Development Officer, Community Partnerships

Development Officer, Community Partnerships (Events)

Make-A-Wish Canada is seeking a passionate Development Officer, Community Partnerships to join our team. This role focuses on planning and executing events and donor cultivation strategies, with an emphasis on first-party event logistics and supporting third-party events. You will be instrumental in driving regional fundraising initiatives through community engagement and fostering fundraising excellence.

About Make-A-Wish Canada

Make-A-Wish Canada creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses, believing that a wish is a crucial part of a child's treatment journey. Our mission is to grant the wish of every eligible child, supported by values of Child-Focused, Integrity, Impact, Innovation, and Community.

What You Will Do

• Plan and execute signature fundraising events, overseeing all logistics, venues, volunteers, and materials.
• Represent the Foundation at community and third-party events.
• Identify, engage, and steward local sponsors and donors, building lasting partnerships and pursuing new fundraising opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Brand & Integrated Marketing team to develop promotional materials.
• Support volunteer committees and community champions to ensure event success.
• Act as a visible ambassador for the Foundation, connecting with local donors, business leaders, and community partners.
• Champion all fundraising programs, aligning efforts and encouraging philanthropic participation.
• Represent the Foundation publicly through media opportunities and community appearances.
• Maintain accurate donor records and performance tracking in Salesforce CRM.
• Collaborate across teams and regions to ensure alignment and a culture of generosity.
• Other duties as required.

What You Bring

• Post-secondary education in Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, Event Management, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience in fundraising, events, donor relations, or community engagement.
• Experience using CRM systems (Salesforce preferred) and Microsoft Office tools.
• Experience in a non-profit or charitable organization is preferred.
• Strong understanding of event planning, sponsorship cultivation, and donor stewardship.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to speak to large groups and in front of the public or local media.
• Access to reliable transportation.
• A clear Criminal Background Check will be required.

Your Work Environment

This is a hybrid role with 2 days in-office per week and 3 days remote. Occasional evening and weekend work, as well as travel to local event venues and donor/sponsor locations, may be required.

What’s In It For You?

• Meaningful opportunities to make an impact on children's lives.
• A collaborative and inspiring team environment.
• Attractive compensation package including group health and dental, RRSP, and paid wish hours.
• Generous vacation starting at three weeks, plus additional paid leaves.
• Hybrid work model, work/life balance, and flexibility.
• Employee Wellness Program and corporate discounts.
• Continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Fun employee activities.

Key skills/competency

• Event Planning
• Fundraising
• Donor Relations
• Community Engagement
• Sponsorship Cultivation
• Salesforce CRM
• Marketing Communications
• Volunteer Management
• Public Speaking
• Non-profit Operations