Director of Advocacy & Community Relations

What Is Start Proud

Start Proud aims to connect LGBTQ+ students with employers, while promoting the development of LGBTQ+ professionals, and celebrating the achievements and service of those in the community.

We facilitate the professional development of LGBTQ+ students as they transition from school to career in order to build a national network within the community. Our vision is to empower members of the LGBTQ+ community to be Canada’s leaders of tomorrow, where all institutions embrace inclusiveness within the workplace and diversity within the workforce.

About the Role:

The Director of Advocacy reports directly to the Vice President of Initiatives and leads the advocacy function within Start Proud. You will oversee a dedicated advocacy team that supports initiatives aimed at raising awareness and promoting LGBTQ+ rights, including educational campaigns, policy initiatives, and community engagement efforts.

You will collaborate with other initiative leads to ensure that advocacy work is integrated into major events such as Out On Bay Street (OOBS), Leaders to be Proud Of, and Workshops. Additionally, you will work with external partners to amplify Start Proud’s advocacy message and impact, while ensuring that the voices of the LGBTQ+ community remain at the forefront of all initiatives.

In this role you will:

• Develop Advocacy Strategies: Design and execute comprehensive advocacy strategies that align with Start Proud’s mission and goals. This includes efforts to influence public policy, corporate practices, and community engagement.
• Lead Advocacy Campaigns: Oversee the creation and implementation of advocacy campaigns that raise awareness, educate the public, and promote positive change for the LGBTQ+ community. Ensure that campaigns resonate with both internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate with Stakeholders: Build and maintain relationships with external partners, including advocacy groups, corporate sponsors, policymakers, and community organizations. Work collaboratively to amplify Start Proud’s advocacy efforts.
• Oversee Educational and Awareness Initiatives: Lead the development of educational resources and awareness campaigns aimed at empowering individuals and organizations to support LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality.
• Track and Measure Impact: Use data and analytics to track the effectiveness of advocacy campaigns and initiatives. Regularly report on progress, outcomes, and areas for improvement.
• Ensure Community Engagement: Ensure that Start Proud’s advocacy work is driven by the needs and voices of the LGBTQ+ community. Create opportunities for community members to engage and participate in advocacy efforts.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Advocacy and Campaign Experience: Proven experience in developing and managing advocacy campaigns, particularly within the LGBTQ+ or related social justice space.
• Strategic Planning Skills: Ability to develop long-term strategies to advance LGBTQ+ rights and promote inclusive policies and practices.
• Stakeholder Management: Experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders, including advocacy groups, corporate partners, policymakers, and community organizations.
• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives that drive awareness and action.
• Passion for LGBTQ+ Rights: A deep commitment to advancing the rights and representation of the LGBTQ+ community.

Commitment

• ~5-15 hours per month
• Mandatory attendance at team team meetings

Application Instructions:

Please submit your resume via the link above. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Candidates from the LGBTQ+ community or are otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity and/or sexual orientation are strongly encouraged to apply. Lived experience as a member of any equity-deserving community is considered a strong asset.

We’re committed to providing accommodations throughout the application, interview, and employment process. If you require accommodation to be at your best, please let us know during the application process.

Why Start Proud?

• Springboard your professional development by gaining valuable experience as part of a national non-profit in a functional area you are looking to grow your skills in. We are here to develop you, even if you have little experience.
• Make an impact in our organization and the community we serve! We are growing and evolving quickly, so there are many opportunities to make a difference.
• Build your network with friendly and supportive LGBTQ+ students and professionals that are eager to support and mentor each other.