Position Summary

The Director, Strategic Partnerships & Initiatives is responsible for identifying, developing, and managing strategic partnerships that advance the mission, programs and sustainability of Mentor Canada. This role builds relationships with key stakeholders, including corporations, government agencies, foundations, and community organizations, to drive funding, advocacy, and collaborative opportunities to advance the mentoring field. This position will oversee a new strategic partnership initiative to begin early 2025.  The Director also leads the development and execution of strategic initiatives that enhance the organization's impact, visibility, and long-term growth.

This is a full time, remote position. The Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives will be reporting to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

The following outlines the key responsibilities of the Director, Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives:

Strategic Partnership Development

• Develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to establish and maintain high-impact partnerships with businesses, foundations, government entities, and community organizations.
• Identify and engage potential partners who align with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Negotiate and manage partnership agreements, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes and alignment with organizational goals.
• Cultivate relationships with key stakeholders to foster long-term collaboration and support.
• Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and meetings to build awareness and expand the network of strategic partners.

Corporate & Government Relations

• Lead efforts to secure corporate partners, sponsorships, funding, and in-kind support through strategic collaborations.
• Develop and maintain relationships with government agencies, advocating for mentoring initiatives and projects, policy initiatives and funding opportunities.
• Monitor and analyze trends in government funding, policy changes, and corporate social responsibility initiatives to inform partnership strategies and collaborate with government to advance mentoring in Canada.
• Prepare and present proposals, reports, and briefings for government officials, corporate leaders, and funding bodies.

Program & Initiative Development

• Lead the development and execution of key strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth and impact.
• Identify innovative opportunities to expand programming and services through partnerships and collaborative projects.
• Work cross-functionally with program teams to ensure successful implementation of partnership-driven initiatives.
• Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of strategic initiatives, providing insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.

Revenue Generation & Sustainability

• Develop and manage a portfolio of partnerships that generate sustainable funding and resources for the organization.
• Collaborate with the fund development team to align partnership strategies with fundraising efforts.
• Identify and pursue joint funding opportunities, including co-applying for grants and leveraging partner resources.
• Oversee corporate giving programs, employee engagement initiatives, and cause-related marketing campaigns in collaboration with corporate partners.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy

• Act as a key ambassador for the organization strengthening relationships with external stakeholders.
• Facilitate collaboration among partners to drive collective impact and shared goals.
• Develop communication strategies to engage and inform partners about organizational initiatives, impact, and opportunities for involvement.
• Collaborate with the marketing and communications team to create partnership-related materials and messaging.

Governance & Reporting

• Provide strategic recommendations and regular updates to the Executive Director and Board of Directors on partnership opportunities and initiatives.
• Develop reports, presentations, and impact assessments to communicate partnership outcomes and progress.
• Ensure compliance with partnership agreements, funder requirements, and reporting obligations.

Education

Post-secondary degree in Business Development, Public Relations, Human Services, Non-Profit Management, Public Policy, or a related field.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in partnership development, corporate engagement, government relations, or business development.
• Proven track record of developing and managing strategic partnerships that drive revenue and impact.
• Experience working with government agencies, corporations, and foundations in a non-profit or social enterprise setting.
• Strong understanding of fundraising, sponsorships, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain high-value partnerships.
• Strong skills in proposal development, agreement structuring, and value-driven negotiations.
• Knowledge of public policy, corporate philanthropy, and advocacy strategies.
• Experience leading large-scale initiatives with cross-sector stakeholders.
• Understanding of partnership funding models, sponsorships, and grant collaboration.
• Strong public speaking, proposal writing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to analyze partnership impact and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Ability to identify creative solutions to partnership and funding challenges.
• Ability to speak and write fluently in French is an asset.

This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

To apply, please send your cover letter and resume to careers@mentorcanada.ca.

Apply now