A Career Opportunity

UNICEF is the world’s farthest-reaching humanitarian organization for children. Across 190 countries and territories, and in the world’s toughest places, we workday in and day out to help children survive. To defend their rights. To keep them protected, healthy and educated. To give them a fair chance to fulfil their potential. Our work for every child relies entirely on voluntary support, including donations from generous Canadians.

Manager, Events & Experiences

(Full-time, Permanent; Flexible-Hybrid; based in Toronto)

A vital member of a dynamic and ambitious Development team, the Manager Events & Experiences is responsible for the delivery of fundraising events and other in-person moments focused on revenue generation.

The Development team is looking to grow and develop across all its activities with new and innovative ideas that enable the organization to broaden and deepen its existing relationships, while developing new opportunities.

The manager will draw upon their skills in strategic thinking and project management to produce events and experiences for UNICEF Canada including, the UNICEF Water for Life Gala (Calgary) and Chefs for UNICEF (Halifax) and will play a key role in implementing the annual event strategy including the introduction of new experiences in additional markets.

The successful candidate will be an individual with the aptitude and enthusiasm to ensure a best-in-class guest experience, maximize sponsorship support and increase awareness and engagement of UNICEF’s work for every child.

The responsibilities of the position will include:

National Event Planning and Implementation

  • In collaboration with the Director, Community; refine and implement a national event strategy; create an annual workplan for fundraising and cultivation experiences, including creation of event budgets, creative direction and KPIs. 
  • Regularly convene a cross functional internal working group to ensure event deliverables are met and that the events reflect strategic objectives and raise the profile of UNICEF Canada. 
  • Execution of all events at the highest calibre; including the selection, contracting and management of all external vendors. 
  • With partnership from the Development team, provide briefings on the events to the Executive team, Event Chair(s), Board and Volunteer leadership including key stewardship and cultivation actions to build and strengthen organizational relationships. 
  • Manage tracking of revenues and expenses and update Director, Community on any changes to planned budgets in a timely manner. 
  • Use data and insights to report on progress towards KPIs and create post-event reporting to reflect learnings and accomplishments to ensure that all events meet audience needs and are engaging and inspiring. 
  • Research and analyse the events marketplace and within UNICEF to make ongoing recommendations for the continued innovation and development of the events program.
  • Make recommendations on feasibility and market analysis on in-person revenue moments in new markets.
  • Critically evaluate each event with leadership and stakeholders, implementing ongoing development.

Relationships and Revenue:

  • Develop and execute strategies to meet revenue and relationship targets. 
  • Build comprehensive sponsorship offerings including the launch of a National Events Sponsorship opportunity, local event sponsorships and sponsorship for key components (guest speaker, receptions, entertainment, etc.) at each event. 
  • Work with regionally based Development team members and key volunteers on the identification, cultivation and solicitation and renewal of event sponsors, ticket buyers, table hosts to ensure events meet attendance objectives. 
  • With local volunteers and staff colleagues determine and implement the most appropriate and effective modes for “at-event” revenue opportunities. 
  • Establish and build positive relationships with event vendors and suppliers to maximize opportunities for in-kind support. 
  • Working closely with Event Chair(s), Volunteers, Committees and the Development team ensure that key civic leaders are identified, cultivated, and recruited to serve as event leadership.
  • Event volunteers are onboarded to UNICEF’s goals and priorities and have an ongoing learning journey. 
  • Donors and Sponsors receive best in class stewardship for their contributions. 
  • Provide referrals, prospects, and moves management for other revenue channels.

Systems and Planning

  • Ensure relevant Raiser’s Edge database information is updated and accurate with event and donor activities. 
  • Ensure timely and accurate financial reconciliation of the events.
  • Support Director, Community in the execution of relevant sections for the multi-year JSP and the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) for the team and ensure integration across the organization. 
  • Maintain and up-to-date and deep knowledge of UNICEF’s work, leadership, and projects for discussion with donors, volunteers, and prospects.  
  • Lead on implementing systems and processes to ensure event related efficiencies across the Development team. 
  • Undertake travel for UNICEF and attend UNICEF events (sometimes during the evening and weekends), as required.

The ideal candidate will have:

  • A university degree or college diploma in a related discipline. 
  • Five (5) plus years in fundraising, marketing, or event planning in private or public sector. 
  • Extensive experience delivering fundraising events, high-level cultivation and stewardship events against varied KPIs that include brand awareness and thought leadership. 
  • Superior verbal and written communication skills, including public speaking, content development and ability to engage effectively with senior-level executives, and high value donors. 
  • Develops effective relationships with supporters enhancing their knowledge and involvement of UNICEF’s work. 
  • Experience tracking relationships and running reports with Raiser’s Edge database. 
  • Excellent computer skills (Microsoft Office). 
  • Able to travel domestically and internationally. 
  • A valid driver’s license with a vehicle, or access to vehicle.  
  • English/French bilingualism is an asset.
  • Strong communication skills – able to develop content and market collateral, appropriate for a variety of mediums (digital, print) and audiences.
  • Strong active listening skills – able to comprehend, evaluate and paraphrase messages and details.
  • The ability to be strategic, detail-oriented, resourceful, and cost effective to drive new initiatives; or enhance existing programming towards revenue growth.

Salary range: $63,500 to $77,500 per year.

For consideration, please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@unicef.ca by September 27th, 2024. Please attach your cover letter (including salary expectations) and resume as one document and reference “Manager, Events & Experiences” clearly in the subject heading. 

UNICEF Canada sincerely thanks all applicants for their expressed interest in this opportunity, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Consistent with our Child Safeguarding Policy, the successful candidate must receive clearance by a police background check, including a vulnerable sector screen.

UNICEF Canada is an inclusive workplace and is committed to championing diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the requirements for the position.