Sr. Specialist, Relay for Life Youth

Canadian Cancer Society; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 56,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canadian Cancer Society in Toronto is seeking a Senior Specialist for Relay for Life Youth to drive school partnerships and recruitment across Canada. You will lead strategy, manage a high-value national portfolio, and support mentorship and program expansion.

Travel may be required September–June with more focused program development in July and August. A strong background in fundraising, public speaking, and project management is essential for success.

Qualifications

• Related post‑secondary education; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• At least 3 years of customer service, fundraising, and/or sales experience.
• Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills; including the ability to negotiate and influence others.
• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Confident and passionate public speaker who is comfortable presenting to both small and large groups.
• Experience with Instagram and Canva is considered an asset.
• Occasional travel across Canada occurs for internal meetings, conferences, and event visits. All necessary travel expenses are covered by the Canadian Cancer Society.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft tools including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint
• English is required; French/Bilingualism (French /English) is an asset due to the organization’s nationwide operations.
• Knowledge and/or involvement in the Relay for Life Youth program is an asset.
• Knowledge and/or involvement with Private Schools in Canada is an asset
• Knowledge of Canadian Cancer Society policies and procedures is an asset.
• A Vulnerable Sector Check is required.
• English is required; French/Bilingualism (French /English) is an asset due to the organization’s nationwide operations.
• Others may apply

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, and secure new school partnerships through proactive outreach and relationship-building.
• Develop and execute recruitment strategies that support national growth targets.
• Build and manage a portfolio of strategic schools and accounts across Canada while maintaining a budget of $500k-$1M.
• Manage a national portfolio with significant annual revenue responsibility.
• Analyze recruitment trends and identify new markets for growth.
• Serve as the team's subject matter expert on school recruitment and business development strategies.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection process for new team members as requested.
• Serve as a panel member during interviews for Specialist and other program-related positions.
• Support onboarding and training for new specialists.
• Develop training resources, toolkits, and best-practice guides.
• Facilitate professional development sessions quarterly for the team.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen recruitment, stewardship, and fundraising capabilities across the team.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to specialists.
• Support colleagues with recruitment strategy, school engagement, and revenue growth planning.
• Share successful practices and innovative approaches from across the country.
• Act as a resource for troubleshooting complex school relationships.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks and challenges, and implement solutions to keep initiatives on track, as well as evaluate project outcomes and provide recommendations for future improvements and scaling opportunities.
• Serve as the project lead for assigned national initiatives, pilot programs, process improvements, or resource development projects.
• Contribute to program innovation and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support the development of recruitment campaigns, national resources, and engagement strategies.
• Represent the program at leadership conferences and national meetings.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to advance program priorities and growth objectives.
• Adhere to all administration procedures as required.
• Work in compliance with the provisions of The Occupational Health & Safety Act and its regulations and comply with CCS’ Health & Safety Policy.
• Contribute to our culture of diversity, inclusion, belonging and equity (DIBE) by ensuring that all staff feel represented, valued, and heard across all aspects of their identity, including gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, and sexuality.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Customer service

Fundraising

Public speaking

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Travel readiness

Canva

Instagram

Negotiation

Sales

Education

Post-secondary education

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Title: Senior Specialist, Relay for Life Youth

Vacancies: This posting is for (1) current vacancy

Location: Toronto, ON (Detailed office location information can be found by visiting this link: https://cancer.ca/en/contact-us)

Work Model: Hybrid Work Model

Salary Band: 5 ($56,000 - $63,000 CAD)

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CANCER CARE IN CANADA

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save lives, improve lives and drive collective action against cancer. Together with patients, volunteers, donors and communities across the country, we raise funds to invest in transformative cancer research, we provide a caring support system for everyone affected by cancer and we advocate to governments to create a healthier future for all. It takes a society to take on cancer – and the Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way.

Join an exceptional team of Relay for Life Youth professionals, who work with students to plan and execute Relay for Life Youth events for their school communities. Relay For Life Youth events have been taking place since 2003, expanding nationwide with elementary, high school, and post-secondary institutions. Together, we’re changing the future of cancer in Canada. Be part of a passionate team of individuals and join our movement to make a difference and show that together we’re unstoppable!

MAKING AN IMPACT

Reporting to Manager of Relay for Life Youth (RFLY), Signature Programs, the Relay for Life Youth Sr. Specialist will assist in leading growth and expansion of Relay for Life Youth by developing strategic school partnerships, driving business development initiatives, and managing a high-value portfolio of accounts across Canada. This role provides leadership through mentoring and coaching team members, supporting training and knowledge transfer, and leading national projects that enhance program effectiveness and innovation. The Senior Specialist serves as a subject matter expert in recruitment and school engagement, contributing to revenue growth, team performance, and the long‑term success of the program.

This role requires significant travel to high schools, Relay U conferences, and student leadership conferences from September to June with reduced travelling and more concentration on program development in the months of July and August.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

• Identify, cultivate, and secure new school partnerships through proactive outreach and relationship‑building.
• Develop and execute recruitment strategies that support national growth targets.
• Build and manage a portfolio of strategic schools and accounts across Canada while maintaining a budget of $500k-$1M.
• Manage a national portfolio with significant annual revenue responsibility.
• Analyze recruitment trends and identify new markets for growth.
• Serve as the team's subject matter expert on school recruitment and business development strategies.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection process for new team members as requested.
• Serve as a panel member during interviews for Specialist and other program-related positions.
• Support onboarding and training for new specialists.
• Develop training resources, toolkits, and best‑practice guides.
• Facilitate professional development sessions quarterly for the team.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen recruitment, stewardship, and fundraising capabilities across the team.
• Provide mentorship and coaching to specialists.
• Support colleagues with recruitment strategy, school engagement, and revenue growth planning.
• Share successful practices and innovative approaches from across the country.
• Act as a resource for troubleshooting complex school relationships.
• Monitor project progress, identify risks and challenges, and implement solutions to keep initiatives on track, as well as evaluate project outcomes and provide recommendations for future improvements and scaling opportunities.
• Serve as the project lead for assigned national initiatives, pilot programs, process improvements, or resource development projects.
• Contribute to program innovation and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support the development of recruitment campaigns, national resources, and engagement strategies.
• Represent the program at leadership conferences and national meetings.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to advance program priorities and growth objectives.
• Adhere to all administration procedures as required.
• Work in compliance with the provisions of The Occupational Health & Safety Act and its regulations and comply with CCS’ Health & Safety Policy.
• Contribute to our culture of diversity, inclusion, belonging and equity (DIBE) by ensuring that all staff feel represented, valued, and heard across all aspects of their identity, including gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, and sexuality.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Related post‑secondary education; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• At least 3 years of customer service, fundraising, and/or sales experience.
• Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills; including the ability to negotiate and influence others.
• Strong project management, organizational, and time management skills.
• Confident and passionate public speaker who is comfortable presenting to both small and large groups.
• Experience with Instagram and Canva is considered an asset.
• Occasional travel across Canada occurs for internal meetings, conferences, and event visits. All necessary travel expenses are covered by the Canadian Cancer Society.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle are required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft tools including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint
• English is required; French/Bilingualism (French /English) is an asset due to the organization’s nationwide operations.
• Knowledge and/or involvement in the Relay for Life Youth program is an asset.
• Knowledge and/or involvement with Private Schools in Canada is an asset
• Knowledge of Canadian Cancer Society policies and procedures is an asset.
• A Vulnerable Sector Check is required.
• English is required; French/Bilingualism (French /English) is an asset due to the organization’s nationwide operations.
• Others may apply

*For roles based in Quebec, French is required. Knowledge of another language may be required depending on job responsibilities and business needs.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

CCS provides impactful opportunities to transform the lives of Canadians affected by cancer. We are devoted to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates diverse experiences and skills, encouraging all qualified candidates to join us. Our inspiring culture is rooted in our core values and commitment to meaningful change:

COURAGEOUS UNITED CARING RIGOROUS

We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, including paid parental leave, family sick time, and health insurance—and a fulfilling work environment where your efforts make a meaningful impact daily.

COME AS YOU ARE

At CCS, we celebrate individuality and the strength of diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace that empowers everyone. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those from equity‑deserving groups such as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and others who contribute to the richness of our organization. Together, we unite Canadians to shape the future of cancer care.

OTHER INFORMATION:

CCS is dedicated to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. In accordance with the local provincial Accessibility Act, accommodation will be provided as requested throughout the recruitment process. We want to make the interview process a great experience for you!

Please note that in keeping with the mandate of CCS to model and promote healthy lifestyles, employees are not permitted to smoke in or about CCS premises or while carrying out CCS business.

Privacy Disclosure

We collect your personal information through forms, by phone or in person to evaluate your candidacy for the role(s) you have applied for, to contact you regarding your candidacy, and to generate anonymized recruitment‑related reports. If selected for a position at CCS the information provided will be used for the purposes of pre‑employment checks and added to your employee file. We may share your personal information with third parties, including recruitment consultants, within or outside your province or territory or outside Canada to carry out the purposes identified above, or as required by law. We may contact you by mail, email, phone or text. You can exercise your right to access your information or have it corrected, unsubscribe from communications or withdraw your consent by selecting these options within the ADP system, or by contacting [e-mail]. For more information about our privacy practices, visit cancer.ca/privacy.

AI Disclosure

We are committed to transparency and, the responsible use of technology in our hiring process. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist with certain administrative or screening tasks; however, all hiring decisions are made by people. We review and approve AI‑assisted outputs to ensure fairness, accuracy, and alignment with our values. For more information about our privacy practices, visit cancer.ca/privacy.