Initiative Co-Lead, OOBS 25

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 Out On Bay Street (OOBS) 2025 reports directly to the Executive Vice President of External Initiatives and is responsible for leading the planning and execution of one of Start Proud’s signature events. You will co-lead a cross-functional team that includes specialists from Marketing, Logistics, Corporate Relations, and Advocacy and Community Relations, as well as general associates from the volunteer pool. Additionally, you will collaborate with expert teams in PR and Risk, IT/Data/Operations, Finance, and Special Projects to ensure that OOBS 2025 is executed smoothly and achieves its objectives. You will work closely with external partners and sponsors to ensure the event delivers value, while aligning with Start Proud’s mission of empowering the LGBTQ+ community.

In this role you will:

• Lead Event Planning and Execution: Drive the overall planning, coordination, and execution of OOBS 2025, ensuring that all components of the event are aligned with Start Proud’s goals and mission.
• Collaborate with Functional Teams: Co-lead a team of specialists from Marketing, Logistics, Corporate Relations, and Advocacy, ensuring that each functional area contributes effectively to the event’s success.
• Manage and Mentor Associates: Work with a group of general pooled associates who will assist in various aspects of event support. Provide guidance and oversight to ensure that tasks are executed efficiently and to a high standard.
• Leverage Expert Support: Work closely with the Expert Directors and their teams (PR and Risk, IT/Data/Operations, Finance, and Special Projects/PMO) to ensure that event execution is supported by best practices in communications, technology, risk management, and financial planning.
• Ensure Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with key stakeholders, including sponsors, partners, and community members, to ensure that OOBS 2025 delivers value and aligns with Start Proud’s mission of empowering the LGBTQ+ community.
• Track and Measure Success: Utilize feedback, data, and metrics to monitor the event’s progress and impact, ensuring that goals are met and improvements can be made for future initiatives.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Leadership and Team Collaboration: Proven ability to lead and manage teams, coordinate cross-functional activities, and ensure the smooth execution of complex projects.
• Event Planning Experience: Experience in planning and managing events or large-scale initiatives, with the ability to juggle multiple responsibilities and timelines.
• Strategic and Operational Thinking: Strong skills in both strategic visioning and day-to-day operations, with the ability to translate goals into action.
• Strong Communication and Organizational Skills: Exceptional communication and organization skills, with the ability to manage relationships with stakeholders, sponsors, and team members.

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.