Job Description

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.The department of Alumni Affairs & Development (AA&D) is a central service at the University of Guelph and supports the University\'s mission to Improve Life by building lifelong relationships with alumni, donors and champions. AA&D is accountable for raising money for the institution\'s strategic priorities through the identification and alignment of donors and prospective donors. The department has a vision to attract $50 million in sustained annual philanthropic support and to be one of Canada\'s most sought-after advancement organizations. As a member of Alumni Affairs and Development, the Development Communications Manager exemplifies the departmental values of respect, empowerment, integrity, appreciation and forward focus.As the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC), supported by the work of the OVC Advancement team, embarks on a $30-million capital project, the Development Communications Manager will be the internal liaison, creator, and project manager of high value OVC Advancement solicitations and stewardship communications.Reporting to the Stewardship and Engagement Manager, the Development Communication Manager will work collaboratively within the OVC External Relations team acting as a liaison between OVC Advancement and OVC Marketing and Communications. The Development Communications Manager will develop proposals and stewardship reports for OVC\'s top donors and prospects. This will involve working closely with the front-line advancement team, college/department dean/faculty/staff, and senior administration, and as appropriate, the donor/prospect. The Development Communications Manager will create for each prospect bespoke, University-branded proposals and stewardship reports with key, strategic messaging throughout. The incumbent is expected to research all aspects of the fundraising proposal and work with impacted teams to create stewardship reports, ensuring all key components are accurate and have obtained proper University approvals. This will require the incumbent to review background materials which may involve researching complex information. The incumbent will be responsible for the entire phase of proposal and stewardship report development, from content to the implementation of design and distribution of the final document.Further, the Development Communications Manager will lead the development of strategic fundraising collateral, such as case for support documents, in line with current fundraising priorities of the OVC. The purpose of these documents is to inspire and guide prospects to consider major philanthropic support for the OVC. The incumbent, working with relationship managers, will be required to interview scientists/administrators /senior leaders and research background materials to translate complex information into an inspiring narrative, easily understood by donors and prospects. Moreover, the incumbent will be required to navigate appropriate input and feedback from major stakeholders including OVC\'s faculty; relationship managers; Stewardship and Engagement Manager; Director, Advancement; Director, Marketing and Communications; Dean; as well as the University of Guelph\'s Central AA&D Communications, and Associate Vice President, AA&D.Responsibilities Include:

• Working closely with the OVC Advancement team to develop strategy and execute tailored communication vehicles for specific donors (with philanthropic asks ranging from $25K - $15M) i.e. presentations, briefs, pitch materials, and leave-behind collateral.
• Researching all aspects of priority projects to ensure continuity and accuracy.
• Conveying complex problems and opportunities - from those of the U of G to those of the greater global community - in a way that is inspiring and timely.
• Co-evolving a suite of branded fundraising collateral.

• Conducting interviews with faculty, staff, students, and senior leadership for the development of stewardship reports for OVC\'s top donors.
• Requesting and interpreting the raw text and graphic/photo content from donor-supported program managers or faculty chairs for the development of annual or biennial stewardship reports, according to an established report calendar.

Requirements for the role include:

• University degree in communications, marketing, or related discipline, with five years\' experience in fundraising communications and a track record of securing major gifts.
• 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.
• Demonstrated excellence in 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 ability to multi-task.
• Ability to think and act quickly, effectively and resourcefully under pressure, exercising tact, diplomacy, discretion and good judgement.
• Strong time management skills.

Position Number 640-006
Classification P04**Tentative evaluation; subject to committee review.At the University of Guelph, fostering a 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.

University of Guelph