To apply, please email a cover letter and CV to careers@macdonaldlaurier.ca, include “Events Fundraising Officer” in the subject line.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before April 17th, 2026. The competition will remain open until the job is filled.

About Macdonald-Laurier Institute: The Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI) is at the heart of informed debate over how federal power can best be used to protect and promote the national interests of Canada. MLI is Canada’s leading national public policy think tank based in Ottawa. As a non-partisan organization, we provide thoughtful policy recommendations to help shape the public discourse and influence decision-makers across the nation.

Position Overview: We are seeking a motivated and results-driven Events Fundraising Officer to support revenue generation for MLI in alignment with our mission to make Canada the best governed country in the world. While this role will maintain a primary focus on event-based fundraising, it will also contribute to broader fundraising efforts, including cultivating and securing support from individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners.

In this role, you will be responsible for two primary streams of activity: (1) leading sponsorship development and revenue generation for MLI’s events – including for dedicated fundraising events and priority events for MLI, and (2) supporting general fundraising initiatives by identifying, cultivating, and stewarding a portfolio of donors and prospects aligned with MLI’s mission.

Working closely with senior leadership and internal teams, you will identify new funding opportunities, contribute to fundraising strategy, and help diversify and grow MLI’s revenue streams. You will also help with the coordination of events when necessary.

The ideal candidate combines strong fundraising and relationship-building skills with hands-on experience delivering events from start to finish. You have a proven ability to meet revenue targets across sponsorships, ticket sales, and donor giving, and can manage both event execution and donor development.

The Macdonald-Laurier Institute is strictly non-partisan; working for MLI is incompatible with active membership in any political party.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of event donors by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships in alignment with organizational priorities;
• Develop and implement Targeted Fundraising Campaign plans that aim to develop leads and relationships with possible donors, both for events and general funding;
• Prepare and deliver proposals, touch-points, and stewardship reports in collaboration with project management and communications staff;
• Help coordinate events where necessary, especially those specifically aimed at fundraising;
• Coordinate and participate in donor meetings, events, and site visits, including occasional travel, to strengthen relationships;
• Work closely with senior leadership and subject-matter experts to understand MLI’s mission and policy recommendations;
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions, proposals, and commitments in our CRM system (Zoho CRM);
• Support the stewardship of existing major donors;

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience (3-5 years) in fundraising, development, or relationship management, preferably with exposure to events;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex policy or research work into clear, compelling funding cases;
• Proficient in the use of CRM software, specifically the Zoho suite or Salesforce;
• Experience managing or coordinating events considered a strong asset;
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple relationships, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously;
• High level of professionalism and discretion, particularly when handling confidential donor information and sensitive relationships;
• High EQ with the ability to develop deep and meaningful relationships quickly;

• Proficient in Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Calendar, Sheets, Meet, etc.) and Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint);

• Experience with Canva, email marketing software, and monday.com would be considered a strong asset;
• Bilingualism would be an asset;

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Pay & Benefits

Pay: CA$65,000 per year

• RRSP contribution
• Extended health care benefits
• Sick leave
• Professional development
• Paid time off
• Bonus pay

The Macdonald-Laurier Institute offers a pay and benefits package that is competitive with equivalent positions in Ottawa.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.