Stewardship Manager - Ontario Veterinary College

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

Temporary full-time from 05/11/2026 to 05/11/2029

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

Are you passionate about fundraising, healthcare and animals? This position is an opportunity to join a highly collaborative and results-focused team of passionate advancement 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 Stewardship Manager, OVC, 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 Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) is a world leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical care, advancing animal, human, and environmental health through innovative teaching and discovery. Established in 1862 and part of the University of Guelph, OVC has earned an international reputation for excellence and impact across companion animal, livestock, and biomedical sciences. As Ontario’s only veterinary college, OVC plays a vital provincial and global role in training the next generation of veterinary leaders and driving solutions to today’s most pressing health challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting into the Senior Stewardship Manager, OVC, the Stewardship Manager (SM), OVC, oversees stewardship relationships within the major gift fundraising cycle, focusing on donors with cumulative giving between $25,000 and $1 million. The role manages approximately 150 donor relationships and works closely with Relationship Managers to develop and deliver stewardship plans. The SM supports donor meetings, including select engagements with senior University leaders, and strengthens connections between College leadership, faculty, and donors. The position serves as the primary point of contact for select donors, ensures timely follow‑up and accurate documentation, and maintains donor records in collaboration with Relationship Managers (RMs).

The SM ensures donors are informed, recognized, and meaningfully engaged, and that all donor commitments are fulfilled in accordance with donor intent and University policy. The role ensures committed funds are used accurately and on time, and manages donor, endowment, chair, and faculty reporting where applicable. 

The SM leads stewardship planning and execution for major and planned gift donors in collaboration with Advancement leadership, Relationship Managers, and the Legacy Giving team. This includes managing gift announcements, maximizing stewardship opportunities at College and University events, and supporting donor recognition and volunteer award nominations. The role also ensures compliance with University naming policies, maintains naming inventories, and coordinates approvals for naming opportunities. 

The SM creates strategic engagement opportunities aligned with donor interests and academic priorities, facilitates donor participation in events and advisory activities, coordinates personalized communications and event follow‑up, and shares relevant University news and milestone acknowledgements. The role leads College‑level stewardship for confirmed legacy donors, supports realized bequests and provides donor and alumni tours.

In addition, the SM oversees the student award thank‑you letter process, coordinates the Dean’s congratulatory correspondence to alumni, manages endowment reporting, and performs other related duties in support of OVC’s advancement, stewardship, and engagement objectives.

We believe that strong stewardship is fundamental to effective donor relationship management, building trust, long‑term engagement, and sustained philanthropic partnership.

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 
• 3-6 years Stewardship experience in planning and implementing stewardship activities, such as donor communications and events. 
• Superior communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to interact effectively with senior executives in the corporate community
• Experience with fundraising in large and complex environments, including major, multi-year capital campaigns, with specific experience in donor stewardship
• Event planning and coordination experience
• Ability to think and act quickly and effectively under pressure, exercising tact, diplomacy, discretion and good judgment
• Experience in public relations, communications and alumni relations programs
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and fundraising databases/CRMs

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: Temporary 
Position Number: 10925633 
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:  03/25/2026  
Closing Date:  04/15/2026