Department: Experiential Learning
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph
Temporary full-time from 10/12/2026 to 10/12/2027
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 PurposeThe Co-op Job Developer role is an employer facing position (not student facing), reporting to the Manager of Co-operative Education & Work-Integrated in the Business and Arts portfolio. The assigned portfolio for this role will be the Business and Arts co-op programs.
Duties and Responsibilities- Core lead generation and sales which would include targeted research, cold outreach and prospecting:
- Identify employer targets and sectors
- Find decision-makers (via LinkedIn or directories)
- Execute effective cold calls and personalized emails
- Communicating the value and benefits of co-op programming to potential and existing employers.
- Navigating complex conversations regarding objections to hiring students, in addition to providing feedback to employers whose positions may not fit co-op programming requirements.
- Retention, support and transition of new employers from the point of employer registration to the successful completion of at least one full employment cycle.
- Recording and reporting interactions and outcomes accurately and completely.
- Researching, supporting and/or executing key external events for the promotion of Co-operative Education at the University of Guelph.
- Continuous improvement of business development approaches, processes and technology for greater efficiency, effectiveness, productivity and results.
Requirements- Undergraduate degree in a related field along with several years of previous experience in employer development and sales, preferably in a business-to-business environment building positive and productive relationships, an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Demonstrated sales skills and relationship management with a proven record of accomplishment in generating leads and successfully converting them to meet strategic targets.
- Understanding of labour market trends and ability to research employment sectors for assigned co-op programs.
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and have experience supporting diverse communities, including Indigenous people, women, newcomers, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to provide high-quality, professional interactions and customer service to prospective and new employers.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills to document, track and report on interactions and the status of each lead within the official system of record.
- Respectful and contributing team player and influencer to achieve objectives through support from others.
- Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and triage obligations.
- Ability to identify and leverage digital technologies.
- Demonstrated experience utilizing data to inform decision-making.
- Ability to adhere to existing operational processes within a team.
- In-depth knowledge of Co-operative Education and its challenges and opportunities.
- The ability to assist with external event strategy, including research, development of proposals, preparation/collection of marketing collateral/information, and scheduling of team members to staff larger events.
- Comfort attending large- and small-scale events virtually and in-person to represent Co-op programming.
- Excellent reporting and documentation skills for expense claim submission.
- Creative thinker with the ability to find helpful solutions to challenging problems.
- The ability to handle pressure and meet targets.
Employee Type: Regular
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.
Posting Date: 10/13/2026
Closing Date: 10/20/2026
