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Program Officer

The C.D. Howe Institute is Canada's leading economic think tank. The overarching mission of the Institute is to strengthen the Canadian economy by promoting smart public policy. Non-partisan in nature and national in scope, the Institute commissions authoritative peer-reviewed papers by recognized experts on emerging issues and hosts meetings that bring together private and public sector leaders.

Purpose of position:

Reporting to the Manager, Programs, the role of the Program Officer is to develop and promote the C.D. Howe Institute brand to current and potential sponsors and event speakers. The Program Officer will lead all aspects of the recruitment and stewardship of sponsors and speakers, and other duties as assigned.

Tasks and responsibilities:

  • 15% of Time Spent – Discovering Policy Issues & Identifying Event Topics
    • Maintaining a constant eye on numerous news outlets
    • Researching Institute members and identifying their policy interests
    • Identifying thought leaders to speak on current policy issues
  • 65% of Time Spent – Recruiting Speakers & Sponsors
    • Developing speaker proposals for prospective and current speakers
    • Assess events portfolio and match sponsor interests to upcoming events
    • Build proposals based on event type and relationship to sponsor in order to solicit event sponsorship
    • Develop and maintain existing and new relationships with speakers/sponsors
    • Prospect potential donors and handle negotiations with sponsors
    • Support signature events by selling tables and individual seats
  • 10% of Time Spent – Strategic Initiatives, Communications & Marketing
    • Coordinate with Communications Department to promote events on Twitter, LinkedIn, and other social media outlets
    • Execute event outreach by drafting invitations and creating lists of relevant stakeholders 
    • Other duties as assigned
  • 10% of Time Spent – Administrative Tasks
    • Updating all appropriate documents throughout all stages of event development (including SalesForce)
    • Create appropriate correspondence such as proposals, thank you letters and program outcome information

Skills Competencies and Background:

  • A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a sales environment is required.
  • Have confidence and experience selling and recruiting speakers and sponsors over the telephone or in person
  • Have an engaging personality and the ability to build dialogue & rapport with potential speakers and sponsors
  • Good understanding of Canadian public policy, and strong research skills/ability to identify potential speakers/sponsors based off of industry needs is critical
  • Team player who is organized, diligent, proactive, and capable of working in a fast-paced environment
  • French bilingualism, and experience with Publisher, Pardot, and/or SalesForce would be considered an asset but not required

Qualified and interested candidates should apply by sending your resume and cover letter to personnel@cdhowe.org by December 8, 2018.

The C.D. Howe Institute offers a competitive benefits package and a competitive salary and title, based on experience.