About the Role
The Manager, Fund Development is responsible for building and managing a ~$2.0M diversified annual revenue pipeline across grants, government funding, foundations, and community/third party fundraising. This role is a critical contributor to MLSE Foundation’s revenue targets and will thrive in an environment that requires creativity, discipline, and strong systems thinking. You will lead strategy development and execution across multiple revenue channels while also supporting community and third party fundraising activity. This role is ideal for a builder, someone who can turn opportunity into structure, design repeatable processes, and bring discipline to an underdeveloped revenue area.
Responsibilities
- Build and manage a diversified $2M annual growth pipeline across grants, government funding, foundations, third-party fundraising, and community giving.
- Maintain a disciplined, well documented pipeline with clear stages, forecasts, performance and reporting.
- Identify new revenue opportunities and cultivate high potential partnerships aligned with the Foundation’s priorities.
- Lead the development, writing, and submission of grant, foundation, and government proposals.
- Oversee compliance, reporting, and stewardship requirements to ensure strong relationships with institutional funders.
- Build multi-year revenue strategies that support revenue growth milestones and programmatic expansion.
- Shape and grow community fundraising programs, including grassroots campaigns, third-party events, and local partnerships.
- Support and steward community partners to ensure high quality experiences and long-term engagement.
- Act as a builder by implementing new systems, processes, targets, and KPIs to strengthen fund development operations.
- Introduce or refine CRM usage, grant tracking systems, pipeline tools, and reporting frameworks.
- Manage one Coordinator focused on community and third-party fundraising.
- Provide coaching, performance feedback, and developmental support to strengthen team capability and output.
- Partner closely with MLSE Foundation leadership, Finance, Marketing, MLSE LaunchPad, Community Engagement, and Partnerships teams to align fundraising activity with organizational priorities.
- Support cross-functional initiatives tied to the revenue strategy.
Requirements
- 5+ years of progressive experience in fund development, nonprofit fundraising, or institutional giving.
- Demonstrated experience managing a revenue pipeline of $1M+ with year-over-year growth.
- Proven success in grant writing and institutional fundraising (government, foundations).
- Strong project management, organization, and analytical skills.
- Ability to thrive in an evolving environment and build structure where it does not yet exist.
- Excellent written communication, proposal development, and relationship management skills.
- Experience contributing to multi-year campaigns.
- Experience managing or mentoring staff.
- Familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce or similar).
- Knowledge of sport, youth development, or community impact sectors.
Skills
- Grant writing
- Institutional fundraising
- Project management
- Organization
- Analytical skills
- Written communication
- Proposal development
- Relationship management
- CRM systems (Salesforce or similar)
- Sport
- Youth development
- Community impact
Location
- Toronto
Work Type
- 1-year project contract
- Full-time
Experience Level
- 5+ years
Salary/Compensations
- $85,000 – 95,000 per year
About the Company
- MLSE Foundation harnesses the power of sport to create positive and lasting change for youth across Ontario.
- In partnership with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, Toronto Argonauts, and MLSE LaunchPad, we invest in programs and organizations that help youth recognize and reach their potential.
- As we enter a period of ambitious growth, and expanded community impact, this role will play a critical part in building a sustainable, diversified revenue engine for the future years and expanded community.
Equal Opportunity
- 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 accommodations@mlse.com. This email is only for accommodation requests. Resumes sent to this email address will not be considered.
