Manager, Corporate Engagement
JOB CLASSIFICATION: Manager, Corporate Engagement
DEPARTMENT: Corporate Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
COMPANY: Skills for Change
LOCATION: 791 St. Clair Ave West, Toronto ON
REPORTS TO: VP of Corporate Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
CONTRACT TYPE: Permanent
HOURS: 35 hours per week (Monday-Friday with occasional evening and/or weekend hours)
START DATE: Immediately
GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY:
With 40 years of operations, Skills for Change is a highly respected non-profit charity with a province-wide reputation for pioneering programs that respond to shifting immigration and workplace trends and lead to employment. We offer a range of accelerated programs including mentoring, employment, settlement, and language training together with specialized programs for skilled trades, women, and youth. We believe we are in the best position to provide thought leadership through evidence-based programming, impact stories and proactive policy advocacy using knowledge mobilization products.
PROGRAM NATURE AND SCOPE:
Are you a relationship-builder with a flair for strategic collaborations? Do you possess an innate ability to forge connections that drive organizational growth and further the cause of social impact? Dive into a transformative role with Skills for Change as our Manager of Corporate Relations. In this pivotal position, you will spearhead our initiatives to cultivate, maintain, and strengthen partnerships with corporate stakeholders. Leveraging your talent in creating win-win alliances, you will be at the forefront of facilitating meaningful collaborations that further the mission of empowering immigrants and refugees. As an ambassador of diversity and inclusion, you will navigate the complexities of the corporate world, ensuring that our values resonate, and our impact is unmistakably felt. If you're eager to be at the nexus of change, driving initiatives that matter while harnessing your expertise in corporate relations, this role beckons. Join us in this mission-driven quest of advocacy, partnership, and profound societal transformation.
The ideal candidate for the Manager of Corporate Relations role at Skills for Change would embody the following attributes:
• Strategic Dynamo: A visionary who can identify, nurture, and grow corporate partnerships that align with our organization's goals and amplify our social footprint.
• Leadership Beacon: A seasoned leader who can rally teams, drive initiatives, and empower members to consistently deliver excellence.
• Relationship Architect: Possessing a natural talent for building and maintaining long-term, fruitful relationships with corporate entities, ensuring mutual benefits and alignment of values.
• Corporate Navigator: Fluent in the language of the corporate world, understanding its nuances and able to tap into opportunities that serve our cause.
• Impact Analyst: A keen observer who measures the efficacy of partnerships, ensuring they're both sustainable and impactful.
• Synergy Seeker: Proficient at aligning with various departments within Skills for Change, ensuring partnerships are harmonized with our broader objectives and program offerings.
• Innovation Enthusiast: Always on the lookout for emerging trends in corporate relations and partnership models, ensuring we stay ahead of the curve.
• Champion of Diversity: A fervent advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, deeply committed to uplifting the lives of immigrants and refugees.
• Drive and Determination: A self-starter, motivated by challenges and undeterred by obstacles, always focused on results and organizational success.
• Eloquence in Expression: Exceptional communication skills, adept at conveying intricate ideas clearly and forging connections with a myriad of corporate stakeholders. If you resonate with these qualities and are prepared to foster our corporate relations vision, steering it towards unparalleled success while creating lasting societal ripples, we encourage you to seize this enriching opportunity with Skills for Change.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
● Identify, cultivate, and secure new corporate partnerships that align with Skills for Change’s mission and objectives.
● Strengthen and renew existing corporate relationships, ensuring sustained collaboration and mutual growth.
● Oversee and manage all aspects of corporate partnerships including agreement negotiations, deliverables, and ensuring mutual benefits.
● Regularly liaise with partners to ensure their needs are met and to evaluate the effectiveness of the collaboration.
● Work closely with internal teams, including marketing, program management, and fundraising to ensure corporate partnerships are integrated and leveraged organization wide.
● Facilitate communication between corporate partners and internal stakeholders to align on project goals, deliverables, and timelines.
● Develop and implement metrics to evaluate the impact and ROI of each partnership.
● Present regular reports to senior management on partnership achievements against KPIs and recommend strategic adjustments.
● Collaborate with event and program teams to integrate corporate partners into Skills for Change events, campaigns, and programs, enhancing visibility and impact.
● Represent Skills for Change at corporate events, conferences, and meetings to build and strengthen relationships.
● Engage in continuous dialogue with corporate stakeholders to understand their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) objectives, and align our initiatives accordingly.
● Facilitate workshops, presentations, and engagement sessions for corporate partners to keep them informed and involved in our mission and programs.
● Keep abreast of trends in corporate partnerships, CSR, and philanthropy to ensure Skills for Change remains competitive and innovative in its approach.
● Apply best practices from the industry to optimize our corporate relations strategies.
● Oversee the budget for corporate relations activities, ensuring optimal allocation of resources and tracking expenditures against planned budgets.
● Seek opportunities for financial growth and support via corporate partnerships.
● Collaborate with the marketing team to develop and maintain co-branding materials, partner toolkits, and communication pieces that align with both Skills for Change’s and the corporate partner’s branding guidelines.
● Ensure the organization's mission and values are consistently communicated in all corporate interactions.
● Engage in professional development opportunities to continually enhance expertise in corporate relations, partnership management, and related areas.
● Share insights and learnings with the broader team to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
Educational Background:
● A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, or a related field. A master's degree would be an added advantage.
Relevant Experience:
● Minimum of 7+ years of professional experience in corporate relations, partnership management, or a similar role, preferably within the non-profit or social impact sector.
● Proven track record of securing and managing fruitful corporate partnerships.
Communication Skills:
● Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with experience in drafting partnership agreements, proposals, and presentations.
● Ability to effectively engage and influence senior corporate executives.
Relationship Management:
● Demonstrated ability to build, maintain, and strengthen long-term relationships with corporate partners.
● Skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution.
Strategic Thinking:
● Ability to think strategically and develop innovative partnership models that drive mutual value.
● Experience in utilizing analytics and metrics to measure partnership impact and adjust strategies accordingly.
Organizational Skills:
● Strong project management capabilities with a knack for prioritizing multiple tasks, meeting deadlines, and working under pressure.
● Detail-oriented and efficient in managing administrative aspects of partnerships.
Team Player:
● Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and foster a spirit of cooperation with internal and external stakeholders.
Knowledge and Awareness:
● Familiarity with the challenges faced by immigrants and refugees and a passion for Skills for Change's mission and values.
● Up-to-date knowledge of trends in corporate social responsibility (CSR), philanthropy, and partnership dynamics.
WORK WITH US AND ENJOY:
• 100% employer-paid comprehensive health, dental & wellness benefits
• Generous paid sick days and an attractive vacation package
• Employer-matched RRSP contributions and access to life insurance coverage
• Professional development workshops, training and development opportunities
• Company-wide wellness initiatives, staff awards and retreats.
PLEASE SEND YOUR APPLICATION TO: hr@skillsforchange.org
As part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion racial justice and reconciliation, Skills for Change encourages applications from those who identify as Black, Indigenous, LGBTQS+, Racialized and other under-represented communities. Skills for Change offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in each stage of the hiring process. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation. This document is available in an alternate format on request. We thank all applicants for their interest in this position however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.