THE OPPORTUNITY
The 519 is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and results-oriented fundraiser to join the team in the role of Director, Philanthropy. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director is responsible for the development, implementation and management of The 519’s fundraising and philanthropy strategic plans and activities that account for approximately $2 million per year in revenue. The position leads the Philanthropy focused team with 4 direct reports and is responsible for The 519’s individual donor, major gift, foundation, corporate, and event-based fundraising initiatives and partnerships, as well as relevant volunteer and membership management strategies and systems. Salary Range: $95,000 – $107,000
Posted On: October 24, 2022
Closing On: November 17, 2022
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Employment Type: Full Time
Level: Management
Salary Range: $95,000 – $107,000
Website: https://www.the519.org/
File: Download
The Director will participate as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to and accountable for The 519’s organization-wide mandate, goals, and objectives and will be a champion for the mission and programs for staff, donors, partners, volunteers, and the community.
A skilled relationship manager with the ability to navigate complex and nuanced relationships, the Director will leverage existing connections and forge new partnerships building resonance and loyalty that drives philanthropic support. This includes working with the Board of Management and the Fundraising and Philanthropy Committee to develop and enhance Board engagement strategies and philanthropic activity.
The 519 is committed to strengthening and expanding programs and engagement opportunities to meet the evolving and emerging needs of marginalized and vulnerable communities. This involves investment in the staff team, including immediate plans for a Manager, Events within the Philanthropy team. This is an opportunity for a self-motivated leader to build on successes, drive growth, and scale philanthropy programs to ensure long-term sustainability.
The Director will bring a passion for and commitment to social justice principles; an understanding of the intersection of gender, race, sexuality, and class; and knowledge of the issues impacting 2SLGtBTQ+ communities. A growth minded, justice-oriented professional fundraiser who is committed to building a world where 2SLGBTQ+ communities thrive, they will make a strong contribution to this well-established organization in Toronto as a motivating force for staff, volunteers, and donors.
ABOUT THE 519
The 519 has been built by Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ communities as a space where people come together to celebrate, organize, and create community. A City of Toronto agency and registered charity located in the Church and Wellesley Village, The 519 responds to the needs of local residents and 2SLGBTQ+ communities across Toronto and beyond.
For decades, The 519 has imagined and reimagined itself, always remaining focused on how we can make a real difference in the lives of our communities. From essential on-the-ground supports and programming, to advocacy and capacity building, what has always stayed the same is our commitment to making sure that no one is left behind.
The 519 is committed to the health, happiness, and full participation of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. With an innovative model of Service, Space, and Leadership, we strive to make a real difference in people’s lives through centring justice, access, and equity within all of our work.
The history of The 519 is the story of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ+ experience, a tale of inspiration and community, of speaking out against injustice and coming together to celebrate progress. Today, the 2SLGBTQ+ community extends well beyond The Village, and we continue to evolve in response to community needs through the leadership and vision of our members, staff, supporters, and volunteers.
Service
We respond to the evolving needs of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, from counselling services and queer parenting resources to coming out groups, trans programming, and senior’s support.
Space
We provide free, accommodating, and non-judgmental space where individuals, organizations, and non-profit groups can meet, organize and work towards their goals.
Leadership
We share knowledge and insight gathered on the ground through consulting and workshop services, best practice research, and through advocating for a more just and equitable city.
PROGRAMS & SERVICES IN 2021/2022
Essential Services
Our Front Desk team is the first point of contact for many at The 519. From helping community members navigate referrals and providing harm reduction and emergency supplies, to supporting the work of every staff member at The 519, the Front Desk team works hard to connect community with supports and each other.
Food Security
Through our partnership with Second Harvest and philanthropic support, we prepare and distribute over 200,000 meals a year to local community members and partner agencies throughout Toronto.
As we’ve increased capacity to meet ever-growing demand, we’ve never lost sight of the fact that food security is about so much more than food. It is about human dignity, self-determination, and building community.
Advocacy
We know the change that we work so hard to create in the lives of individuals must be supported by big, bold structural change that moves 2SLGBTQ+ rights towards the future we all deserve. The 519 has supported and led countless advocacy campaigns over the decades, and continue to push on a diverse range of issues ranging from defending housing as a human right to demanding police accountability and standing firm in solidarity with Indigenous communities.
Education & Training
Our Education and Training team provided workshops, consultations, and policy review to organizations ranging from small non-profits to global corporations. Every year, we work with thousands of leaders, employees, and members of the public across Ontario, equipping participants with the tools they need to make their workplaces, organizations, and communities affirming spaces where 2SLGBTQ+ people feel safer being their authentic selves.
Community Vaccine Engagement
Through community town halls, mobile vaccinations, family programming, and pop-up clinics, we worked with our partners and a team of vaccine ambassadors to build vaccine confidence as well as deliver low-barrier access to vaccines to newcomers, those experiencing precarious housing or homelessness, isolated community members, BIPOC communities, and 2SLGBTQ+ community members.
Anti-Violence Initiatives
Whether it be the violence we face in the streets, in personal interactions, or the violence inherent in the housing crisis that treats the right to a home as a luxury, confronting the violence our communities face requires a multi-pronged approach. In collaboration with folks with lived experience and professional expertise, we organized trauma-informed workshops on issues ranging from grief and loss to self-defence and self-care that build shared understanding and healing.
Access to Justice
Receiving timely and affirming legal supports is core to our human rights, public health, our housing rights, our workers’ rights, our health, and so much more. Access to Justice programs continues to find new ways to put our community’s legal needs at the forefront through wide range of legal clinics, Public Legal Education and community outreach.
Harm Reduction Outreach
We provide peer-based support and street outreach for those with addiction and mental health issues. From harm reduction supplies, systems navigation, and support groups, our team meets people where they’re at and connects them with the supports they need.
PROGRAMMING
Trans Programming
With the leadership of The 519’s internal Trans Engagement Strategy (TES) committee and our broader community, our trans-specific programming has evolved. As the cornerstone of our trans-specific programs, Meal Trans brings together many new and long-time participants. Through our Trans Youth Mentorship Program (TYMP), we deepen relationships with youth and support them on their journey of building essential life, employment, and community-building skills. Our Pay It No Mind Fund is an emergency funding program designed to get financial supports in the hands of racialized 2 Spirit, trans, and non-binary people as quickly as possible
through a low-barrier referral process.
Our Trans People of Colour Project (TPOC) peers support essential services and programs throughout the centre, all the while building-community based supports for trans people of colour.
New To Canada Programs
Reflecting the ever-changing, vibrant, and diverse newcomer and refugee communities we work with, we have programs spanning supports around health and language competency, financial literacy, and fostering spaces for friendships to build and community to flourish. Through one-on-one settlement case management, group language and cultural classes, and much more, The 519 provides settlement support to over 1500 LGBTQ+ newcomers and refugees a year.
Child & Youth Programming
Our child and youth programs are enriched by collaboration, helping us launch new programs focused on bringing families together and the social and economic upliftment of youth, and continue long-standing partnerships. Through our EarlyOn centre, Glitterbug satellite programming, and youth advocacy programs, we reach thousands of children, youth, and families across Toronto.
Older Adults Programming
2SLGBTQ+ elders fought to get us to where we are today, and we are proud to celebrate their ongoing contributions to our communities.
Through our existing drop-in and new multi-generational programs, we celebrate the continued leadership of our older community members.
Programming is best when it’s built by and for the community and we have developed a Community Advisory Panel to make sure our drop-in and other older adult programming stays relevant and meets the needs of our community. These volunteers regularly evaluate, plan and refine our program activities.
FUNDRAISING AT THE 519
Funding for our programs, services, and operations at The 519 comes from a wide range of sources including government funding, productive enterprises, various fundraising activities, as well as core funding from the City of Toronto. Fundraising activities are focused on individual donors, major gifts, foundation and government grants, corporate contributions, and both 519-led and third-party fundraisers.
In 2022, for every $1 of core City funding, The 519 received $4.27 from donors and funders. This support is critical to our ability to provide our essential programs and services.
Events
At The 519, we celebrate Pride Month with the Green Space Festival, which includes 4 signature events. The Festival brings you the best alfresco parties with enticing music, queer performances, delicious food and drinks, and a whole lot of love that not only raises funds for year-round programs but provides an opportunity to celebrate the diverse culture of our community. With an exceptional lineup of world-class DJs, legendary performers, international and local drag queen royalty and more, this festival is a prominent and dominant feature of pride month festivities in Toronto.
During the Festival with the support of our partners, volunteers, staff, and the community, The 519 hosts 4 signature events; Starry Night, One World, Lipstick Jungle, and Tree House Party.
A signature annual event organized by The 519’s honorary patron Salah Bachir, our annual Gala brings together a diverse crowd of philanthropists, social activists, and engaged citizens for an evening of entertainment and giving back.
With the edition of our new Manager, Major Events and Membership, the team will also be advancing new exciting events with a focus of bringing together community, raising the profile of the work of The 519 and celebrating the extraordinary contributions that 2SLGBTQ people make everyday to make this City and the world a better place for all.
Philanthropy- Corporate, Foundation and Individual Giving
The 519 is grateful for support from major corporate donors such as TD Bank, Scotiabank, Descovy, P&G Canada, and Rogers Communication, as well as support from foundations such as The United Way of Greater Toronto, the Law Foundation of Ontario, The Canadian Women’s Foundation, and The Allan Slaight Seniors Fund.
ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND & RESOURCES
About The 519
History of The 519
The 519 Programs
The 519 Team
The 519 Board of Directors
Annual Reports & Financial Statements
The 519 Events
Support the 519
The 519 Supporters
The Green Space Festival
News at the 519
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Philanthropy Leadership & Strategy
• Direct The 519’s short and long-range philanthropy strategies and plans including strategic leadership in the development, monitoring and evaluation of the organization’s multi-year philanthropy and fundraising plans and targets.
• Work with the Board and the Fundraising and Philanthropy Committee to develop and enhance Board engagement strategies in philanthropy and manage activities of the Committee.
• Ensure the necessary information and policy frameworks are established for the Fundraising and Philanthropy Committee to meet strategic objectives and annual plans.
• Ensure the Fundraising and Philanthropy Committee are prepared to activate stewardship, acquisition and retention plans with donors, corporate partners, and other major giving partners.
Fundraising, Donor, and Member Engagement
• Develop and manage the implementation and maintenance of donor programs including professional and timely delivery of solicitations, donation acknowledgement, stewardship, and engagement.
• Develop, implement, and maintain donor and funder communications strategies that support and complement the fundraising program.
• Direct the development and implementation of all major event-based fundraising strategies including the Annual Gala, Green Space Festival, and other signature events.
• Direct the development, implementation and maintenance of comprehensive volunteer and membership engagement strategies that support and complement the fundraising program including corporate partnership education and training strategies that advance inclusion.
• Direct the development of required materials for successful grant and corporate funding and sponsorship applications and proposals.
• Research prospective funders and coordinate research and proposal writing in consultation with relevant staff.
• Ensure that applications and proposals are submitted in a timely manner, meeting required deadlines and reporting obligations.
People Leadership
• Hire, supervise, and manage employees and promote effective teamwork.
• Promote high standards of work quality, organizational performance, continuous learning and improvement, and encourage innovation in others.
• Monitor and evaluate employee performance, and recommend and approve salary increments, and timely disciplinary action in accordance with the Collective Agreement for union employees.
Senior Leadership Team
• Participate as an active member of The 519’s senior leadership team helping to ensure that the programs and services achieve The 519’s mandate, goals, and objectives and support the effective operation and development of The 519 and the broader community
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with funders, community partners, senior levels of government and act as liaison on behalf of The 519.
• Build the public profile and awareness of the impact of The 519.
• Provide statistical data, reports, and correspondence, and make presentations to the Board, Board committees, membership, and the public.
QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
• Progressive experience in a charitable organization’s development office with a demonstrated record of fundraising goal attainment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop fundraising strategies that include multiple revenue streams; proven ability to develop new revenue opportunities.
• Excellent leadership skills, strategic judgment, entrepreneurial spirit, and the drive to originate and effectuate effective campaigns and fundraising plans and strategies.
• Proven experience in prospect development, management, and stewardship.
• Strong relationship building skills with experience working with diverse groups of donors, senior volunteers and committees.
• Strong understanding of issues impacting 2SLGBTQ+ communities, commitment to social justice principles, and an understanding of the intersection of gender, race, sexuality, and class.
• Highly developed interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, donors, funders, and governmental bodies.
• Ability to effectively motivate, train and supervise staff, and volunteers, and lead effective teams both in person and virtually.
• Demonstrated project management experience with ability to multi-task effectively and meet competing deadlines for internal and external partners through a customer-centric approach.
• Comfortable working independently and self-motivated.
• Experience managing in a unionized environment is considered an asset.
• Knowledgeable on fundraising trends, tax implications and legislation.
• Working knowledge of Ontario’s Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
• A related post-secondary degree and/or other equivalent combination of education and demonstrated work experience.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.) has been retained to conduct this search on behalf The 519. For more information about this leadership opportunity, please contact Ellie Rusonik, Vice President, Search + Talent, and Mia Gardiner, Senior Search Consultant, Search + Talent by email at The519@kcitalent.com
Please send resume and letter of interest to the email address listed above by November 16th, 2022.
To view full position brief, please visit www.kcitalent.com
The salary range for this position $95,000 – $107,000 plus a comprehensive benefits and pension package.
The 519 actively encourages applicants from all equity-seeking groups. The 519 embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. Our goal is to attract, develop, and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives.
In accordance with Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and the City of Toronto’s Accommodation Policy, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.
All City of Toronto employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of hire in accordance with the City’s Mandatory Vaccination Policy. The 519 is a City of Toronto agency. Our employees are considered City employees and must act in accordance with City policy.
The 519 employs a hybrid work model, and the successful candidate will be expected to work in the Toronto office 2-3 days per week.