Development Manager, Ontario Agricultural College

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

Temporary full-time from 10/06/2025 to 08/13/2027
Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

**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 Development Manager, Ontario Agricultural College 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 Director Development (OAC) and working in partnership with the Advancement Team, you will be a relationship builder responsible for personal solicitation of donations, estate gifts and sponsorships in the range of $25,000 to $500,000.

As part of our mission to build lifelong relationships within our community, the Development Manager, OAC will play a key role in connecting donors with meaningful opportunities to support the College’s highest priorities. This includes engaging alumni, grateful clients, corporations, and friends of the University of Guelph to build lasting philanthropic support. The Development Manager will personally generate support through relationship-building and strategic engagement, with a focus on both advancing current funding opportunities and identifying new prospects to strengthen and grow our donor pipeline.

This position carries an annual fundraising goal that may evolve year to year, depending on institutional priorities and donor opportunities. Flexibility and adaptability will be essential to success, as will the ability to connect authentically and confidently with donors and prospects from diverse backgrounds. More specifically, the responsibilities of this role include:

- Identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors and prospects through the fundraising cycle;
- Maintaining a personal prospect portfolio of 80-100 cleared donors/prospects, undertaking 10-15 face-to-face meetings per month with donors/prospects;
- Preparing briefing materials to support Senior Administration (President, VPs, AVPs, Dean) fundraising activity;
- Collaborating with the Director of Advancement, the Dean, Associate Director Development, the Senior Development Manager and other internal partners to identify university priorities that will resonate with donors, e.g., scholarships, sponsorships, and capital projects;
- Creating and presenting materials to advance fundraising asks such as: generic cases for support to more customized proposals;
- Negotiating the closure of major gifts, including the creation of gift agreements and other supporting documentation;
- Actively developing the OAC planned giving pipeline working in partnership with the OAC Director, Associate Director and the University of Guelph’s Gift Planning Manager.

**Requirements**:

- Undergraduate degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience, ideally with two years of fundraising experience.
- Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is preferred.
- Demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and professional development.
- Proven ability to work independently and take initiative to meet goals and deadlines.
- Strong problem-solving skills and persistence in navigating new challenges.
- Capacity to manage competing priorities and respond effectively in dynamic situations.
- Experience working successfully as part of a team in a fast-paced, complex environment.
- Comfort and effectiveness in engaging with stakeholders at all levels, including senior executives.
- Ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, both in writing and in person.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with donor databases and/or CRM systems.

If you have a passion or interest for agriculture, that would be an asset and will contribute to your success and sa