LIFT is seeking a Manager of Social Impact to join their Toronto office. This role will be instrumental in supporting our Social Impact Team with the planning, capacity building and scaling of Social Purpose Organizations (SPOs) in LIFT’s portfolio to affect meaningful and measurable impact that drives social change.

Reporting to a Director, Social Impact, in Toronto, the successful candidate will be responsible for supporting the Social Impact Team to deliver on the overall business goals of the SPOs. The Manager, Social Impact will also be responsible for assisting with the research, identification and evaluation of new SPOs and liaising with LIFT’s Partner Network to ensure seamless service delivery.

As the ideal candidate, you hold an undergraduate degree in business and/or related social service and have demonstrated experience working in a fast-paced, project driven environment. You are an outstanding communicator who works well both independently and as part of a cohesive team. You are familiar with the not-for-profit sector and have a passion for continuous learning.

This is an exciting opportunity for an individual with who wants to be part of a unique network that builds a better Canada.

About LIFT Philanthropy Partners

LIFT is a not-for-profit organization that believes vulnerable and at-risk Canadians deserve access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in society. LIFT invests in not-for-profit, social enterprises and other organizations with proven results addressing health, skills development, education and employment in Canada. Through hands-on management and pro bono contributions from its national network of leading experts and businesses, LIFT supports social purpose organizations to improve their operations, accountability and measurement practices, so they can deliver meaningful, lasting impact in Canada.

Role Summary

In collaboration with a team of experienced professionals, the Manager, Social Impact is responsible for supporting the Social Impact Team (SIT) with the research, identification and evaluation of new SPOs, as well as supporting the implementation of the LIFT Plans to meet the overall business goals of the SPOs. This role will also liaise with LIFT’s Partner Network to support the project management of service delivery to SPOs.

Key Accountabilities

• Assist in the research to identify and evaluate SPOs in LIFT’s pipeline
• Make recommendations to the Social Impact Team (SIT) on potential SPOs to work with
• Coordinate the facilitation of LIFT’s Organizational Capacity Assessment with selected SPOs (both Management and Board)
• Support the research and development of the LIFT Plans (strategic / business plans) with SIT, including drafting core components of the Engagement Agreements
• Anticipate and identify resources required for successful project completion
• Support the work with LIFT’s Partner Network; project manage the scope of work; liaise between the SPO and Partners when necessary
• Assist SIT with milestone development for the SPO and support SPO progress reporting on the LIFT plan
• Facilitate team and client meetings as required; keep the SIT project lead well informed of changes as they occur
• Support the SPO’s staff members with additional projects as needed
• Prepare correspondence, proposals, reports and presentations to support the various SPO projects
• Complete and analyze research relating to specific SPO projects; assist in the analysis of project goals and milestones
• Monitor project accounting, including tracking and reporting of project hours and expenses
• Ensure the SPO’s vision, mission and values are consistently presented and demonstrated in a strong and positive image to relevant stakeholders

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated, highly organized and solution focused
• Comfortable working independently and a strong team contributor
• Ability to see the larger strategic picture and also embrace the critical executional details
• Relationship builder across internal & external organizational levels
• Cultural sensitivity: ability to effectively handle cultural, political and economic differences
• Critical, logical and creative thinker and influencer
• Good, empathetic listener capable of readily building credibility and trust

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; written, oral, presentation and facilitation
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Conflict resolution and / or mediation
• Project management with ability to manage multiple and competing priorities in a timely manner
• Understands basic financial models and cost-to-completion projections and makes decisions accordingly
• Computer proficiency with MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Experience

• Demonstrated experience leading teams and setting strategic direction in an entrepreneurial and project driven environment
• Strategic and business planning experience
• Organizational development exposure
• Familiarity with not-for-profit and/or SPO structures and needs, as well as working either on or with not-for-profit Boards
• Board governance best practices
• Building and managing budgets

Education

• Undergraduate Degree - business and/or social service or psychology degree
• Coaching certification is an asset
• Project Management Certification is an asset
• Evidence of ongoing learning

To explore this role further, please submit your resume and cover letter to Sheryl Lee, Chief Impact Officer, at careers at liftpartners.ca by February 12, 2016.

While we appreciate your interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

SOURCE: LIFT Philanthropy Partners