Senior Development Manager - College of Social and Applied Human Sciences

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

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

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 Senior Development Manager, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences 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 million 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.

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 College of Social and Applied Human Sciences’ relationships, reputation, and resources. With financial goals set annually, the Senior Development Manager is expected to personally generate in the range of $1–$5 million in new major gifts and pledges annually and works to advance fundraising priorities with an external audience ranging from alumni, corporations, and friends of the University of Guelph. This occurs through donor qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. More specifically, responsibilities include:

• 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 other internal partners to advance donor relationships as well to identify University priorities that will resonate with donors including scholarships, faculty/program support, capital projects.
• Provide strategic leadership and management to the Development Manager(s), manage pipeline development, and serve as a key liaison between the Dean, Director, and the Advancement team to ensure alignment and optimize fundraising efforts.
• Creating and presenting materials to advance fundraising asks such as generic cases for support and customized proposals.
• Leading successful gift discussions and agreements, including the creation of supporting documentation.
• Undertaking estate planning discussions with donors and alumni in order to promote bequest giving as a means to achieve the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences’ fundraising priorities and create a legacy for donors on campus.

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 and typically a minimum of five (5) years of fundraising experience, with a proven track record of success in securing major and planned gifts, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to prioritize effectively in dynamic situations, exercising tact, diplomacy, discretion and good judgment.
• Experience managing large and complex fundraising projects; capital campaign experience is preferred.
• Superior written communication and interpersonal skills, including effective relationship building and experience in managing volunteers.
• Proficiency with common productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office) and experience using donor databases and/or CRM systems.
• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is an asset.

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

The university provides a flexible work arrangement. This position is required to be fulfilled both remotely and on-campus (Guelph Campus).

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10394052 
Classification: P&M FT- Band 05    
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:  05/07/2026  
Closing Date:  05/28/2026