Engagement and Development Officer

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

Temporary full-time from 09/01/2026 to 04/21/2028

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

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 Engagement & Development Officer 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. 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.

The Engagement & Development Officer (EDO) plays a crucial role in driving the Ontario Agricultural College's (OAC) fundraising and engagement efforts. This position is responsible for strategic oversight of the OAC's extensive awards portfolio.

Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Support: Provide administrative support to the fundraising team, these duties could include: pledge reminders, cannon support, briefing notes and thank you letters.

Stewardship: Support the Stewardship Engagement Manager with stewardship activities.

Award Management: Oversee the strategic management of OAC's substantial undergraduate, graduate, and Ridgetown College Diploma awards portfolios.

Donor Engagement: Liaise with donors across all portfolios with particular engagement with donors in the OAC awards and stewardship portfolios:

Event Management: Plan and execute stewardship events related to the awards portfolio and other engagement initiatives.

The Engagement & Development Officer, OAC will possess proven organization, writing, event management and communication skills to work with donors, alumni and volunteers.  Changing trends in engagement are creating a need for more dedicated resources, particularly within the founding colleges who have the most donors. Today, donors and alumni demand a personal approach that includes personal interaction and targeted communications to increase engagement and ultimately giving.

Requirements

The university recognizes that no one individual will have the following skills/experience in equal measure but the qualifications below will be used to assess the suitability of candidates throughout the process:

• Undergraduate degree in related field.
• 4-6 years experience in alumni relations or fundraising is required.
• 4-6 Experience in event coordination and planning is required, including event evaluations.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite of programs.
• End-user Database experience (query and entry).
• Sound judgement, tact, diplomacy, excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience in program development and strategic planning.
• Experience in managing volunteers and student employees (recruitment, training, retention and support, recognition).

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

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 opportunities.
• Improve Life: Work that directly impacts a brighter future by turning knowledge into action.

Employee Type: Temporary 
Position Number: 10914271 
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 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.

Posting Date:  06/26/2026  
Closing Date:  07/17/2026