Director of Partnerships and Engagement

Position: Director of Partnerships and Engagement

Location: Canada-wide, Remote

Salary: $70,000-$75,000

Start Date: Negotiable

Position Overview

League of Innovators is a national Canadian charity that helps accelerate youth entrepreneurs through life and career. We offer accessible programs and education for young people aged 15-30, from discovery through acceleration. Ultimately, our goal is to amplify the impact of future innovators and entrepreneurs while shortening their path to success. Since 2017 we have worked with over 11,000 youth and 600 youth entrepreneurs from across Canada, who have created over 850 Million in enterprise value. Some of our alumni include Tara Bosch - Smart Sweets, Saba Mohebpour - Spocket, Taran and Bunny Gahatrora - Blume, Madison Guy and Jason Yee - GrantMe, Matthew Smith - Mazumago. Join us and elevate the next generation of entrepreneurs in Canada and beyond!

About You

For someone who is passionate about startups and being at the forefront of Innovation in Canada, this is a tactical partnerships and donor engagement role where you will bring a network of relationships to drive major gifts, planned giving and donor stewardship.

This position is best suited to an entrepreneurial-minded, well-organized and hands-on experienced sales, partnerships and/or fundraising professional seeking to help bring League of Innovators to a new level of impact by developing and implementing philanthropic giving programs and events.

As the Director of Partnerships and Engagement, you report directly to the Executive Director and will be an integral part of building out a small team of staff and volunteers. You have strong relationship-building skills, you are organized and you like to roll up your sleeves to get shit done. As a member of the charity’s management team, you bring a solid base of closing skills to the table. You have the experience and skills to achieve annual targets and build a sustainable and diversified pipeline to bring growth and financial sustainability to a minimum 2021 target of $500,000+ and beyond.

What You Will Get To Do

This position maintains large corporate donor relationships as well as solicits and cold-calls new prospects. Responsibilities include developing and implementing comprehensive and complex plans for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gift prospects and donors, developing and managing a portfolio of major gift prospects, and ensuring appropriate donor recognition, acknowledgment and stewardship programs are in place.

This position is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding corporate gift prospects and donors to ensure League of Innovators achieves its fundraising goals.

Strategy Development

Together with the management team, establish clear fundraising goals and strategies. Develop and execute annual fundraising plans and programs and regularly report on progress. Develop and execute a major gifts program including corporations, individuals, Charities, and government. Create key messages in collateral communications and the website to convey the impact of League of Innovatorswork. Provide guidance and support for staff and senior leadership to improve organizational capacity in fundraising and donor management.

Annual Giving Programs and Capital Campaigns

Steward relationships and engage with new and existing donors ensuring timely thanking and response to queries. Plan and coordinate publicity and communications strategies for donors and develop effective donor communication materials to inform and to encourage donor support. Develop and execute strategies to expand the donor base to support organizational sustainability and growth.

Major Gifts and Grant Writing

Responsibilities include all activities related to donor research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Identify and engage with prospective donors in the public and private sectors which align with League of Innovators vision and strategy. Maintain organizational Keela database of partners, donors, and prospects. Prepare and submit program proposals, letters of inquiry, grant applications, and grant reporting to secure program funding (and/or work with grant writer).

Event Planning and Coordination

Recommend and coordinate strategic events for the organization, including the preparation and management of event budgets and logistics to build community and connect donors with their impact. Coordinate event publicity, invitations, and sponsorship opportunities.

What You’ll Bring

Minimum 3-4 years professional experience in fundraising, partnerships and/or sales. Sponsorship development and corporate major giving experience an asset
Familiarity with the startup space, technology, lean startup, and non-profit environment.
Hands-on knowledge around corporate philanthropy
Experience developing fundraising plans that have led to increased revenue
Fundraising experience should include prospect identification and management, and the development of solicitation strategies with staff and volunteers.
Exceptional digital aptitudes, including online products and platforms such as Google Suite, Slack, Zoom.

This full-time position is a remote role at League of Innovators working with a national remote team across Canada.

League of Innovators welcomes all applicants regardless of race, gender, orientation, sexual identity, economic class, ability, disability, age, religious beliefs or disbeliefs, or status. We are committed to an inclusive workforce and encourage all applicants to apply!

Please apply by submitting your resume and cover letter to joanna@theleagueofinnovators.com.