Executive Director

InsideOut; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent film festival organization in Toronto is seeking a strategic and results-oriented Executive Director to guide its mission. The role involves leadership, fundraising, and fostering community engagement. The ideal candidate has over 5 years of experience in senior management within the nonprofit sector, particularly supporting 2SLGBTQ+ communities. This full-time hybrid position offers a competitive salary and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive employee insurance plan

$500 Health Spending Account (HSA)

10 vacation days and additional paid time off

Hybrid work model with 3 days in-office and 2 days remote

Qualifications

• 5 to 7+ years of senior management experience in nonprofit, arts, culture, or related sectors.
• Experience leading people and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of Inside Out’s strategic plan.
• Maintain clear communication with the Board Chair and Executive Committee.
• Drive all fundraising efforts and expand revenue streams.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Financial Management

Community Engagement

Strategic Planning

Communication

Relationship Management

Education

Post-secondary education in a relevant field

Job description

Executive Director – Inside Out, Toronto, ON

About Inside Out
Inside Out is Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQ+ film festival and a year-round cultural organization committed to showcasing queer stories on screen and fostering meaningful connections through film, arts, and culture.

We are seeking a strategic, relationship-focused, and results-oriented leader to guide the organization through its next chapter. The Executive Director (ED) will play a central role in shaping Inside Out’s future, building on its artistic excellence, financial sustainability, and strong community presence.

The Role
Located in downtown Toronto, this full-time, hybrid position reports to the Board of Directors. The ED is the chief executive and public representative of Inside Out who leads a core team of 9 full-time staff, along with part-time and seasonal employees, and works closely with the Board Chair, senior leadership team, and community stakeholders.

This role requires strong leadership, fundraising, financial management, and programming and community engagement skills, the ability to foster an inclusive and accountable workplace culture, and the capacity to strengthen partnerships with funders, sponsors, and industry collaborators.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of Inside Out’s strategic plan, translating vision into measurable outcomes.
• Foster a positive, equitable, and accountable workplace culture.
• Ensure effective governance by maintaining clear communication with the Board Chair and Executive Committee.
• Anticipate and respond to external factors, including funding shifts and evolving community needs.
• Drive all fundraising efforts, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, grants, and individual giving.
• Expand and diversify revenue streams to strengthen sustainability.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with donors, funders, and industry partners.
• Oversee an annual operating budget with a focus on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and compliance.
• Ensure timely financial reporting, risk management, and strong internal controls in collaboration with senior administrative leadership.
• Manage the stewardship of surpluses, aligned with budget projections.
• Partner with the Programming team to support the delivery of high-quality festival and year-round events.
• Advocate for diversity, accessibility, and representation in all programming decisions.
• Strengthen industry and community partnerships locally, nationally, and with international support.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for Inside Out to media, funders, and the public.
• Represent the organization at key community and industry events, both in Canada and abroad.

Required Qualifications

• 5 to 7+ years of senior management experience in nonprofit, arts, culture, or related sectors.
• Experience leading people, strategic planning, goal setting, and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships.
• Proven experience managing complex budgets and ensuring financial accountability.
• Experience representing organizations compellingly to diverse audiences, media, funders, and community stakeholders.
• Demonstrated understanding of and dedication to 2SLGBTQ+ communities, anti-oppression principles, and inclusive practices.

Asset Qualifications (highly desired but not required)

• Experience in film/media, arts and culture, or festival leadership.
• Post-secondary education in film/media, arts and culture, or festival leadership.
• Well-connected within the media and/or cultural industries, with the ability to leverage networks to amplify the festival’s profile and impact.

Competencies & Skills

• Collaborative leadership
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Relationship management across diverse stakeholders
• Excellent communication and presentation skills
• Ability to navigate sensitive governance and stakeholder dynamics

What We Offer

• Salary: CAD $90,000 – $95,000
• Leave:
• 10 vacation days
• 6 personal days
• An additional 18 days of paid time off, including winter office closure and flexible summer days
• Benefits: Comprehensive employee insurance plan, including a $500 Health Spending Account (HSA).
• Work Environment: Hybrid model with 3 days in-office and 2 days remote.

Accessibility & Accommodations
Inside Out is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment process. Accommodations are available upon request at any stage of the process.

How to Apply
Please submit your résumé and cover letter by September 15, 2025, to [e-mail].

Candidates are requested to use their cover letter to provide specific, demonstrable examples of achievements for the required qualifications identified above. Candidates who possess any of the asset qualifications are also requested to provide examples in their cover letter.

We actively encourage applications from members of diverse communities, including 2SLGBTQ+, Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC), people with disabilities, and others from equity-deserving groups.

We appreciate all who express interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $90,000.00-$95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Paid time off

Application question(s):

• Do you have 5 or more years of senior management experience in the nonprofit, arts, culture, or related sectors?
• Have you directly managed and led a team of staff (full-time, part-time, or seasonal)?
• Do you have experience representing an organization publicly to media, funders, or community stakeholders?
• Are you legally eligible to work in Canada?
• Have you successfully led fundraising efforts (major gifts, grants, sponsorships, or partnerships)?
• Do you have experience managing complex annual budgets with accountability for financial reporting and compliance?
• Are you based in or willing to relocate to Toronto for a hybrid role?

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON M5V 3A8