Development Officer, Community Partnerships (15-month contract)

Make-A-Wish International; Pickering; Hybrid; CAD 58,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group health and dental premiums fully

Hybrid work model

Three weeks vacation

Job summary

Make-A-Wish Canada is seeking a Development Officer, Community Partnerships to plan and execute events, cultivate donors, and manage first‑party and third‑party fundraising strategies. You will support regional initiatives through community engagement, ensuring donor satisfaction and mission impact.

The role offers hybrid work, a 15‑month contract, and a salary range of $57,600 to $64,800 CAD, with opportunities to collaborate across teams and regions.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, Event Management, or equivalent combination of training, education and work 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 working in a non-profit or charitable organization 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 to and from the office, as well as for attendance at events, donor meetings, and for other local needs.
• A clear Criminal Background Check will be required.

Responsibilities

• Support on signature fundraising events – assist with logistics, venues, volunteers, and materials to create high-quality experiences that strengthen donor relationships and elevate our mission.
• Represent the Foundation at community and third-party events, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for event organizers and participants.
• Identify, engage, and steward local sponsors and donors – build lasting partnerships, manage in-kind contributions, and pursue new community fundraising opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Brand & Integrated Marketing team to develop engaging promotional materials, such as PSAs, press releases, brochures, and social media content that tell our story and inspire action.
• Support volunteer committees and community champions by providing the tools, guidance, and encouragement needed to achieve event success.
• Act as a visible ambassador of the Foundation – connect with local donors, business leaders, and community partners to increase awareness and support.
• Champion all fundraising programs, both national and local, by aligning efforts, amplifying impact stories, and encouraging philanthropic participation.
• Represent the Foundation publicly through media opportunities and community appearances, sharing our mission with authenticity and enthusiasm.
• Maintain accurate donor records and performance tracking in Salesforce CRM to support data integrity, reporting, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate across teams and regions to ensure alignment, shared accountability, and a culture of generosity and inclusion.
• Other duties as required.

Skills

Fundraising knowledge

Event coordination

Public speaking

Donor relations

Communication skills

Education

Fundraising/Marketing/Communications/Event Management education

Tools

Salesforce CRM

Microsoft Office

Job description

Development Officer, Community Partnerships (15-month contract)

London, ON, Canada

Job Description

"The best prescription I've ever given is a wish."

-Dr. Jeremy Friedman, Associate Paediatrician-in-Chief, SickKids Hospital & Medical Advisor for Make-A-Wish ® Canada

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST WISH?

Wishes Are Medicine — a vital part of a child’s treatment journey that helps restore strength, hope, and resilience. For over 40 years, we’ve granted more than 40,000 wishes. Research shows that prescribed wishes can improve commitment to treatment, reduce emergency room visits by half, and deliver lasting health benefits.

Recognized as a Great Place to Work ® since 2023, we’ve also been named one of the Best Workplaces™ Led by Women (2025) and one of the Top 100 Best Workplaces™ for Giving Back (2024).

Do you want to be part of an organization that is child-focused, values employee experience and is an inspiring workplace? If so, Make-A-Wish Canada is for you!

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Meaningful opportunities to make an impact and change the lives of children with critical illnesses within your community and across Canada
• A collaborative team environment with a rewarding employment experience where you feel valued and inspired
• An attractive compensation package that includes group health and dental premiums fully covered by the Foundation
• Annual vacation starting at three weeks and additional paid leaves
• Work/life balance and flexibility, including a hybrid working environment
• Employee Wellness Program and other corporate discounts
• Continuous learning, development and internal training opportunities
• Fun employee activities, contests, and more!

WHERE YOU COME IN

We are looking for a Development Officer, Community Partnerships to join our team at Make-A-Wish Canada. In this role, you will support the planning and execution of events and donor cultivation strategies, with a focus on first-party event logistics and fundraising & third-party event support. You will play a key role in supporting the regional fundraising initiatives through community engagement and fundraising excellence.

This role can be based out of London, Toronto or Pickering and is a full-time, hybrid, 15-month contract position. The salary range for this role is $57,600 to $64,800.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Support on signature fundraising events – assist with logistics, venues, volunteers, and materials to create high-quality experiences that strengthen donor relationships and elevate our mission.
• Represent the Foundation at community and third-party events, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for event organizers and participants.
• Identify, engage, and steward local sponsors and donors – build lasting partnerships, manage in‑kind contributions, and pursue new community fundraising opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Brand & Integrated Marketing team to develop engaging promotional materials, such as PSAs, press releases, brochures, and social media content that tell our story and inspire action.
• Support volunteer committees and community champions by providing the tools, guidance, and encouragement needed to achieve event success.
• Act as a visible ambassador of the Foundation – connect with local donors, business leaders, and community partners to increase awareness and support.
• Champion all fundraising programs, both national and local, by aligning efforts, amplifying impact stories, and encouraging philanthropic participation.
• Represent the Foundation publicly through media opportunities and community appearances, sharing our mission with authenticity and enthusiasm.
• Maintain accurate donor records and performance tracking in Salesforce CRM to support data integrity, reporting, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate across teams and regions to ensure alignment, shared accountability, and a culture of generosity and inclusion.
• Other duties as required.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Post-secondary education in Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, Event Management, or equivalent combination of training, education and work 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 working in a non-profit or charitable organization 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 to and from the office, as well as for attendance at events, donor meetings, and for other local needs.
• A clear Criminal Background Check will be required.

YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Hybrid work model, with 2 days in‑office per week and 3 days remote. Regular travel to local event venues and donor/sponsor locations may be required. Occasional evening and weekend work may also be required.

Physical/Mental Effort

• Work under pressure of tight deadlines, balancing high volume workload, and with multiple demands and changing priorities.
• Physical activity may be required during event setup/takedown.

OUR COMMITMENT TO IDEA

Make-A-Wish Canada is committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA). We believe that it is essential to our mission that we build a diverse, balanced, and vibrant workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and seek to serve. Research has shown that candidates from underrepresented groups often only apply when they feel 100% qualified. Therefore, we ask that even if you do not see yourself fully reflected in every job requirement listed on this posting, to still apply.

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Once the posting closes and applications are reviewed, we will contact our shortlisted candidates. Our typical process includes a phone screen, one or two interviews, and reference checking, followed by an offer and a criminal background check for the successful candidate.

We would like to thank all applicants for their interest in working with us!