a record $55M was raised in FY24/25). By aligning donor passions with the university's ambitious goals, the campaign will boost revenue, elevate the university's global profile, deepen donor relationships, and create a highly developed culture of philanthropy across the University community. Institutional leaders and volunteers will be highly engaged in advocating for the university's global impact and the vital role of philanthropy in achieving this vision.

**Duties and Responsibilities**

Reporting to the Associate Vice President, Advancement, the Campaign Director (CD) will be a key Campaign leader tasked with a balance of Campaign strategic leadership and execution responsibilities. Working closely with and serving as a member of the Alumni Affairs & Development (AA&D) Senior Leadership team, the Campaign Director will coordinate and oversee the execution of key campaign initiatives like managing campaign working groups across campus, executing a feasibility study, planning campaign launch and results reporting, and building and managing a robust campaign volunteer structure, to name a few. The Campaign Director will have a leadership role in ensuring effective campaign communication and coordination across colleges and units, forming a cohesive and compelling pan-university campaign.

The Campaign Director will work closely with and serve as a main point of contact with the campaign volunteers and internal campaign working groups including the University Executive Team (UET) and University Leadership Teams (ULT). The Campaign Director develops and implements short
- and long-term plans and ensures effective delivery of service to high priority stakeholders internal and external to the University.

**Requirements**:

- 6-8 years of experience in fundraising, preferably in higher education or academic medicine settings.
- Undergraduate degree. Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is preferred.
- Proven strategic and operational management at a senior level within large institutions or corporations.
- Deep understanding and commitment to integrated fundraising and alumni engagement programs, with experience in complex university environments.
- Strong collaborative relationships with staff, donors, faculty, volunteers, and academic leadership.
- Ability to develop sincere, productive relationships and build trust with both internal colleagues and external constituencies.
- Required experience with fundraising campaigns; experience in academic environments and direct major gift fundraising is an asset.
- Experience leading and working with volunteers.
- Ability to quickly assimilate information, analyze data, provide advice, guidance, and make sound decisions.
- Proven communication and project management skills in progressive roles.
- Experience in fundraising or donor relations roles, including drafting proposals, gift agreements, and donor reports.
- Outstanding leadership and management skills, with the ability to solve problems and make independent decisions.
- Proven ability to collate and analyze qualitative and quantitative data, draft reports, and provide briefing materials and recommendations to senior leadership.

**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 to ensure that you are at your best
- Wellness: In addition to extensive wellness programming, the University offers a yearly flexible spending credit that can be allocated to any of the following: Health Spending, Wellness or Professional Development
- Learning & Development: Learning and development curriculum and other professional growth opportunities
- On-campus Activities: Discounts on food and apparel, fitness programming, access to networking events and team building