Programs and Events Specialist

The Organization 

Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) is committed to building a vibrant city and enriching the lives of all Edmontonians. We do this by providing an average of over $35 million in community grants and scholarships each year, thanks to the generous support of thousands of donors. As the largest non-governmental funder of the charitable sector in our City, ECF is in a unique position to address long-term, complex community needs by working with donors, charities, volunteers, government and community partners.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Marketing and Communications, the Programs and Events Specialist is responsible for designing, organizing, and executing a variety of programs and events that engage and inspire our donors, grantees, and community partners. As an innovative, proactive, and detail-oriented individual, the successful candidate will ensure seamless delivery of impactful experiences from conception through to completion.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

Program Development and Delivery:

• Design and deliver engaging programs and learning opportunities for donors and grantees, leading the end-to-end planning process from concept to evaluation.
•  Identify and recruit speakers and facilitators, working with them to develop engaging content and create all program materials including agendas, slide decks, handouts, and follow-up resources. Collaborate on established programs such as Wills Week and the Endowment Sustainability Program and identify opportunities for new programs based on community needs.

Event Planning and Execution:

• Plan, organize, and execute events and community engagement activities, including key ECF events such as the Annual Luncheon and Donor Appreciation.
• Manage all logistics including venue selection, catering, audio-visual setup, registration, on-site coordination, and recruitment of staff and volunteers.
• Create event timelines, run-of-show documents, and materials to ensure smooth execution.

Marketing, Budget Management and Evaluation:

• Coordinate with Marketing and Communications to develop promotional materials and ensure optimal attendance.
•  Develop and manage program and event budgets, negotiate vendor contracts, and track expenses to ensure cost-effectiveness.
•  Evaluate program and event success through surveys and feedback mechanisms, tracking key metrics and preparing post-event reports with recommendations for continuous improvement.

Partnership and Sponsorship Management:

• Build and maintain relationships with vendors, sponsors, and community partners, acting as the primary point of contact to ensure their needs are met.
• Manage ECF’s sponsorship portfolio, reviewing requests for alignment with ECF’s mission and serving as liaison with sponsored organizations to coordinate deliverables and brand representation.
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure alignment with organizational priorities and identify partnership opportunities that enhance impact.

The Ideal Candidate

As the ideal candidate, you will possess the following qualifications:

• A university degree in Event Management, Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, or related field.
• A minimum of 3-5 years of directly related work experience in program delivery, event planning and management, and/or project management. Equivalent combinations of related post-secondary education and directly related work experience will be considered.
• Demonstrated experience organizing events and programs, both in-person and virtual.
• Proven experience creating and delivering engaging programs for diverse audiences.
• Strong experience collaborating with internal teams, vendors, sponsors, and community partners.

Additional requirements include:

• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to design engaging experiences that create meaningful connections and learning moments.
• Strong program design and facilitation skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Creative thinking and initiative to develop innovative program ideas.
• Proficiency with event management platforms, virtual meeting tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of the nonprofit sector and community engagement is an asset.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required for event execution.

If you have all these qualities and are excited about the opportunity to be part of an organization that truly makes a difference, we would like to hear from you!

What we Offer

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcome candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We also offer a competitive salary and benefits package, professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment including:

•  Salary Range: $63,750-$75,000/year
•  A 35-hour standard work week.
• Downtown work location with free parking available.
• Extended Health, Dental and Short/Long Term Disability Benefits, Life Insurance and a Health Spending Account.
• A 9% contribution to our group RRSP.
• A hybrid work environment where employees collaborate on site a minimum of 3 days per week with the flexibility to work remotely up to 2 days per week.
• Vacation starts at three weeks per year.
• 12 combined personal and sick days.

How to Apply

Please submit your application, including both a resume and cover letter, in PDF format to jobs@ecf.ca.

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. Review of applications will begin February 13, 2026. Apply now to get the jump on a new career!

ECF is committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community and creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported to thrive. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.