Development Assistant

University of Guelph • Guelph, ON

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

This position is an opportunity to join a highly collaborative and results-focused team of passionate fundraising 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 Development Assistant 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.

Requirements

• Two (2) year community college diploma
• Related experience, preferably in a senior administrative support level in a fundraising environment
• Advanced computer skills with excellent demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft spreadsheet, database, internet and word processing applications
• Self-motivated with a proven ability to work independently
• Ability to assess priorities in a demanding work environment with tight timelines and multiple origins for work assignments
• Ability to multi-task
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to details
• Highly effective written and oral communication skills
• Superior interpersonal and client service skills
• Ability to exercise good judgement, tact and diplomacy; and competencies in the area of problem solving and decision making.

Responsibilities

• Provides comprehensive administrative and coordination support to a team of fundraisers, including Associate Directors, Senior Development Managers and Development Managers.
• Plays a key role in enabling the effectiveness and efficiency of fundraising activities by supporting day-to-day operations, maintaining accurate data, and coordinating processes that underpin donor engagement.
• Provides logistical and administrative support for donor and prospect activity, including coordinating meetings and prospect calls, preparing briefing materials in advance, and managing follow-up actions.
• Supports general correspondence with donors and prospects, ensuring communications are accurate, timely, and well-coordinated across the team.
• Contributes to the development and maintenance of administrative tools and tracking systems that support the work of fundraisers, including maintaining individualized tracking mechanisms for fundraisers, compiling data for fundraising reports, and supporting portfolio management processes.
• Supports donor relations and stewardship activities by preparing and coordinating a range of materials, such as acknowledgement letters and recognition pieces.
• Contributes to donor-facing and internal initiatives, such as event coordination and reporting processes.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Extended Health Care Benefits: Immediate enrollment in extended health to cover yourself and your family
• Strong vacation allocation, floater days, and paid time off during the December closure
• Yearly flexible spending credit that can be allocated to Health Spending, Wellness or Professional Development
• Learning and development curriculum and other professional growth opportunities
• Discounts on food and apparel, fitness programming, access to networking events and team building opportunities
• Work that directly impacts a brighter future by turning knowledge into action

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree