Job Summary

As a key member of the senior leadership team, the Director of Development and Events is responsible for the strategic planning, execution, and evaluation of events, revenue development, and fundraising initiatives that advance the organization’s mission and vision.

This role oversees all aspects of event management and revenue development—from concept development and stakeholder engagement to budgeting, logistics, donor stewardship, and post-event analysis. The Director also leads cross-functional collaborations, supervises the event and bootcamp team, and contributes to organizational growth through grant writing, sponsorship acquisition, and donor cultivation. A central focus of this role is building public engagement and community partnerships across Ontario.

Key Responsibilities

Event Strategy & Execution

• Lead the strategic planning, development, and execution of internal and external events across Ontario, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Supervise and support the event and bootcamp team, providing leadership, guidance, and performance oversight.
• Develop annual event forecasts, including event calendars, staffing needs, and comprehensive budget planning.
• Manage and monitor event budgets across multiple programs, ensuring accountability and compliance with funding requirements.
• Coordinate logistics, including venues, vendors, permits, and timelines, to deliver impactful experiences.
• Negotiate contracts with external vendors and service providers for cost-effective solutions.
• Act as the primary point of contact for all event-related communications, internally and externally.
• Lead post-event evaluation, including participant feedback, financial reconciliation, and reporting.
• Collaborate with internal departments (marketing, partnerships, executive leadership) to align event goals with organizational priorities.
• Partner with marketing to develop event promotion strategies, including campaigns, invitations, and social media outreach.

Fundraising & Revenue Development

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising strategy in alignment with organizational goals.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, corporate sponsors, and philanthropic partners.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including sponsorships, campaigns, and in-kind support.
• Manage donor relationships, ensuring consistent communication, recognition, and stewardship.
• Support development of sponsorship packages and donor engagement materials.
• Contribute to grant proposals and funder reporting alongside the Executive Director and grant writing team.
• Maintain accurate donor and sponsor records, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with regulations.
• Track and report fundraising performance metrics, including ROI, donor retention, and revenue growth.

Organizational Leadership

• Contribute to strategic planning, partnership development, and organizational initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, sponsors, and funders.
• Implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve stakeholder experience.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, accessibility, and organizational policies.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Education & Experience

• Post-secondary education in Event Management, Hospitality, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Communications, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of progressive experience in event planning and fundraising, with leadership experience in multi-site or large-scale events.
• Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, sponsorship acquisition, and achieving fundraising targets.
• Experience managing and forecasting annual budgets across multiple programs.
• 2+ years of supervisory experience overseeing staff, volunteers, or event-specific teams.
• Experience in nonprofit, public sector, skilled trades, or workforce development considered an asset.
• Partnership-building experience with funders, vendors, and community partners.
• Experience with grant-funded programs and reporting is an asset.
• Project management certification (PMP or equivalent) considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Strategic & Operational Expertise

• Proven ability to lead end-to-end planning and execution of large-scale events and bootcamps.
• Strong financial oversight and vendor contract negotiation skills.
• Ability to manage and support event teams effectively.

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Skilled in developing and executing fundraising strategies and campaigns.
• Strong understanding of donor stewardship, moves management, and ethical fundraising practices.

Leadership & Communication

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Skilled in public speaking and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong leadership and decision-making in fast-paced environments.

Project & Event Management

• Advanced organizational and time management skills.
• Expertise in logistics coordination and contingency planning.
• Proficiency in preparing budgets, reports, and evaluations.

Marketing & Promotion

• Experience supporting event promotion via campaigns, social media, and digital platforms.
• Understanding of leveraging media to drive engagement.

Problem-Solving & Innovation

• Creative, solutions-oriented mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience implementing process improvements.
• Ability to design innovative and inclusive event experiences.

Technical & Sector Knowledge

• Proficiency in event management tools, budgeting software, and MS Office Suite.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and event promotion tools.
• Knowledge of skilled trades and apprenticeship pathways considered an asset.

Additional Requirements

• Legally entitled to work in Canada.
• Valid G driver’s licence, reliable vehicle, and valid insurance.
• Flexibility to travel across Ontario, including overnight stays.

Working Conditions

• Five-day work week (Monday to Friday), with occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight travel for events.

• Hybrid role: majority remote with required travel to Etobicoke head office and event sites.

• Ability to move, lift, and carry up to 20 lbs independently.

How to apply:

Copy the below the link and paste in your browser to complete the mandatory online application and assessment: https://jbtmz.me/s/'e=yJjoIoRB

• Attach a detailed cover letter and resume to be considered for this role.

• Assessment must be completed to be considered for this role.

We will ONLY be in touch with candidates who qualify for the position and complete the assessment. We wish all applicants the best of luck.