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Professional and Managerial Group

Development Communications Manager

Alumni Affairs and Development

Temporary full-time from March 2023 to March 8, 2024
Temporary absence of the regular incumbent
Hiring #: 2023-0153

Please read the Application Instructions before applying

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.

In our work, we advance the mission of the University of Guelph by building lifelong relationships with our community: alumni, donors, and friends. Our vision is for the University of Guelph to be personally relevant in the lives of our community members. Through these relationships, we amplify the impact of philanthropy to create unique solutions for the challenges facing our world. As a member of this campus-wide team, the Development Communications Manager Marketing and Creative Services Officer epitomizes the department’s shared values of respect, empowerment, integrity, appreciation, and forward focus.

The Development Communications Manager is an integral member of the Engagement Services team, supporting the department’s ambitious fundraising targets, working collaboratively across the department, creating and managing high value donor proposals, in support of the University’s funding priorities and AA&D’s goal of attracting $50-million in philanthropic support each year.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Advancement Marketing and Communications, the Development Communications Manager will work closely with the front-line advancement team, creating “prospect tailored” branded proposals and key messaging through the solicitation phase, researching all aspects of the proposal and ensuring appropriate approvals are obtained. The Development Communications Manager will also lead the development of strategic fundraising collateral, such as case for support documents and presentations, in-line with current fundraising priorities of the University. The purpose of these documents is to inspire and guide prospects in consideration of major philanthropic support at the University of Guelph.

Responsibilities Include:

• Works closely with fundraising team to develop strategy and execution of tailored communication vehicles for specific donors (with philanthropic asks ranging from $100K - $15M) i.e., presentations, briefs, pitch materials, leave behind pieces.
• Researches all aspects of the proposal to ensure continuity and accuracy of all key components.
• Translates complex information into a market ready proposal, tailored to the prospect/donor.
• Develops a deep understanding of top prospect interests and motivations and conveys complex problems and opportunities in a way that is inspiring and timely.
• Collaborates with team members to develop a visually appealing layout of the created content, specific to each donor.
• Utilizes page layout software (Adobe Creative Suite, InDesign) to design materials and use in-house templates provided by the Marketing and Communications team.
• Collaborates on print and digital fundraising collateral, promotional materials, web content, case for support documents.
• Supports ad hoc development writing, editing, researching requests.

Requirements for the role include:

• University degree in communications, marketing, or related discipline, with a five years’ experience in fundraising communications and a track record of securing major gifts, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Superior writing skills are critical. The successful candidate will have demonstrated, through a portfolio of samples, professional-level writing ability with respect to style, organization and structure, appropriateness to subject, breadth of subject matter and clear understanding of the target audience(s) and presentation of key message(s).
• Excellent editing and proofreading skills.
• High level of skill with InDesign, Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of graphic design, publication layout and publishing processes.
• Excellent demonstrated analytical, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent knowledge of university advancement and fundraising principles, specifically relating to campaigns, proposals and case for support documents.
• Familiarity with CRA guidelines and ethical fundraising procedures as they apply to major gift fundraising in the post-secondary sector.
• Critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and multi-tasking ability.
• Ability to think and act quickly, effectively and resourcefully under pressure, exercising tact, diplomacy, discretion and good judgement.

(Covering) Position Number   391-556
Classification               P04
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands

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: 2023 03 06
Closing Date: 2023 03 27