At Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership (MLSE), we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace that is representative of our community and where all employees feel they belong and can reach their full potential. We are Canada’s preeminent leader in delivering top quality sport and entertainment experiences and one of North America’s leading providers of exceptional fan experiences. We are the parent company of the National Hockey League’s Toronto Maple Leafs, the National Basketball Association’s Toronto Raptors, Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC, the Canadian Football League’s Toronto Argonauts and development teams with the Toronto Marlies (American Hockey League), Raptors 905 (NBA G League), Toronto FC II (MLS NEXT Pro League) and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club, the Toronto Raptors Esports franchise in the NBA 2K League.  

MLSE owns and/or operates all the venues our teams play and train in, including Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field, Coca-Cola Coliseum, Ford Performance Centre, BMO Training Ground, and OVO Athletic Centre. We also provide fans in Toronto with incredible live music and entertainment events, as well as exceptional culinary experiences through our restaurants (e11even and RS) and clubs (Hot Stove Club, ScotiaClub and Platinum Club). Through MLSE Foundation, we have invested more than $45 million into Ontario communities since 2009 and with MLSE LaunchPad, we provide a place where youth facing barriers use sport to recognize and reach their potential. 

We achieve all of this through our Common Purpose - to unite and empower our employees to create extraordinary moments for our fans and each other. Come be a part of the team.

OVERVIEW:

As Director, Fund Development you will envision, operationalize, and execute an innovative growth strategy to optimize the fund development portfolio of MLSE Foundation. With a focus on growing digital development through communication and 5050, you bring your industry expertise and strong financial acumen to deliver on a collaborative $10M yearly target.

Aligning with MLSE Foundation’s strategic plan, this Director serves as part of the Foundation’s core leadership team, providing direction on the growth of our work, while empowering a team to deliver best in class results. As a big picture thinker who is committed to relentless innovation, you are excited by the opportunity to work alongside MLSE’s brands to deepen community impact.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategy and Innovation

• Establish short- and long-term strategies to maximize revenue generation and deliver on target levels
• Develop and implement innovative fundraising programs, including new signature events, third-party events, mid-level giving programs, supporting corporate donations and sponsorships
• Optimize existing programs, including campaigns, employee giving, In-arena 5050, and special events
• Engage in vision setting and strategic direction of annual business plans, as a member of the Foundation’s Senior Management Team
• Set goals and measure success of the fund portfolio, relative to key performance indicators while reporting on progress against goals
• Collaborate with Campaign Director, to identify, solicit and acquire event sponsors
• Implement key learnings from portfolio yearly; including managing process improvements, appropriate resourcing and efficiencies
• Oversee and implement new market-ready strategies, while identifying growth opportunities for implementation

Collaboration and Leadership

• Lead a diverse portfolio of events targeting $3M  that include team-specific events, 3rd party and community events, as well as digital fundraising initiatives
• Champion Foundation’s organizational commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and ensure these ethos are woven into the fabric of your fund development initiatives
• Be a people-centered leader who inspires, empowers and challenges a team of dynamic fundraising professionals to deliver on collaborative revenue targets
• Work with both internal and external stakeholders to maximize efficiencies and strategically position MLSE Foundation as an enterprise solution for philanthropic contributions
• Lead by example in team management and development, utilizing a “one team” approach
• Regular, rigorous analysis of the portfolios to ensure all events are meeting Foundation expectations and standards.
• Support and steward relationships with high-net worth partners and collaborators in the social and the private sector
• Participate in special projects and perform other related duties, as requested

Finance and Administration

• Establishes, justifies, and administers the budget for fund development portfolio
• Understands and interprets financial statements while identifying cost efficiencies to better support judgment and decision making
• Oversees regular, rigorous financial and budgetary analysis of the fund development portfolio
• Monitors the overall performance of the organization and adjusts allocation of finances based on progress against goals
• Fosters an environment that encourages fiscal responsibility

• Minimum 8+ years of experience with fundraising/philanthropy in a leadership role
• Demonstrated expertise in event sales and service, managing a major gift pipeline, corporate partnerships, and event management
• Passionate about MLSE Foundation's vision: changing lives through the spirit and power of sport
• Strong team builder and great teammate, you’re a people person. You have a natural ability to build and foster relationships at all levels of an organization – meeting new people and building a network excites you, and you have a consistent track record of leading people (staff & volunteers) in an innovative work environment.
• Expert communicator. You listen, understand, and communicate effectively to both internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrated financial management capabilities, with extensive experience building and measuring portfolio budgets
• Demonstrated event management knowledge with considerable experience in building and tracking event implementation plans
• Demonstrated ability to perform well under pressure and handle multiple, competing priorities simultaneously
• A creative self-starter, you are motivated by results and alert to change
• A strategic thinker at heart, you have the ability to see the big picture, connect the silos and operationalize accordingly
• Certification in Events / Fundraising / Sports Marketing considered an asset.
• Active membership in an Association of Fundraising Professionals considered an asset.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office products including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Available to work evenings and weekends, as required.
• Ability to work in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health & Safety Act.

Apply by: August 24, 2022

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

At MLSE, we are committed to building an equitable, diverse and inclusive organization. We are an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. MLSE will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online application system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email [email protected]. Please note this email is only for accommodation requests. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered. 

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