Description

Manager, Development & Operations

Reports to: Executive Director

Location: Vancouver, BC (Hybrid)

Salary Range: $55,000 – $70,000 per annum + benefits (performance-based bonus possible after 6 months based on KPIs)

Position Type: Part-Time Regular Staff (4 days / 30 hours per week)

Application Deadline: June 5, 2026

About CityStudio Vancouver

CityStudio Vancouver is a registered educational charity that connects municipal staff, post-secondary faculty, and students to work on real civic challenges and co-create solutions for a more sustainable, equitable, and joyful city. Since 2011, more than 14,000 students have contributed over 400,000 hours to city-building and urban transformation through CityStudio.

About the Role

The Manager, Development & Operations is a senior, cross-functional leadership role at the heart of CityStudio’s growth and effectiveness. You will lead partnership development and revenue generation across municipalities, post-secondary institutions, sponsors, donors, and network members – while also strengthening internal systems, coordination, and execution in a lean team environment. Working closely with the Executive Director and Program Manager, you will translate strategy into action, drive follow-through, and help build a resilient, high-performing organization.

Key Responsibilities

1. Partnerships & Revenue Growth

  • Lead and execute an integrated partnerships and revenue strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Set and track targets across partnerships, grants, sponsorships, events, individual giving, and membership.
  • Manage the relationship cycle, negotiation, and fee-for-service renewals with core post-secondary institutions and municipal partners.
  • Actively identify and pitch the CityStudio licensing/consulting model to new municipalities to scale Global Programs revenue.
  • Develop compelling proposals, sponsorship packages, and cases for support tailored to diverse partners.
  • Identify and pursue new funding opportunities, including government, foundations, and aligned collaborators.

2. Fundraising & External Engagement

  • Design and deliver a fundraising strategic plan, including campaigns and engagement initiatives (annual appeals, GivingTuesday, monthly giving, sponsorships).
  • Establish an Alumni Giving Program to engage, track, and steward CityStudio’s network of 14,000+ past students into active donors or corporate connections.
  • Build and activate a network of partners, donors, and supporters.
  • Plan and host partner and donor events (showcases, salons, site visits) from concept to follow-up.
  • Strengthen stewardship and retention systems to deepen long-term relationships and support.

3. Operations & Systems

  • Improve internal systems, workflows, and tools to support consistency and accountability.
  • Oversee CRM management, donor tracking, reporting, and pipeline development.
  • Ensure strong coordination of agreements, reporting timelines, and deliverables.
  • Provide day-to-day coordination and guidance to staff, contractors, and collaborators.

4. Organizational Effectiveness & Leadership Support

  • Produce clear, actionable reports on revenue, partnerships, and progress.
  • Identify risks and support practical mitigation strategies.
  • Build documentation and systems that strengthen team alignment and continuity.
  • Support leadership with project management, briefings, and cross-functional coordination.

Skills & Experience

We’re looking for a strategic, relationship-driven leader who combines fundraising expertise with strong operational execution. You bring:

  • 5+ years of experience in fundraising, proposal writing, partnerships, nonprofit operations, or similar roles.
  • Proven success generating revenue through partnerships, grants, sponsorships, or campaigns.
  • Strong relationship-building and communication skills across public, academic, and private sectors.
  • Excellent organizational and project management skills, with strong follow-through.
  • Experience working in lean teams and building structure in dynamic environments.

Core Capabilities

  • Partnership development and stewardship.
  • Fundraising strategy and campaign execution.
  • CRM and data-driven decision-making.
  • Systems thinking and operational improvement.
  • Team coordination and accountability.

Assets

  • Experience in nonprofit, education, civic, or public-sector environments.
  • Experience supporting senior leadership or board-level work.
  • Background in sponsorship development, grant reporting, or membership programs.
  • Experience managing contractors, interns, or junior staff.
  • Relevant training (e.g., AFP, nonprofit management, project management).
  • Familiarity with design practice and design education.

Working Conditions & Benefits

Schedule: 4 days per week (30 hours/week).

Arrangement: Hybrid work arrangement: approximately 50% in-office and 50% remote.

Benefits: Eligible for CityStudio’s standard staff benefits package—including comprehensive extended health and dental benefits, pro-rated paid annual vacation, and paid organizational winter breaks—following the successful completion of a standard 3-month probationary period.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI)

At CityStudio Vancouver, we believe that building a more sustainable, equitable, and joyful city requires a team that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We are deeply committed to cultivating an inclusive, barrier-free, and respectful workplace where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered.  

We actively encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, Black and racialized individuals, people of all genders and sexual orientations, and persons with disabilities.

In alignment with Section 42 of the B.C. Human Rights Code and our commitment to reconciliation, priority and preference will be given to qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit). We encourage candidates to voluntarily share this identity within their application.

If you require any accommodations or support at any point during the recruitment or interview process, please let us know by contacting , and we will work with you to meet your needs.  

How to Apply

Submit your resume and cover letter as a single PDF by LinkedIn or email to by June 5, 2026.

Subject line: CityStudio Manager, Development & Operations – [Your Name]

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For questions or accommodations, contact .

Learn more: www.citystudiovancouver.com