Athletics Relations & External Events Officer

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

Temporary full-time from 04/27/2026 to 04/28/2028
Temporary Absence of the Regular Incumbent

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

The University of Guelph is located in the City of Guelph which is a vibrant community of over 150,000 people, located in south-western Ontario, 100 kilometres west of Toronto.

Consistently ranked one of the best comprehensive universities in Canada, the University of Guelph is committed to the development of the whole student. Intercollegiate programs within the department of Athletics play a valuable role in supporting this mission. These programs provide student-athletes with important experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for life and future employment while in pursuit of excellence. The University has a strong athletics program covering excellence in varsity programs, intramurals, interest classes, lifestyle development, sports clubs and fitness. Extensive athletic and recreation facilities support these programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Interim Director of Athletics and working with the Supervisor of Events, Manager of Marketing & Communications, Sponsorship Co-ordinator, Alumni Affairs and Development Department, and all other units within the Department of Athletics, the Athletics Relations & External Events Officer is responsible for providing strategic direction and coordination for the development, communications, marketing, and execution of Department of Athletics Alumni, Community, Fundraising, and marquee events. This includes participant engagement strategies, initiatives and execution.

The position is responsible for planning, promoting, and implementing all non-varsity game events that are designed to generate revenue, create connectedness, celebrate athletic achievements and accomplishments, enhance and publicize the distinctive importance and level of excellence aligned with the mission of the Department of Athletics. The quality and professionalism of these events have a goal of increasing the recognition and enhancing the reputation of the Department of Athletics to the community at large, while developing critical relationships and raising revenue to support the Department’s objectives. The incumbent is responsible for the success of all events through expert planning and execution, including budgeting and outreach to solicit and secure attendees for events.

Events of responsibility for the incumbent include, but are not limited to: She’s Got Game Fundraising and Engagement Gala, Hall of Fame Recognition Event, President’s Golf Tournament, major championships such as the upcoming 2026 Women’s Rugby National Championship, annual year end recognition events for staff and students, Scholarship Reception, Alumni Days, Graduating Gryphon Breakfast, and others.

Responsibility also includes community liaison for collaborative community events such as Argos Huddle Up Day, Bowl for Kids, Believe to Achieve, Junior Gryphons engagement, etc. Incumbent will also be the primary contact for VIP attendance and communication, including Senior Administration Booking Requests, and related material and speaking notes, and is responsible for the promotion and programming of the VIP Suite asset in the Guelph Gryphons Athletics Centre.

Requirements

• An undergraduate degree in Events Management or Marketing or related field;
• Minimum of three years related event management experience as it relates to organizing and implementing high profile events, an equivlaent combination of education and experience may be considered;
• Certified Event Planner designation is considered an asset;
• Must be willing to travel and work evenings and weekends.

Additional requirements include:

• Professional communication skills, with a high level of diplomacy and tact;
• Exceptional time management skills;
• Sales demeanor;
• Hiring and coordinating the work of third-party vendors;
• Exceptional budgeting skills;
• Negotiation and organizational skills;
• Registration system experience;
• Supervisory skills relating to the hiring, training, and evaluation of staff;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Conflict management skills;
• Relationship management and interpersonal skills;
• Proven problem solving and decision-making skills in a fast-paced environment;
• Teamwork and partnering;
• Excellent customer service skills.

The successful candidate must value diversity of experiences and perspectives and will play a significant role in supporting and enhancing Athletic and Recreation’s Safe Sport, Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and community building efforts, actions and initiatives.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10042074
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: 04/10/2026
Closing Date: 04/24/2026