Manager, Business Development and Partnerships

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

Temporary full-time from 11/17/2025 to 02/17/2027 
Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

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

The School of Continuing Studies (SCS) delivers and supports a range of in-demand and on-trend non-degree programming to serve the current and emerging needs of our internal and external communities, industries and partners.  Through our programs and services, we share the expertise of the University of Guelph beyond the University’s boundaries to help build healthy, thriving and sustainable communities in the rapidly evolving context of our region. We are a revenue generating enterprise within the university. 

As leaders in lifelong learning and professional development, we create innovative and relevant learning experiences that meet the personal, professional and career learning needs of local and international audiences. We are guided by learner-centred principles that are reflected in our diverse programs and rich learning experiences for lifelong learners. We strategically integrate pedagogy with education technology in the design, development and delivery of our programs to provide engaging, efficient and accessible learning.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Manager, Business Development and Partnerships (MBDP) identifies and cultivates business opportunities to extend the teaching and research expertise of the UofG to a nontraditional audience through lifelong learning opportunities. Specifically, the incumbent will:

• Actively seek out and establish new business relationships and partnerships including with corporations, industry, government, academic departments/colleges, non-profit, and other sectors.
• Work with leadership, academic departments, program committees, faculty and practitioners on development plans and priorities for new programming and revenue generating opportunities for the University.
• Lead the business development and partnership generation for all corporate programs across the School of Continuing Studies.
• Provide expertise as a member of SCS’s management team contributing to departmental strategic directions, goals and objectives and representing the needs of the department.
• Lead the Business Development and Partnerships team to meet revenue targets, expand target markets, and uphold exceptional standards of business development.
• Generate enthusiasm and secure engagement of faculty, staff, and practitioners in program development and revenue generating initiatives.
• Develop and deliver presentations and other materials that communicate expertise within the University of Guelph and SCS and encourage partnership and support.
• Lead the market research for new programs and initiatives using a variety of methods and data sources to inform the department of new programs and new markets including labour market, competitive and sector specific qualitative and quantitative data.
• Develop and present strategic business plans for new business development including financial and marketing plans, revenue projections, needs assessment of target audience, and situational analysis of competitors and potential collaborators to solicit sponsorships and generate program income.
• Work collaboratively with SCS teams and SCS partners to conceptualize a business model that aligns with the goals of the partner and leverages innovative and evidence-based practices.
• Research funding sources, identify potential funding opportunities and draft funding proposals that clearly articulate the goals of the project and the expertise within the University of Guelph in delivering on the goals.
• Identify and coordinate opportunities to present and/or exhibit at industry conferences and events.
• Contribute effectively to a collaborative environment that is poised to explore and engage in innovative initiatives that further the mission of the department and institution.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience in a related field and several years of successful business development experience in higher education, for-profit or non-profit organizations.
• The successful candidate will be a strategic and critical thinker who can exercise sound judgement, analyze, and interpret data and present information clearly, concisely, and professionally.
• The successful candidate will be entrepreneurial, and sales focused and possess skills in adult learning principles, practices, and programming.
• The successful candidate will be highly skilled in business development best practices; partnership development and revenue generation in the post-secondary space; research and analyzing large data sets, stakeholder relationship building and engagement; budgeting, and financial management; meeting facilitation; grant and proposal writing; organizational, project, and time management including the ability to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and attention to detail; as well as be a skilled negotiator and decision maker.
• The incumbent will also demonstrate excellent communication skills, including oral, written, and presentation, with the ability to handle matters requiring a high level of diplomacy, sensitivity, and confidentiality. As a member of the SCS Management Team, the Manager, BDP will actively contribute to the vision and goals of the department.

Employee Type: Regular 
Position Number: 10056023 
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.

*Tentative evaluation.

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:  09/26/2025  
Closing Date:  10/03/2025