Development Officer, Community Partnerships

"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?

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

Make-A-Wish Canada creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are on a quest to bring every eligible child's wish to life because a wish is an integral part of a child's treatment journey. Research shows children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a critical illness.

"It's been wonderful to have this wish to look forward to... It's wonderful to see [Rowan] with something that brings him pure joy after all he's been through and missed out on"

–Melissa, mom to wish kid Rowan (age 5, leukemia), who wished for an indoor jungle gym.

MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

Our mission is, together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illness. Supported by our vision to grant the wish of every eligible child.

Our values are Child-Focused, Integrity, Impact, Innovation, and Community.

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 where you feel valued and inspired
• Annual vacation starting at three weeks & additional paid leaves
• Hybrid work environment
• Work/life balance and flexibility
• Employee Wellness Program
• Corporate discounts
• Continuous learning, development and internal training opportunities
• Fun employee activities, contests, and more

Make-A-Wish Canada is committed to fostering a culture that aims to change lives while offering a rewarding employment experience where your contributions make a true difference every day

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 is based in Montreal and is a full time, hybrid, 18-month contract position.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Plan and execute signature fundraising events – oversee all 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.
• Lead with empathy and integrity, celebrating successes, fostering teamwork, and contributing to a positive, purpose-driven workplace culture.

WHAT YOU BRING

• Bilingual: fluency in French & English (verbal and writing skills) is mandatory.
• 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 (MAWC) 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

Our recruitment process is swift in pace. Once 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

ABOUT MAKE-A-WISH CANADA

In the past 40 years, Make-A-Wish Canada has granted over 40,000 wishes across the country, with 2,000 of them last year alone. As an independently operating affiliate of Make-A-Wish International, Make-A-Wish Canada is part of the network of the world's leading children's wish-granting organization. We serve children in every community in Canada, and in more than 50 countries worldwide.

JOIN OUR ONLINE COMMUNITY

For more information on how you can support Make-A-Wish Canada or get involved please visit our website