Special Events and Fundraising Assistant
Employment Type: Summer Student
Employment
Location: St.
Catharines, Ontario
Open Date: April 29,
2026
Who We Are
Niagara
Children’s Centre is recognized throughout the Niagara Region as the provider
of rehabilitation and support services to children and youth with physical,
developmental and communicative delays and disabilities. Core services include physiotherapy,
occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and
alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation. Our
family-centred programs aim at helping each child achieve their own unique
potential within their home, school and in the community.
As an
employee of the Centre, you will be part of a community dedicated to creating a
welcoming and supportive environment for the children and youth we serve. We are a place where families are at the
heart of all we do. We continue to provide innovative ways of delivering high
quality services and strengthening our family-centred care philosophy. We want
to see “Niagara’s Children and Youth at Their Best!” Join a team that makes a
real difference in the lives of children and youth every day.
The Role:
The Special
Events and Fundraising Assistant supports the overall planning, execution, and
follow-up of events designed to raise funds and awareness. This is a 16-week, 35-hour
week contract and functions include providing event support, supporting
fundraising efforts, and contributing to overall success of the development
activities.
This
position is funded by Government of Canada. As per Canada Summer Jobs program, the
goal is to help youth aged 15 to 30 gain paid summer work experience and
develop skills for the job market. For more details, please visit Canada Summer Jobs at Government of Canada
website.
Eligibility criteria:
Eligible participants must:
- be between 15
and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment;
- be a Canadian
citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been
conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act;
- have a valid
Social Insurance Number at the start of employment; and
- be legally
entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or
territorial legislation and regulations.
Specific Responsibilities:
Responsibilities
of the position include:
- Work with the development department, Centre staff, volunteers and
community partners to plan and execute fundraising events and campaigns.
- Support third-party event fundraisers, including coordination,
promotion, logistical assistance, and on-site representation.
- Procure and manage the online fundraising auction, including item
solicitation, catalog creation, and bidder engagement.
- Assist in the planning of the annual Superhero Run fundraising event,
including event logistics.
- Recruit volunteers and community partners.
- Enter gifts into donor database, and assist with issuing thank you
letters.
- Provide support for stewardship initiatives and events including
annual report and donor reception.
- Research prospective grants and fundraising opportunities.
Health and Safety
The
Special Events and Fundraising Assistant will comply with the duties assigned
to Workers as per Section 28 of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Key Relationships:
The
Special Events and Fundraising Assistant is concerned with the effectiveness of
all relationships that affect the Centre. The following are particularly
significant to the position:
External
- Ambassador Families from the Centre
- Event participants
- In-kind donation requests/corporations
- Donors, service clubs and 3rd parties
- Fundraising Platform Hosts (e.g., AKA Raisin)
- Any other parties related to Development at the Director's discretion
Internal
- Staff at all levels in the organization
Performance Factors:
In
assessing the performance of an incumbent in this position, the following
factors will be utilized as appropriate:
- The timeliness and accuracy of all administrative and event-related
duties.
- Ability to comply with fundraising best practices.
- Degree of professionalism and confidentiality.
Position Specifications:
Education:
- An educational background in fundraising or a related field would be
an asset.
Knowledge/Skills:
- Eager to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Passion for the mission of Niagara Children's Centre.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Goal-oriented with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
- Good computer skills. Experience using CRM databases is an asset.
- Confidence and comfort with soliciting donations.
- Flexibility to work both independently and as part of a mission driven
team.
- Adaptable to meet the needs of the agency.
- Professionalism and adherence to confidentiality are required.
- Previous experience in event planning, fundraising, or non-profit work
is an asset.
- Required to lift or carry items weighing approximately 20-25 lbs on
occasions.
- Ability to work flexible schedule, with occasional evenings and weekends.
Other:
- Access to reliable transportation and a valid Ontario driver’s license
- A current criminal reference check for vulnerable populations.
Application Process
If you are inspired by the work of Niagara
Children’s Centre and would like to join our team, we want to hear from you! To review the job description and pursue this
career opportunity, please visit our website at www.niagarachildrenscentre.com
We will be reviewing candidate
submissions as they are received and move forward with interviews. Early
submission is encouraged.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are
not used to evaluate applications for this role. Your application will be
reviewed directly by our hiring team.
Niagara Children’s Centre is committed
to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable
accommodation is available under the Accessibility
for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) for applicants invited to an
interview.
We thank all those who apply but only
those selected for further consideration will be contacted. The selected
candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check.