The Initiative Co-Lead for Leaders to be Proud Of (L2BPO) 2025 is a vital leadership role responsible for driving the success of one of Start Proud’s most prestigious annual programs. L2BPO celebrates leadership within the LGBTQ+ community by recognizing exceptional individuals who demonstrate significant contributions to their industries and communities. In this role, you will co-lead the planning and execution of this high-profile event, collaborating with a cross-functional team of specialists and general associates to ensure that the program aligns with Start Proud’s mission and objectives.
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 Initiative Co-Lead for L2BPO 2025 reports directly to the Executive Vice President of External Initiatives and serves as the key driver for the program’s success. You will co-lead a team that includes members from functional areas such as Marketing, Logistics, Corporate Relations, and Advocacy and Community Relations, as well as general volunteers. You will also receive support from expert teams in PR and Risk, IT/Data/Operations, Finance, and Special Projects/PMO. Your responsibilities include ensuring smooth event operations, fostering strong relationships with sponsors and external partners, and delivering a memorable event that celebrates leadership within the LGBTQ+ community.
In this role you will:
- Lead Planning and Execution: Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of L2BPO 2025, ensuring that all aspects of the event reflect Start Proud’s mission and values.
- Co-Lead a Cross-Functional Team: Collaborate with specialists from key functional areas including Marketing, Logistics, Corporate Relations, and Advocacy to ensure that each component of the event is executed effectively and on time.
- Manage General Associates: Work with general volunteers from Start Proud’s associate pool to provide hands-on support in various areas, including event logistics, marketing, and community engagement.
- Leverage Expert Team Support: Coordinate with expert teams in PR and Risk, IT/Data/Operations, Finance, and Special Projects to ensure best practices are followed in all aspects of event planning and execution.
- Engage with External Stakeholders: Build and maintain relationships with key sponsors, partners, and honorees. Ensure that sponsor benefits are fulfilled and that external stakeholders have a positive experience that aligns with their expectations.
- Ensure Alignment with Start Proud’s Mission: Keep the organization’s goals and values at the forefront of every decision, ensuring that L2BPO 2025 continues to be an impactful program that highlights leadership and inclusivity within the LGBTQ+ community.
- Monitor and Report on Event Progress: Track milestones, manage the budget, and provide regular updates on the progress of L2BPO 2025 to the Executive Vice President of External Initiatives and other key stakeholders.
Required Skills and Experience:
- Leadership and Team Management: Proven ability to lead and inspire a team, managing cross-functional collaboration to ensure the success of a complex initiative.
- Event Planning Expertise: Experience in planning and executing large-scale events or similar projects, with a focus on logistics, marketing, and partnership management.
- Strategic and Detail-Oriented: Strong skills in strategic thinking combined with attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the event is aligned with Start Proud’s vision and mission.
- Communication and Relationship-Building: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to foster relationships with sponsors, honorees, and other external partners.
- Commitment to Start Proud’s Mission: Deep commitment to empowering the LGBTQ+ community through leadership recognition and celebration.
Commitment
- ~5-10 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.
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