Manager, Events & Celebrations

Terry Fox Foundation; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Join the Terry Fox Foundation as the Manager of Events and Celebrations, a role that combines strategic event planning to enhance donor engagement and build community around the mission to combat cancer. This hybrid position in Toronto requires a visionary leader who will execute compelling events and foster relationships to drive philanthropic investment. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact, this is your chance to help shape extraordinary experiences while honoring Terry's legacy.

Qualifications

• 5+ years experience in event planning and execution.
• Proven track record in enhancing donor engagement through events.
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment and collaborate across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of donor events that enhance engagement.
• Create impactful experiences aligned with the Foundation’s goals.
• Manage logistics and cross-functional collaboration to drive revenue.

Skills

Event Planning

Storytelling

Collaboration

Creativity

Budget Management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in relevant field

Job description

An opportunity to impact Philanthropy for Cancer Research through Inspired Events and Engagement of our Supporters

Employment Type : Full-Time Permanent (35 hours / week), Hybrid, Toronto-based, some evening and weekend availability required to support events.

How to Apply : Please apply via by Friday, June 27, 2025.

At the Terry Fox Foundation, we are building a world-class philanthropy team inspired by Terry's enduring values : integrity, courage, determination, and compassion . As we embark on a bold new chapter in the fight against cancer, we invite visionary and driven individuals to join us in engaging donors to invest in transformative cancer research.

This is your opportunity to be part of something extraordinary—to help shape a high-performing team with ambitious goals and play a key role in a historic mission to "Finish It." If you're passionate about making a lasting impact and energized by the challenge of building something meaningful, we want to hear from you.

If we create meaningful, unforgettable experiences that bring donors closer to Terry’s vision, we will ignite greater generosity, accelerate life-saving cancer research, and move closer to a world without cancer. The Manager, Events and Celebrations, at the Terry Fox Foundation is a dynamic and strategic role for a visionary leader who understands the power of storytelling through live experiences. This is your opportunity to craft high-impact events that celebrate our mission, inspire donors, and drive transformational giving. Every event is a chance to bring Terry’s story to life in new and compelling ways, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire action. The time is now. The cause is urgent. The Terry Fox Foundation is where you can help Finish It !

Why This Role Matters

As Manager of Events and Celebrations, you will lead the planning and execution of donor events that cultivate, solicit, and steward the generosity that fuels our mission. From lunches to launches, from receptions to signature events to deeply personal and immersive donor experiences, your work will strengthen relationships, build community, and drive revenue growth. You will play a pivotal role in transforming our gatherings into powerful touchpoints that connect donors to the impact of their giving and inspire continued support.

What You’ll Achieve

• Strategic Event Design : Develop and execute a comprehensive event strategy that aligns with the Foundation’s philanthropic goals and enhances donor engagement.
• Storytelling Through Events : Translate the power of Terry’s story into immersive experiences that move hearts and minds, using events as a catalyst for deeper donor investment.
• Seamless Execution : Oversee the planning, logistics, and execution of all high-impact donor events, ensuring they are delivered on time, on budget, and at the highest level of excellence.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration : Work closely with fundraising, marketing, and leadership teams to ensure events align with donor engagement strategies and campaign goals.
• Revenue Growth & Stewardship : Leverage events to drive major and transformational giving, while strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, including major donors, corporate partners, and foundation supporters.
• Innovation & Creativity : Bring fresh, innovative ideas to elevate our events and ensure they remain compelling, relevant, and deeply connected to our mission.
• On-Brand Impact : Ensure all events reflect the Terry Fox Foundation’s values, messaging, and commitment to excellence.

Who You Are

• A strategic leader with at least 5+ years of experience planning and executing on high-impact events.
• A gifted storyteller who understands how to weave mission, emotion, and purpose into unforgettable experiences.
• A creative thinker who brings fresh ideas and innovative approaches to event design and execution.
• A strong collaborator who thrives in a fast-paced environment, working across teams to deliver shared goals as well as with external partners, suppliers and stakeholders.
• A results-driven professional with a track record of producing events that drive donor engagement and philanthropic investment.
• A detail-oriented and organized planner who ensures seamless event execution from concept to completion.
• A budget-conscious leader who knows how to deliver world-class experiences while maximizing resources and ROI.
• A mission-driven individual who is inspired by Terry Fox’s legacy and committed to playing a role in helping to Finish It .

What Success Looks Like

• You have facilitated a portfolio of extraordinary, mission-driven donor events that drive engagement, investment, and long-term partnerships.
• Events consistently meet or exceed fundraising, engagement, and stewardship goals and are delivered on schedule and on budget.
• Donors leave events feeling deeply connected to the Terry Fox Foundation and inspired to take action.
• The Foundation’s brand and message are consistently amplified through powerful live experiences.
• Your leadership and creativity are recognized as instrumental in advancing the Foundation’s fundraising success.

This is more than an events role—it’s an opportunity to craft moments that matter, to inspire generosity, and to bring Terry’s vision to life in ways that move people to Finish It . If you are ready to lead with passion, creativity, and purpose, we invite you to be part of our journey.

How to Apply :

We appreciate your interest in joining the Terry Fox Foundation!

Please apply via .

Please note that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Details regarding compensation, including the salary and benefits package, will be discussed with candidates invited to interview. To be considered for this position, applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada at the time of application. The Terry Fox Foundation is unable to support work permit or immigration applications for this role. Employment is contingent upon the Foundation’s receipt of all required documentation.

About the Terry Fox Foundation and the Terry Fox Research Institute

The Terry Fox Foundation and the Terry Fox Research Institute are at the forefront of the fight against cancer, advancing bold, collaborative research that transforms lives. Inspired by Terry’s vision and driven by the unwavering support of millions - in every community across Canada and places around the globe - we fund world-class, patient-centered research that accelerates breakthroughs in cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. Since 1981, more than a billion dollars have supported collaborative cancer researchers and clinicians. Leading the way, Terry Fox Research Institute’s national collaboration of cancer centres, universities and teaching hospitals is having impact immediate impact, today. For more information : terryfox.org

Finish It.

The Terry Fox movement is a Marathon of Hope.

Crossing the finish line means hope for everyone with cancer. Cancer will be defeated. For some cancer that will be prevention, for some cancer that will be management, and for some cancer that will be a cure.

Finishing the Marathon of Hope means cancer is no longer feared. Finishing the Marathon of Hope will mean hope for everyone.

The finish line is within sight. Now it’s up to us to finish what Terry started.