Senior Manager, Sponsorship & Partnerships

Canadian National Exhibition; Toronto; On-site; CAD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fun, collaborative environment

Opportunity to contribute creatively

Be part of Canada's largest event

Job summary

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is seeking a Senior Manager, Sponsorship & Partnerships to lead strategy and oversee sponsorship programs for the event season. Based in Toronto, you will work with the Director to secure cash and in-kind sponsorships and develop innovative partnership opportunities.

You will manage negotiations, craft sponsorship packages, and ensure fulfilment of benefits across pre-event, on-site and post-event phases while supervising a team and maintaining a robust

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in sponsorship, event marketing or promotions with related education or equivalent.
• Strong communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Proven ability to plan, negotiate and manage sponsorship programs.

Responsibilities

• Establish annual sponsorship and partnership objectives with the Director.
• Manage all sponsorship negotiations, agreements, and regulatory compliance.
• Develop innovative sponsorship opportunities and maximize corporate partnerships.
• Plan, negotiate and finalize sponsorship contracts for cash and in-kind programs.
• Oversee sponsor relations, activations and validation of benefits pre-event, on-site and post-event.
• Supervise team members and ensure budget objectives are met.

Skills

Sales experience

Event management

Communication skills

Time management

Problem solving

Education

Post-secondary education in related discipline

Job description

Position: Senior Manager, Sponsorship & Partnerships

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm

ABOUT US

The CNE (Canadian National Exhibition), often affectionately referred to as The Ex, is Canada’s largest community event and one of the top ten agricultural fairs in North America, attracting approximately 1.4 - 1.6 million visitors annually over the course of its 18-day run. With something for everyone, the CNE offers a wide range of attractions and interactive entertainment experiences including: concerts, midway rides and games, shopping, exhibits, marquee programs, food and wacky treats!

Join the team and be part of this summer tradition, helping us inspire Canadians and create memories!

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Sr. Manager, Sponsorship & Partnerships primary focus will be to manage activities related to fostering strategic partnerships and securing cash and in‑kind sponsorships. This position will support the Director in the development and execution of the annual sponsorship and partnership plan in support of the overall goals and objectives of the CNEA.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Strategic Planning

• Work with the Director, Sponsorship & Partnerships to establish annual financial objectives and partnership plan.
• Manage and direct all activities related to the sponsorship and partnership plan.
• Identify trends and prepare regular reports to support long‑term planning and projections.
• Implement strategic metrics to gauge effectiveness of partnerships.

Compliance & Regulation

• Manage all sponsorship & partnership negotiations and agreements and ensure they are following appropriate regulatory and internal policies.
• Liaise with government agencies to ensure products and services meet the regulatory safety standards.
• Ensure that work is carried out in accordance with provincial statutes, regulations, CNEA (or CNEA affiliated events) and departmental policies

Sponsorship & Partnership Development

• Develop innovative sponsorship & partnership opportunities with the goal of building and maximizing the value of corporate relationships and partnerships for the CNEA (and CNEA affiliated events).
• Secure significant cash sponsorships, and in‑kind products and services in accordance with the annual sponsorship plan.
• Manage revenues and control costs, ensuring all goals and objectives within the allocated budget for the Sponsorship & Partnerships department are met.
• Develop innovative sponsorship packages, sales kits and presentations.
• Research, identify and prioritize prospective sponsors and sponsor categories based on pre‑established targets and maintain a robust sponsorship pipeline.
• Cultivate and retain strategic relationships with various business and corporate sectors.
• Plan, negotiate and finalize sponsorship agreements and contracts for both cash and in‑kind programs.
• Oversee all sponsor relations, fulfilment of agreements and maintain a detailed critical path for sponsor activations.
• Ensure pre‑event, on‑site and post‑event benefit fulfilment and contractual obligations are met by the Sponsorship team.
• Issue contracts and receive insurance certificates, payments, and collections.
• Liaise with CNEA (or affiliated event) departments to develop and execute onsite activations and corporate sponsorship related programs.
• Provide supervision and direction to direct reports and recommend development opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A fun, collaborative, and engaging work environment.
• Opportunities to bring new ideas to life and contribute creatively.
• The opportunity to be part of one of Canada’s largest and most iconic events.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Willingness to work in areas that may contain bright lights, loud noises, and crowds of people.
• Adaptable to a flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekend, and statutory holidays during event period.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Proven sales experience in securing significant cash sponsorships.
• Proven experience with event execution and project management.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in sponsorship, event marketing or promotions capacity with a post‑secondary education in a related discipline or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Strong communication, interpersonal & presentation skills.
• Superior research, written and organizational skills including time management.
• Ability to problem solve in real‑time and adapt quickly to changing parameters or issues.
• Flexibility and the ability to take initiative and thrive in a high‑stress creative environment with frequent and competing deadlines.
• Professionalism in appearance, communications, and conduct.
• Must have a valid G2 or G driver's license.
• Must be available to work overtime and flexible hours for the duration of the 18-day fair including evenings, weekends and Labour Day holiday.

At the CNE we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and accessible work environment where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. The CNE offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities as part of its recruitment process. If you are contacted to arrange an interview, please advise us if you require accommodation. Please note only candidates invited for an interview will be contacted.