Job Description

Department: Ridgetown - Office of the Director
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.
The University of Guelph's Ridgetown Campus is seeking an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader to serve as Manager, Business Development Centre (BDC). The Business Development Centre advances Ridgetown Campus's role in continuing and professional education by designing and delivering innovative, market-responsive adult education and engagement opportunities. The BDC operates in a revenue-generating environment, offering courses, certificates, micro-credentials, customized training, and sector-focused conferences and events in support of the agriculture, agri-food, horticulture, and environmental sectors.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director, Ridgetown Campus, the Manager, Business Development Centre provides leadership for the strategic direction, growth, financial sustainability, and operations of the BDC. This role is responsible for identifying and launching new learning and engagement opportunities, including conferences and large-scale events, leading a multidisciplinary team, managing a diverse program and events portfolio, and building strong relationships with industry, government, and academic partners. The Manager is also a member of the Ridgetown Campus executive leadership team and contributes to campus-wide initiatives and planning.
Key Responsibilities
The Manager, Business Development Centre provides strategic and operational leadership for the growth and performance of the BDC. Key responsibilities include:

• Setting and executing the strategic vision and operating framework for the Business Development Centre, ensuring growth, innovation, and long-term sustainability
• Actively identifying, pursuing, and developing new business opportunities and revenue-generating programs, conferences, and initiatives in response to emerging trends, sector needs, and institutional priorities
• Leading, developing, and supporting a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Building, strengthening, and sustaining industry relationships and external partnerships to inform program development, secure participation, and support revenue growth
• Overseeing a revenue-generating portfolio, including financial forecasting, fee setting, budget development, and resource allocation
• Evaluating program and conference performance and return on investment (monetary and non-monetary), and making decisions to grow, modify, or discontinue offerings, as appropriate
• Advocating for and securing the resources, approvals, and support required to launch and scale revenue-generating initiatives
• Providing executive-level analysis and recommendations to address risks, gaps, and emerging opportunities
• Ensuring effective governance of contracts, vendors, and funding agreements, balancing financial sustainability with flexibility for growth
• Balancing strategic leadership with direct involvement in day-to-day operations, as required

Requirements of the position include:

• An undergraduate degree with a minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience involving stakeholder engagement, program development, and business or portfolio management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience; a Master's degree is preferred
• Demonstrated leadership capability, including the ability to motivate teams, foster collaboration, and lead in a complex, fast-paced environment
• Strong strategic planning, judgment, critical thinking, and analytical skills
• Proven ability to build relationships, negotiate effectively, and work collaboratively with diverse internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience preparing and delivering presentations, reports, and proposals
• Experience in budget development, financial forecasting, and ongoing financial management
• Knowledge of project management principles and practices
• Experience interpreting complex documents and administering contracts, grants, and proposals; experience managing government contracts is considered an asset
• Knowledge of adult learning principles and distance or online education practices
• Proficiency with common business and information systems, including word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation tools, email, and calendaring software

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10920402
Classification: P&M FT- Band 05
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 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: 01/21/2026
Closing Date: 02/01/2026

Skills Required