Position: Senior Manager, Sponsorship & Partnerships
Start Date: October 2026 (Estimated)
Location: 210 Princes’ Boulevard, Toronto (Onsite)
Schedule: Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm
* Flexibility Required, Including Evenings & Weekends During CNE Event Period
ABOUT US
The CNE (Canadian National Exhibition), often affectionately referred to as The Ex, is Canada’s largest community event and one of the top ten agricultural fairs in North America, attracting approximately 1.4 - 1.6 million visitors annually over the course of its 18-day run. With something for everyone, the CNE offers a wide range of attractions and interactive entertainment experiences including: concerts, midway rides and games, shopping, exhibits, marquee programs, food and wacky treats!
Join the team and be part of this summer tradition, helping us inspire Canadians and create memories!
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Sr. Manager, Sponsorship & Partnerships primary focus will be to manage activities related to fostering strategic partnerships and securing cash and in-kind sponsorships. This position will support the Director in the development and execution of the annual sponsorship and partnership plan in support of the overall goals and objectives of the CNEA.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Strategic Planning
· Work with the Director, Sponsorship & Partnerships to establish annual financial objectives and partnership plan.
· Manage and direct all activities related to the sponsorship and partnership plan.
· Identify trends and prepare regular reports to support long-term planning and projections.
· Implement strategic metrics to gauge effectiveness of partnerships.
· Forecast staff resource needs.
Compliance & Regulation
· Manage all sponsorship & partnership negotiations and agreements and ensure they are following appropriate regulatory and internal policies.
· Liaise with government agencies to ensure products and services meet the regulatory safety standards.
· Ensure that work is carried out in accordance with provincial statutes, regulations, CNEA (or CNEA affiliated events) and departmental policies
Sponsorship & Partnership Development
· Develop innovative sponsorship & partnership opportunities with the goal of building and maximizing the value of corporate relationships and partnerships for the CNEA (and CNEA affiliated events).
· Secure significant cash sponsorships, and in-kind products and services in accordance with the annual sponsorship plan.
· Manage revenues and control costs, ensuring all goals and objectives within the allocated budget for the Sponsorship & Partnerships department are met.
· Develop innovative sponsorship packages, sales kits and presentations.
· Research, identify and prioritize prospective sponsors and sponsor categories based on pre-established targets and maintain a robust sponsorship pipeline.
· Cultivate and retain strategic relationships with various business and corporate sectors.
· Plan, negotiate and finalize sponsorship agreements and contracts for both cash and in-kind programs.
· Oversee all sponsor relations, fulfillment of agreements and maintain a detailed critical path for sponsor activations.
· Ensure pre-event, on-site and post-event benefit fulfillment and contractual obligations are met by the Sponsorship team.
· Issue contracts and receive insurance certificates, payments, and collections.
· Liaise with CNEA (or affiliated event) departments to develop and execute onsite activations and corporate sponsorship related programs.
· Provide supervision and direction to direct reports and recommend development opportunities.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
WHAT WE OFFER
- A fun, collaborative, and engaging work environment.
- Opportunities to bring new ideas to life and contribute creatively.
- The opportunity to be part of one of Canada’s largest and most iconic events.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
· Willingness to work in areas that may contain bright lights, loud noises, and crowds of people.
· Adaptable to a flexible work schedule, including evenings, weekend, and statutory holidays during event period.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS
·Proven sales experience in securing significant cash sponsorships.
·Proven experience with event execution and project management.
· Minimum 8 years’ experience in sponsorship, event marketing or promotions capacity with a post-secondary education in a related discipline or equivalent combination of experience and education.
· Strong communication, interpersonal & presentation skills.
· Superior research, written and organizational skills including time management.
· Ability to problem solve in real-time and adapt quickly to changing parameters or issues.
· Flexibility and the ability to take initiative and thrive in a high-stress creative environment with frequent and competing deadlines.
· Professionalism in appearance, communications, and conduct.
· Must have a valid G2 or G driver's license.
· Must be available to work overtime and flexible hours for the duration of the 18-day fair including evenings, weekends and Labour Day holiday.
INVITATION TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter (optional) outlining related experience and qualifications to the attention of the CNE, Human Resources Department.
At the CNE we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and accessible work environment where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. The CNE offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities as part of its recruitment process. If you are contacted to arrange an interview, please advise us if you require accommodation. Please note only candidates invited for an interview will be contacted.
