Senior Events and Engagement Specialist

Title: Senior Events and Engagement Specialist

Employee Working Location: Partially Virtual / Hybrid (Canada)

Employment Status: Temporary, Full-Time (14 months)

The Canadian Red Cross (Red Cross) - an inspirational not for profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. As a Canada's Best Employers 2026 , we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment.

The Senior Events and Engagement Specialist leads the planning, strategy, and execution of signature donor engagement moments across all streams, with particular focus on major and transformational gifts. This role transforms philanthropic intent into emotionally resonant experiences - building trust, loyalty, and belief through events that feel personal, intentional, and inspiring.

Serving as a strategic partner to both Relationship Managers and the Donor Experience team, this role curates an annual donor events calendar, co-creates immersive products with the creative services team, and ensures every event - from intimate salons to large-scale recognition events - is flawlessly delivered and thoughtfully measured.

In this role, you will :

• Leads the creation and execution of an annual donor events calendar, aligned with strategic priorities across Major Gifts, Transformational Giving, and Corporate Giving
• Partners with Relationship Managers and Senior Donor Experience Specialists to design events that align with donor motivations, relationship stage, and strategic goals
• Partners with the Donor Experience Associates to coordinate execution, input attendee data into Unity, manage RSVPs, facilitate pre-event briefings, and oversee post-event impact communications
• Oversees all aspects of event logistics and communication flows, including venue selection, contract negotiation, budgeting, scheduling, on-site management, seamless coordination of invitations, logistics, thank-you communications, and stewardship follow-ups.
• Collaborates with the Creative Services & Donor Impact (CSDI) team to develop immersive products that elevate event experiences - such as storytelling kits, donor artifacts, and personalized content

  Implements feedback loops and engagement tracking, ensuring events are evaluated for effectiveness, satisfaction, and alignment with strategic outcomes

• Fosters a culture of cross-functional collaboration, partnering with teams across Philanthropy, Communications, and Programs to deliver events that reflect a unified, One Red Cross approach to donor engagement
• Manage relationships with external vendors, agencies, and partners to support the execution of event strategies and initiatives.
• Track and analyze event performance metrics, maintain accurate records, and adjust strategies as needed to achieve goals.
• Identify, cultivate, and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, sponsors, and partners to maximize event impact and engagement.

What we are looking for :

• Minimum of 6-9 years' experience in event management, hospitality, fundraising, marketing, or a related field, and a 3-year college diploma or university degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Experience designing and executing large-scale events, including conferences, donor recognition programs, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Proficiency in standard computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite) and fundraising databases.
• Strong knowledge of event planning principles and best practices, including stakeholder engagement, stewardship, retention, and recognition strategies.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and influence skills, with the ability to reach consensus in sensitive situations.
• Ability to work to deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and respond to time-sensitive needs.
• Brings a donor-first lens to every engagement, ensuring that experiences are tailored, relevant, accessible, and infused with hospitality and gratitude

Working Conditions :

• Requires concentration, attentiveness and strong attention to detail when designing donor journeys and communications.
• Ability to adapt to frequent changes in priorities and respond quickly to time-sensitive donor needs.
• Requires significant attention to detail and the ability to mentally process large amounts of information.
• The work pace is often unpredictable with significant time pressures.
• Ability to make decisions under pressure and maintain accuracy while working at an unpredictable pace.
• Work will be conducted in an office-like setting with a hybrid/virtual arrangement.
• In a large-scale emergency, where staff numbers are compromised or additional resources are required, may be asked to provide disaster relief and/or emergency field operational support.
• As we work with and support people (managers, colleagues, beneficiaries/customers, volunteers, donors and external partners) and communities in Canada and around the world, applicants whose first language is not English may be required to perform the responsibilities of the role in English.
• Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information.
• If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre-employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC).