Executive Director, Strategic Partner Management

Furever Pawradise Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Furever Pawradise Inc. in Toronto, Ontario seeks an Executive Director of Strategic Partner Management to lead partner relations, vendor governance, and venue operations for a premier community event. You will shape strategies, negotiate major contracts, and mentor managers across Partner and Venue teams.

The role focuses on empowering partnerships, ensuring compliant agreements, and delivering value to artists, exhibitors, and venues alike through strategic oversight and hands-on leadership.

Qualifications

• Vendor/partner management experience across B2B relationships.
• Proven ability to negotiate and manage large contracts, especially with venues or similar entities.
• Ability to develop and execute long-term partner retention and program growth strategies.
• Experience guiding and mentoring teams responsible for logistics and external relations.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills for complex partner issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direct operational oversight for Partner Experience, Vendor Management, and Venue Management.
• Serve as the primary high-level contact for venue management and lead contract negotiations.
• Oversee vendor-related programs, including Artist Alley and Dealers Den.
• Develop strategies to enhance partner experience with clear communication, support, and value.
• Ensure partner and vendor agreements are legally sound and align with policies.
• Recruit, mentor and support Department Manager(s) within Strategic Partner sector.
• Act as escalation point for major venue or partner issues.

Skills

Vendor/Partner Management

Contract Negotiation

Strategic Planning

Team Leadership

Problem-Solving

Job description

Executive Director, Strategic Partner Management

The Executive Director of Strategic Partner Management is the senior leader responsible for cultivating and maintaining the critical external relationships that make Furever Pawradise possible. This role oversees the entire lifecycle of the organization's key partners, including the event venue, artists, dealers, and other vendors. The Executive Director ensures these vital relationships are managed professionally and effectively, embodying the core value of Empowerment by providing a dedicated and reliable platform for our creative and commercial partners.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and direct operational oversight for the Partner Experience, Vendor Management, and Venue Management departments.

Serve as the primary high-level point of contact for venue management, leading contract negotiations and ensuring a positive working relationship.

Oversee the strategic planning and execution of all vendor-related programs, including the Artist Alley and Dealers Den.

Develop and implement strategies to enhance the experience of all partners, ensuring clear communication, support, and value.

Ensure all partner and vendor agreements are legally sound and align with organizational policies.

Recruit, mentor and support the Department Manager(s) within the Strategic Partner sector.

Serve as the final point of escalation for major issues related to the venue or other key partners.

Required Skills & Qualifications

Vendor/Partner Management : Extensive experience in vendor relations, account management, or B2B relationship management.

Contract Negotiation : Proven ability to negotiate and manage large-scale contracts, particularly with event venues or similar entities.

Strategic Planning : Ability to develop and execute long-term strategies for partner retention and program growth.

Team Leadership : Experience leading and managing teams responsible for logistics and external relations.

Problem-Solving : Excellent conflict resolution and problem-solving skills for addressing complex partner issues.

Beneficial Skills

Direct experience managing an Artist Alley, Dealers Den, or exhibition hall for a large event.

Hotel or convention center management experience.

A background in procurement or supply chain management.

About the Company

Furever Pawradise is a Toronto-based, non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and empowering the vibrant anthropomorphic arts (furry) community. Our core mission is to create a premier annual event that provides a dedicated platform for artists to showcase their creativity, for community members to forge lasting connections, and for all of us to channel our collective passion into philanthropic good for local charities.

Our organization is built on a foundation of six core values: Creativity & Expression, Community & Inclusivity, Empowerment, Generosity & Impact, Integrity & Trust, and Joy & Celebration. Joining the Furever Pawradise team means becoming part of a passionate, collaborative, and dedicated group of people who believe in the power of community and creativity.