Director of Innovation, Engagement and Development 

Organization description

The Pacific Legal Education & Outreach Society has been dedicated to providing legal information and education to non-profits since 2007. In 2023, the Law for Non Profits digital platform was launched. It introduces a set of resources  that support the nonprofit sector to prevent legal pitfalls and ensure legal compliance.

The launch of  Law for Non Profits has elicited interest from colleagues in Manitoba, Ontario, Yukon, Nunavut and beyond. This project will build out the Law for Non Profits platform across Canada.

We are looking for a person with a passion for access to justice and the needs of the non-profit and charitable sector,  who is able to effectively communicate our systemic change legal work to the nonprofit sector, it’s funders, and the communities they serve.  The right candidate will be an early-adopter of technology with a keen interest in advancements in legal tech.

Reporting to PLEO’s Founder & Legal Director the Director Innovation, Engagement and Development will work with our communications team to build and engage nonprofit networks throughout the country.   As well, working with the Legal Director and Project Lawyer, they will solidify relationships with key sector stakeholders including funding bodies, foundations and advocacy organizations. They will work closely with the Technical Lead and Software Developer  to identify and explore new opportunities for innovation, especially around the inclusion of AI and other rapidly developing technologies. They will also identify and work with technology sector partners to help develop innovative solutions for nonprofits..

Job description

The Director Innovation, Engagement and Development will be responsible for the development of the network and key  relationships to to scale and sustain the Law for Non Profits platform and implement the strategy established by the Board and Legal Director.

Duties and Responsibilities

Engagement  Community & Relationships:

• Partners with the Legal Director in developing new initiatives and responding to emerging non-profit sector needs
• Develops engagement strategy to build on pre-existing and new relationships
• Promotes and represents the organization to the non-profit sector and acts as primary spokesperson for the LFNP
• Builds strong working relationships with partners, funders, and communities served by the LFNP
• Supports the Communications team to develop effective communications strategies and plans, reviews copy as appropriate, signs off on core communications prior to publication as appropriate

Development/Fundraising:

Leads organizational fundraising efforts with support from administrative and communications staff to

• Develop strategy for diversifying its funding sources, including fundraising initiatives, grant writing, revenue generation activities
• Work with the communications lead to coordinate applying for specific funding opportunities
• Responsible for the development, growth, and implementation of the following fundraising programs:
  • Major donors stewardship and cultivation;
  • Grant research, grant applications, and reports to funders;
  • Explore social finance opportunities and seek funding as appropriate

The Candidate

The ideal candidate will possess some winning combination of the following:

Overall:

• 5+ years as a senior executive in a leadership position
• Significant understanding of organizational development and capacity building
• A track record of “scaling up” an organization and/or business unit
• 8+ years of experience in the non-profit sector ideally in different regions of the country
• 5+ years of experience managing grant funding
• Legal education and training is an asset.
• Experience with founder succession planning an asset
• Bilingual in French and English is an asset – Must have at least reading proficiency in French and English
• Early adopter to technology with an understanding of AI and emerging technology
• Established professional network in British Columbia and Ontario is an asset

Skills and Knowledge:

• Managing and leading organizational growth
• Executing against a strategy and realizing organizational goals
• Building effective working relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders
• Fundraising, grant writing, and increasing earned revenue
• Managing people in a non-profit, project-driven context
• Skilled at integrating justice, diversity, decolonization, equity, and inclusion in both theory and practice
• An aptitude for public speaking, networking, and partnership development
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, whether in person, by phone, by videocall, by email, or by other digital means (e.g. Slack, Asana, GoogleDocs)
• Knowledge and/or lived experience of the legal information and advice needs of non-profits, an asset
• Knowledge of the legal sector – particularly the public interest legal sector – an asset

Attributes:

• Agile and resilient
• Independent thinker
• Process-driven and methodical
• Entrepreneurial and innovative leadership
• Can-do and make-it-happen attitude
• Confident and humble
• Consistent and excellent at building trust
• Demonstrates good judgment and impeccable integrity
• A good sense of humour is much appreciated

Working Conditions:

• Work remotely from anywhere in Canada
• Travel throughout Canada will be required for in person meetings

This is an 18 month contract position with compensation ranging between $90,000-95,000, based on experience. Position will be extended as funding is identified.

Application Process:

To apply, please submit your resume to this posting or email it directly to [email protected]. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.

Summit Search Group is committed to fair and equitable hiring practices. We encourage applications from all candidates regardless of ethnicity, race, religious beliefs, disability, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.