Event Specialist, ON 

Status: Full Time Position  

Location: GTA – Ontario  

Cystic Fibrosis Canada is looking for our next Event Specialist, ON to take us FURTHER. 

 Further to lengthen life-spans and improve lives. Further in ensuring the care and support needed is available. Further in accessing critical medicines. Further until all people with cystic fibrosis can and do experience everything life has to offer. 

 Are you ready to help us go FURTHER? Apply today and change lives tomorrow. 

 WHO ARE WE? 

 Cystic Fibrosis Canada (CF Canada) is a national charitable not-for-profit corporation established in 1960 and is one of the world’s top three charitable organizations committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis (CF). As an internationally recognized leader in funding innovation and clinical care, we invest more in life-saving CF research and care than any other non-governmental agency in Canada. We are motivated and driven by our incredible community, and we endeavour to practice our core values of empathy, accountability, collaboration, and innovation in all that we do. 

THE ROLE AND IMPACT: 

The Event Specialist is responsible for ensuring the success of two signature events, the Decant Gala, held in the spring, and the Fusion Gala, held in the fall. They will work with the co-chairs of both events to deliver a successful event that meets budgeted goals for sponsorship, tickets sales, and onsite fundraising through auctions and raffles. The Event Specialist will work with an external event planner to oversee event planning and logistics while having full responsibility for working with the committee, sponsors, donors and ticket buyers for the events.  The Event Specialist may be required to assist the Ontario/ Atlantic regional team in preparation and execution of other CF Canada events including the Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History, Lawn Summer Nights and third-party events. This role reports to the Regional Executive Director, Ontario and Atlantic and will work closely with our experienced volunteer event co-chairs to deliver these well-established galas.   

RESPONSIBILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH: 

 Decant Gala (May)/ Fusion Gala (October) 

• Work with the volunteer co-chairs, event committee, event planner and regional team to organize and implement all elements of the galas including sponsorship, ticket sales, and donations, communications, and logistics including working with vendors; 
• Serve as main contact for volunteer committees working collaboratively with event co-chairs; duties include attending and providing updates at committee meetings, meeting with co-chairs individually and working with regional staff to ensure that all event day volunteer roles are recruited for and filled; 
• Work together with event planner to manage venue, menu, vendors, décor, silent and live auctions, and entertainment;  
• Lead communications planning and execution in collaboration with event co-chairs, including emails, social posts, thank you letters and event slideshows, script and program; 
• Act as primary liaison for sponsors and guests regarding sponsorships and donations including invoicing, tracking payments, receipting, obtaining guest lists and working with co-chairs on seating plans; 
• Provide guidance and support to volunteer co-chairs to ensure acceptable ROI and to increase revenue from year to year ensuring best fundraising practices; 
• Oversee and manage the critical path and budget for the event. 

 Resource Development 

• Continually research and implement strategies to enhance current event fundraising; 
• Work with National and Regional teams to develop an overall gala strategy to be used between these events and the 65 Roses Gala held in British Columbia;  
• Work with National and Regional teams to develop a sponsorship strategy for new and existing sponsors;  
• Collaborate with Leadership Giving and Corporate teams to integrate fundraising opportunities between regional events and the Leadership Giving and Corporate portfolios. 

 Other  

• Update Raiser’s Edge regarding key sponsors, donors, and volunteers; 
• Assist on events outside of gala time periods such as Walk to Make Cystic Fibrosis History, Lawn Summer Nights and third-party events by helping in preparation and execution of events; 
• Other duties as assigned by the Regional Executive Director – Ontario and Atlantic. 

WHAT YOU BRING: 

• Post-secondary certificate/diploma in Fundraising, Event Planning or another related field is a strong asset; 
• A minimum of 4 years experience in fund development in a non-profit setting; 
• Experience and demonstrated success in event planning and fundraising, specifically around six figure high-end events; 
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple responsibilities with competing and changing priorities; 
• Exceptional customer service and relationship management skills (diplomacy, discretion, and tact), with the ability to respond to various levels of expectations from a variety of stakeholders; 
• Experience with volunteer management and working with volunteer committees; 
• Experience and comfort working with graphics programs such as Canva; 
• A cooperative team player able to work independently and make sound decisions and judgments;
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications and social media platforms; previous experience with Raiser’s Edge is a definite asset; 
• Must have a drivers license and access to a vehicle; 
• Must be able to lift over 20lbs; 
• Flexibility to work a variety of hours remotely and in person including evenings and weekends; 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills to interact with all stakeholders.

WHAT WE OFFER: 

•  Collaborative, dynamic, and passionate work environment, with colleagues who are driven and motivated for this community.  
• A company culture rooted in empathy, accountability, collaboration, and innovation. 
• RRSP matching and benefits program 
• Flexible working schedule 
• Hybrid work model offered 

 

 Please submit your resume and cover letter directly through LinkedIn. 

 Cystic Fibrosis Canada thanks all applicants in advance. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  

 Cystic Fibrosis Canada is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to culture, ethnicity, race, color, religion, beliefs, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, nation of origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. 

 We will be happy to work with applicants requesting accommodation at all stages of the hiring process.  

 For additional information on our values (empathy, accountability, collaboration, and innovation), Cystic Fibrosis Canada and the courageous fight being waged against this disease, please visit www.cysticfibrosis.ca.