About The Career Foundation:

The Career Foundation is a dynamic non-profit organization and registered charity that offers a wide range of employment, training, and workforce development services to job seekers and employers. Since its inception in 1988, The Career Foundation has steadily expanded its services. Operating out of seven locations in the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area, as well as  offices in British Columbia, Alberta, and Nova Scotia, we now help thousands of people each year successfully achieve their employment goals. Our team of dedicated professionals has described The Career Foundation as caring, compassionate, innovative, and team-oriented. For more information about us and our services, please visit our website at CareerFoundation.com.

Some of the benefits and features available to our employees include: 

• Competitive compensation
• A comprehensive health benefits plan that includes massage therapy, naturopath services, travel coverage, and much more
• A comprehensive dental insurance plan
• An RRSP Matching benefit
• An Employee & Family Assistance program
• Employee wellness initiatives
• Paid days off for religious observance purposes
• Paid days off for personal wellness purposes

Role Description: In this managerial-level role, the Manager, Strategic Communications and Proposal Development will lead year-round proposal development activities and craft winning proposals, bids, and funding applications to secure new funding for The Career Foundation. The incumbent will also oversee a small marketing team and provide guidance on marketing initiatives that elevate the organization’s profile as a leader in employment services, workforce development, and the future of work.

The ideal candidate is a persuasive communicator and strategic thinker with exceptional writing skills and a proven ability to develop compelling proposals that resonate with funders and stakeholders. They are highly organized, detail-oriented, and thrive in a fast-paced environment where deadlines matter. The successful candidate brings creativity and analytical rigor, combining storytelling with data-driven insights to produce high-quality submissions. They are collaborative and adaptable, able to lead a team while fostering innovation and alignment across departments.

As a key driver of growth and visibility, the incumbent will ensure proposal development processes are efficient, marketing strategies are impactful, and all initiatives reflect the organization’s mission and values. The successful candidate will demonstrate initiative, accountability, and a strong commitment to excellence, positioning The Career Foundation for continued success and expansion.

Position Type:

Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

Base Location and Travel Requirements:

The position’s official base location is The Career Foundation’s Head Office at Lawrence Avenue West and Allen Road in North York. The Manager, Strategic Communications and Proposal Development will also travel to other offices and stakeholder locations to attend meetings and onsite events, provide oversight to the marketing team, and foster partnership development initiatives and other in-person work required to fulfill the scope of the position.

The successful candidate should possess a valid Ontario G driver’s licence and a vehicle for frequent travel between locations and other stakeholder sites across the GTHA.

The role also permits a hybrid-remote work schedule, as approved by the Director of Stakeholder Relations, Resource Development and Growth, and contingent on scope of work. The hybrid schedule requires a private work-from-home space with reliable high-speed internet. A company laptop, cell phone, and other equipment will be provided

Vulnerable Sector Check Requirement:

An offer of employment for this opportunity will be contingent on the incumbent providing an acceptable Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC).

Start Date:

As soon as possible

Reporting to:

Director, Stakeholder Relations, Resource Development and Growth

Experience level required:

5+ years

Responsibilities include:

Marketing & Communications

• Leads and is fully accountable for the operations of a two-person marketing team, including strategic planning, workflow management, task assignment, and performance evaluation, ensuring all departmental objectives and deliverables are achieved.
• Develops and manages the annual marketing budget.
• Oversees marketing requests, workflows, and weekly deliverables.
• Liaises with internal groups to confirm requirements and ensure timely, streamlined collaboration.
• Oversees the use of The Career Foundation’s brand across all internal and external channels, including signage, promotional materials, website, social media, and advertising, ensuring full alignment and compliance with brand identity standards.
• Manages all social media activities, including content and creative development, promotional initiatives, and events.
• Develops content for websites, social channels, advertising, reports, and other materials.
• Manages website design and content updates/enhancements.
• Oversees media buying and creative delivery for paid digital media and traditional placements such as radio, television, and online.
• Manages the development and distribution of promotional and marketing materials, including newsletters, brochures, and other assets.
• Increases The Career Foundation’s profile across all provinces and service areas.
• Publishes op-eds or blog posts on workforce development challenges and innovations.
• Prepares reports, newsletters, briefings, presentations, and updates for internal and external audiences.
• Supports the marketing team in developing messaging and materials that effectively convey the organization’s mission, impact, and positioning.

Proposal and Fund Development

• Researches and identifies new calls or requests for proposals (CFP/RFP), grants, and funding opportunities.
• Stays informed on current and upcoming funding and bid opportunities aligned with organizational goals.
• Analyzes calls for proposals and eligibility criteria to assess alignment and strategic fit.
• Identifies win themes and develops proposal concepts that meet and exceed CFP requirements.
• Conducts market research, identifies subject matter experts, reviews organizational proposal assets, and leads storyboard sessions to develop proposal structure and content.
• Tailors proposals to align with funder priorities, criteria, and impact objectives.
• Supports the development of budgets, work plans, and supporting documentation as needed.
• Delivers completed written proposal responses by agreed CFP/RFP deadlines, escalating issues as required.
• Maintains a database of funders, partnerships, and proposal outcomes.
• Maintains a calendar of upcoming funding opportunities and submission deadlines.
• Collaborates with programs to identify opportunities for expansion through standalone or partnership initiatives.
• Drives revenue diversification and explores social enterprise models, fee-for-service programs, or earned income strategies.
• Leads or co-leads annual campaigns, corporate sponsorship drives, and special initiatives.
• Monitors and evaluates fundraising performance, sets clear metrics and goals, and provides regular reports to the leadership team on progress and opportunities.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Cultivates and builds strong relationships with internal and external partners to support successful proposal development.
• Organizes and facilitates meetings, workshops, and events to foster collaboration on joint proposals.
• Identifies opportunities for strategic partnerships that enhance the organization’s programs, services, and impact.
• Serves as a primary point of contact for external inquiries related to marketing, communications, and proposals.

Strategic Planning & Reporting

• Contributes to the organization’s strategic planning process, particularly regarding expanding reach and partnership opportunities for growth.
• Tracks and reports on key performance indicators related to proposal development and funding outcomes.
• Prepares fund development reports, including funding projections, to support organizational decision-making.
• Performs other relevant work as assigned to support the growth and development of the organization.

Qualifications/ Skills Required:

• Post-secondary degree in Business Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, Fundraising, Writing, Public/Government Relations, or a related field is strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in business development, marketing, communications, and proposal writing.
• Experience supervising a team, including developing, managing, and evaluating personnel.
• Proven experience in media relations, including writing news releases and engaging media.
• Solid understanding of social media management and strategies to grow audiences across relevant channels.
• Exceptional written and verbal English communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals and a proven history of securing significant funding. Bilingualism in French or another language is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated forensic attention to detail and meticulous proofreading skills.
• Strong research, analytical, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Proven track record in a results-driven environment and experience meeting assigned targets.
• Knowledge of the Employment Services industry and the Workforce Development landscape, including challenges faced by job seekers, is considered an asset.
• Excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills for internal and external communications.
• Ability to think proactively and strategically to identify and present new opportunities based on market trends and ROI.
• Advanced computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, MailChimp, WordPress, Outlook 365 (including MS Teams and SharePoint), Canva, and other digital tools.
• Professional and courteous approach to client service, demonstrating exceptional customer service skills and a strong commitment to upholding the organization’s core values and respect for diversity.
• Excellent project and time management skills, with the ability to multi-task and meet deadlines and objectives.
• Process- and people-oriented with clear, respectful communication skills and the ability to build trust and rapport across all stakeholder groups.
• High ethical standards and confidentiality, consistently exhibiting tact, diplomacy, and sound judgment.
• Willingness and flexibility to occasionally work outside regular business hours for critical meetings and engagements.
• Strong work ethic with a positive attitude and client-centered approach.

The Career Foundation’s Commitment:

The Career Foundation is committed to diversity and inclusion and aims to create a healthy and rewarding environment for all. We welcome applications from qualified individuals who represent the diversity of the people we proudly serve, including, but not limited to, visible minorities, women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and individuals of all genders and sexual orientation. The Career Foundation, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), is also committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. We will work with candidates requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.