We’re hiring! Event and Fundraising Assistant: a 7-week position funded by Canada Summer Jobs
Are you passionate about literary fiction and keen to support women and non-binary writers? The Carol Shields Prize Foundation seeks a self-motivated team player local to Toronto with an interest in books and publishing to join our small but mighty team for a 35-hour a week contract from May 11 to July 3.
The Job:
Reporting to the CEO, and working closely with the Program and Operations Manager and the Marketing and Development Coordinator, this contract position will collaborate with staff on a wide range of event coordination and fundraising tasks to promote the work of women and non-binary writers and increase our base of support – a great opportunity to gain experience working with a small team at a charity with large goals!
Key Responsibilities:
The Event and Fundraising Assistant will collaborate with staff on a wide range of event logistics, fundraising, and communications tasks to promote the work of women and non-binary writers and increase our base of support. The main event work is support for the 2026 Carol Shields Prize for Fiction award ceremony, and ancillary events, in Toronto in early June 2026. This is a hybrid position; the majority of the work will be done remotely as a work-from-home position. On occasional days, and during event week, there is a requirement for in-person work in Toronto.
Event tasks to include:
Assist with execution of the annual Prize event and ancillary activities in June 2026, under the direction of staff
Assist with guest list and guest communications as needed
Attend all fundraising events, assist with set-up and strike assist with welcome baskets for VIP guests; assist with load-in to event office
Manage nametags for staff, board, guests
Escort writers between events during event week
Register guests at welcome table, usher VIP guests, assist with photography during reception
Prepare board meeting materials; set up room for meeting; take minutes
Assist with follow-up: thank yous to donors, partners; storage tidy-up
Fundraising tasks to include:
Assist with wrap-up from the 2026 Prize activities, including writing media summary and bookseller outreach reports
Assist with delivery of books to donors: author signing, mailing, and cataloging of books in the storage unit
Assist with drafting/distribution of thank you letters and annual impact reports for Canadian donors Draft and proofread marketing copy for social media posts and the monthly newsletter
Research Canadian foundations for fundraising appeals; write and send solicitations
Assist with reviewing and updating website and other digital materials
Assist with upgrade in our use and management of CRM data
Requirements & Qualifications:
Experience in event coordination through a job, school or volunteer work
Experience in fundraising is an asset
Experience in customer service is an asset, the selected candidate will work closely with Foundation community members and beneficiaries
An understanding of the North American literary/publishing scene is an asset. (We need you to love books!)
Comfortable working in a G-Suite/Google Workspace environment (mainly using Google Docs/Sheets)
Comfortable with cloud-based systems and digital solutions, with Canva experience an asset
Excellent writing skills
Collaborative and enjoys working with people, even if it’s on Zoom and email
Organized, and a self-starter who can work independently
Aligned with our mission
Passionate about equity, diversity, and inclusion
Additional Information:
This position is hybrid, with the majority of work occurring from home. In person attendance at Toronto-based events on June 1, June 2, and June 3 are required, as well as other occasional days.
This is a Canada Summer Jobs funded position, and as such the candidate must:
Be between 15-30 years of age, at the start of the funded position
Be a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or someone to whom Refugee Status has been granted/conferred
Have a valid SIN
Note that International students, and those who are here in Canada on a work, youth, or visitor visa/permit are not eligible for the program
All work, even remote work, must be done within Canada
The employer will be responsible for providing:
access to Google Workspace applications
$25 per month for office/internet expenses; total of $50
The employee will be responsible for:
Internet service at sufficient speed for remote work
Workspace
Phone service
Computer
Reporting to: Reports to the CEO.
Working with: Collaborates closely with the Program and Operations Manager and the Marketing and Development Coordinator.
Dates: 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday); tentatively from May 11 to July 3. Some hours might be required on Sunday May 31.
Remuneration: $19/hour for 35 hours per week .
Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 7 hours per day generally within working hours of the Eastern Time Zone so that the team can collaborate.
Expected to work during the afternoon and evening on May 31, June 1 and June 2.
About Us:
The Carol Shields Prize Foundation is a charity incorporated in 2016 to support and raise the profile of women and non-binary writers in North America through a literary prize, charitable partnerships and public awareness. Named after beloved Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Carol Shields, The Carol Shields Prize for Fiction is the first major English-language literary award to celebrate creativity and excellence in fiction by women and non-binary writers in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, the Carol Shields Prize Foundation promotes women and non-binary writers’ fiction through a number of programs, including scholarships, residencies, and fellowships, primarily awarded to marginalized, underrepresented and emerging writers in the U.S. and Canada. The Carol Shields Prize Foundation is committed to advancing the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the literary world.
How to Apply:
The Carol Shields Prize Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.
Please send an email with the subject line: “YOURLASTNAME - Event and Fundraising Assistant: Canada Summer Jobs” to recruitment@carolshieldsprizeforfiction.com and attachone PDF with your resume and answers to:
Why do you want to support women and non-binary writers?
What is the most successful literary event you have attended or supported (e.g. a book launch, a festival, or conversation with an author)? In your opinion, what made it successful?
Max. word count per answer: 200 words.
No cover letter needed; please send the answers to the two questions in lieu of the letter. Thank you!
Deadline to apply: Monday, April 27, 2026 by 11:59pm ET.
The Carol Shields Prize Foundation is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applicants who identify as racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities. If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application process, please contact us in advance.
The Carol Shields Prize Foundation would like to thank all applicants, however, please note that only those selected to participate in an interview will be contacted.
