Signature Events Manager (Gala)

Who We Are

The leading charity investing in health care innovation in BC

VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is Vancouver Coastal Health’s primary philanthropic partner, raising funds for specialized adult healthcare services and research for all people living in British Columbia. VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation is the leading charity investing in healthcare innovation in British Columbia and partners with donors to raise essential funds for Vancouver Coastal Health, supporting VGH, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, and Community Health Services.

About the Team

The Fundraising Events department is responsible for developing, leading and producing high calibre fundraising events, and managing and developing a portfolio of independent community events, cause related marketing opportunities and corporate partnerships. Collectively these initiatives contribute to the Foundation by generating fundraising revenue, growing our donor pipeline and increasing brand awareness, all while cultivating and strengthening relationships with our community.

About This Role

The Signature Events Manager is responsible for the overall success of the Foundation’s Signature Gala, leading its strategic direction, planning, execution, and long‑term growth. This role focuses on relationship‑driven fundraising and oversees all elements of gala strategy, revenue generation, donor and sponsor engagement, and volunteer leadership. With a multi-million annual fundraising target, the Manager plays a critical role in advancing the Foundation’s mission by delivering exceptional event experiences and cultivating strong philanthropic partnerships. The position also contributes to the Foundation’s broader Community Giving and donor pipeline development goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Leads the multi-year growth strategy for the gala, ensuring a scalable model that increases net revenue, strengthens donor and sponsor relationships, and enhances the event’s role as a premier fundraising platform
• Leads the full lifecycle of the Signature Gala—from concept to post event stewardship—ensuring an exceptional guest experience that drives participation in fundraising activities and deepens donor engagement
• Manages and motivates volunteer fundraising committees, aligning their efforts with gala revenue priorities and equipping them to expand the event’s fundraising reach
• Designs donor journeys and guest experiences that inspire giving, increase participation in fundraising moments, and elevate the gala’s philanthropic impact
• Develops high value event activations that meet sponsor objectives while enhancing the gala’s fundraising potential and guest engagement
• Maximizes net revenue across all gala income streams, including sponsorships, ticket and table sales, donations, in kind partnerships, auctions, raffles, and live fundraising appeals
• Builds pathways that connect gala attendees to the Foundation’s broader donor pipelines, supporting growth in annual, leadership, major, and legacy giving
• Develop and manage comprehensive project plans, timelines, budgets, and revenue forecasts
• Contributes to departmental work plans and revenue projections by recommending innovative approaches that strengthen gala fundraising performance, guest engagement, and operational efficiency
• Identifies and implements process and technology improvements that increase fundraising potential and enhance the gala experience
• Leads risk identification and mitigation planning for the gala, ensuring brand protection, financial accountability, and high-quality execution
• Oversees cross functional planning, workback schedules, and governance processes to ensure coordinated delivery of gala priorities and alignment with organizational campaigns
• Supports the overall success of the department and division as needed, with a focus on maximizing fundraising outcomes and strengthening donor engagement pathways

What You Offer

• Demonstrated experience in planning and executing high-performing fundraising events
• Proven ability to cultivate, secure and grow revenue from sponsors and in kind partners
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to manage multiple priorities
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships with fundraising volunteers, donors, sponsors and vendors
• Creative, proactive, and comfortable navigating complex environments with shifting priorities
• Strong judgment, diplomacy, and discretion in resolving issues and managing stakeholder expectations
• Experience utilizing CRMs such as Salesforce is an asset
• Experience with fundraising software (e.g., Givergy, Classy, etc.) is an asset
• Strong understanding of fundraising streams and how signature events drive donor pipeline development
• Expert knowledge of events as high impact engagement and fundraising mechanism
• Comprehensive understanding of Foundation campaigns, policies, and philanthropic best practices

What We Offer

The successful candidate can expect a starting salary between $87,631 and $99,581, depending on factors such as skills, experience, and internal equity. Once hired, salary is reviewed annually and successful employees have the opportunity for their salary to increase over time up to the maximum of the pay band, currently$112,527.

Additional variable pay (merit/bonus), defined benefit pension plan, extended health and dental benefits for you and your partner/children, flexible working arrangements, four weeks’ paid vacation, investment in professional development and subsidized access to transit, fitness, cycling and parking facilities all contribute to a top-notch total rewards package. If you’d like more information on what we offer, please ask!

We welcome applications from anyone who is eligible to work in BC. We encourage applications from Indigenous people, people with disabilities, BIPOC and racialized individuals, people of minority sexual orientation or gender identity, and others who may contribute to the Foundation's organizational diversity and who share the Foundation's values.