Associate Director Finance and Donations Management

Department: Advancement Services
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

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 Associate Director, Finance & Donations Management 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

The Associate Director, Finance & Donations Management leads the Finance and Donations Management team and reports to the Director, Advancement Services. The Director oversees several support groups—including Finance & Donations Management, Information Services and Infrastructure, and Gift Strategy & Policy—that help support  Development and Alumni programs throughout the division.

This strategic leadership role oversees processing of all philanthropic gifts and pledged commitments to the University of Guelph, and maintaining the related biographical info for our alumni and donors. The successful candidate will oversee financial operations in a complex environment, identifying opportunities for innovative and forward-thinking improvements. Working closely with Directors, AVP, and VP External, the Associate Director will develop and implement operational plans, collaborate with stakeholders to continuously improve processes, and ensure alignment with divisional goals and priorities. The AD is tasked with developing and sustaining a team environment focused on customer service, as well as managing relationships with fundraisers and colleagues in the central Finance, Treasury, and Budget offices.

The AA&D Finance and Donations Management team is responsible for processing all philanthropic gifts and pledged commitments to the University of Guelph, and maintaining the related biographical info for our alumni and donors.  AA&D’s annual processing of gifts based on a three-year average includes entering 16,000+ gifts approx. 11,000 donors, with the total value of these donations approximately $50 million - $75 million. Donations can vary from $2.00 to $20 million+, with on average 8,000 biographical updates per year. The AD-FDM is a trusted strategic role in overseeing the direct Finance & Records team, as well as the broader AA&D fundraising team to ensure donor satisfaction and CRA compliance.

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 professional accounting designation (CPA, CA, CGA)
• At least 3 years experience in an applied financial environment
• Advanced knowledge of business, university operations, and fundraising in a post-secondary environment
• 4 years proven leadership experience, including building collaborative teams and inspiring excellence
• Strong relationship-building skills with senior executives and key stakeholders
• Expert knowledge of financial legislation, regulations, and strategic financial planning
• In-depth understanding of fundraising accounting, endowments, trust law, and donation management (CASE, CRA standards)
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and sound judgment
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Excellent report writing and data analysis skills (SQL, reporting software, relational databases, spreadsheets)
• Demonstrated ability to influence peers and senior leadership in financial discussions
• Experience in risk management and developing internal controls
• Strong analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Initiative, independence, and effective team management skills
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to adapt to changing demands

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: 10561001 
Classification: P&M FT- Band 07    
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands 
The target hiring salary for this position is minimum and up to 96% of midpoint for the salary grade.

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:  11/13/2025  
Closing Date:  12/04/2025