About The Organization
The Livelihood and Enterprise Empowerment Foundation (LEEF) is an equality-seeking, impact-driven, non-profit charitable organization committed to advancing economic inclusion, sustainable livelihoods, and enterprise development for marginalized communities. Through skills development, entrepreneurship support, workforce integration, and inclusive economic programming, LEEF creates pathways to dignity, resilience, and long-term prosperity.
Position Summary
The Fundraising Manager plays a critical role in strengthening and diversifying LEEF’s funding base. This is not a one-off proposal writing role—it combines strong grant development expertise with relationship building, strategic alignment, and long-term funding sustainability.
The successful candidate will lead the identification, development, submission, and management of grants across government, foundation, and corporate funding streams, while collaborating closely with program, finance, and leadership teams to align funding opportunities with LEEF’s mission and measurable impact.
Key Responsibilities
Grant Development & Management:
* Identify, research, and qualify funding opportunities from federal, provincial, municipal, corporate, and foundation sources.
* Lead the development and submission of grant proposals, letters of inquiry (LOIs), concept notes, and supporting documentation.
* Collaborate with program, finance, and leadership teams to develop clear narratives, budgets, workplans, and outcome frameworks.
* Track grant applications, reporting requirements, and deadlines; ensure timely and compliant submissions and reports.
* Maintain an organized grants calendar, funding pipeline, and documentation system.
Relationship Building & Stewardship
* Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, program officers, foundation representatives, and corporate partners.
* Support ongoing funder stewardship through regular communication, reporting, and impact storytelling.
* Represent LEEF externally at meetings, briefings, and sector events to strengthen partnerships and visibility.
Strategic Growth & Organizational Support
* Work with leadership to contribute to funding diversification and sustainability strategies.
* Support exploration of new funding models (e.g., expansion initiatives, partnerships, fee-for-service, social enterprise).
* Integrate program outcomes, learning, and impact data into compelling proposals and reports.
* Contribute to the development of LEEF’s long-term fundraising and grants infrastructure.
Required Qualifications:
* Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Administration, Business, Social Sciences, Non-Profit Management, or a related field.
* A Master’s degree in Public Policy, Fundraising, Strategic Management, or a related discipline is an asset.
* An equivalent combination of education and significant professional experience will be considered.
* 3–5+ years of demonstrated success in grant writing or institutional fundraising, including securing mid- to large-scale (5–6 figure) grants.
* Proven experience identifying and pursuing funding across government, foundation, and corporate streams.
* Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to tailor messages for diverse audiences.
* Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.
* Equity-centered, collaborative, and values-driven; committed to inclusive economic empowerment and community impact.
* Resilient and adaptable; able to balance immediate funding needs with long-term strategic goals.
Skills & Expertise
Grant Writing & Compliance
* Strong proposal development, budgeting, and reporting skills.
* Ability to translate complex programs into funder-ready narratives and outcomes.
* Experience managing compliance and reporting requirements.
Funding Research & Systems
* Skilled in prospect research and opportunity qualification.
* Familiarity with Canadian grant tools/databases.
Relationship & Stakeholder Management
* Ability to build trust and maintain long-term relationships with funders and partners.
* Professional, credible representation of the organization.
Stregetic & Analytical Capacity
* Data-literate; able to work with program metrics and impact frameworks.
* Strong organizational and analytical skills.
Bonus Assets:
* Bilingualism (French or other languages).
* Experience with donor management software (e.g., Fluxx, GrantConnect).
Why Join LEEF?
* Contribute directly to economic empowerment and livelihood transformation.
* Work in a mission-driven, collaborative, and equity-centered environment.
* Shape the long-term sustainability and growth of a high-impact foundation.
* Competitive compensation and benefits.