Engagement Manager, University Wide

Department: Alumni and Annual Giving
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 Engagement Manager, University Wide 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.

The Alumni and Annual Giving business unit is responsible for engagement and raising financial support annually for identified University priorities from key constituencies. The goal is to raise a minimum of $5 million annually from gifts below $25,000 and engage alumni and friends in the mission of the institution through a variety of programs and volunteerism.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Associate Director, Alumni Advancement, the Engagement Manager will lead a portfolio of high-profile programs and initiatives — from signature events like Homecoming, Frosty Mug, and the Alumni Awards of Excellence to a growing suite of alumni benefits, promotions, and affinity programs to supporting our reunions program. These initiatives build lifelong relationships while advancing our institutional priorities.

You will serve as both a strategic lead and hands-on project manager, working across departments such as Ceremonies and Events, Hospitality, Communications and Marketing, Experiential Learning, and the Registrar’s Office, as well as within Alumni Affairs & Development teams, to deliver seamless and inclusive engagement experiences.

This role involves:

• Leading the strategy and engagement planning on high-profile signature events.
• Shaping and executing large-scale alumni engagement programs and reunions.
• Developing and promoting alumni benefits and services that drive loyalty.
• Evaluating program impact using data and scaling what works.
• Exploring new engagement opportunities that balance broad reach with targeted outreach.
• Supporting and stewarding volunteers connected to central engagement efforts.

Success in this position requires a creative, data-informed mindset, exceptional organizational skills, and the ability to bring people together around a shared vision. You’ll also stay attuned to trends in alumni engagement both in higher education and beyond and introduce fresh ideas to keep our approach relevant and inspiring.

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:

• An undergraduate degree and 3 years of progressive experience in alumni relations, communications, engagement programming, volunteer coordination, events, or partnership development. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Proven ability to design, deliver, and evaluate multi-channel outreach programs (digital platforms, benefits and affinity initiatives, alumni travel, high-profile campaigns).
• Knowledge of alumni relations best practices, relationship management, privacy regulations, budgeting, and research.
• Experience managing budgets of $100,000+ with strategic resource allocation.
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects in a fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environment (post-secondary experience preferred).
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint) and experience with CRM or advancement databases.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Thinks strategically and plans thoughtfully.
• Communicates clearly and persuasively, in writing and in person.
• Collaborates naturally and energizes teams around a direction.
• Enjoys exploring and leveraging new digital tools.
• Uses data to inform decisions and measure success.

If this sounds like you, we would love to learn more. 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: 10922844 
Classification: P&M FT- Band 04    
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:  09/11/2025  
Closing Date:  10/02/2025