Executive Director

Inside Out Toronto 2SLGBTQ+ Film Festival; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cultural organization in Toronto is seeking an Executive Director to guide its strategic vision and manage fundraising efforts. The role requires 5-7 years of senior management experience in nonprofit sectors and a passion for 2SLGBTQ+ advocacy. The organization offers a hybrid working model and comprehensive benefits, fostering an inclusive environment for all applicants.

Benefits

6 personal days

18 days of paid time off

Comprehensive employee insurance

Hybrid work model

Qualifications

• 5 to 7+ years of senior management experience in nonprofit, arts, or culture sectors.
• Experience leading strategic planning and delivering measurable outcomes.
• Success in securing major gifts and managing complex budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead the execution of Inside Out's strategic plan.
• Oversee fundraising and build relationships with donors and sponsors.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Financial management

Community engagement

Programming

Education

Relevant degree or experience

Job description

Overview

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, 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

• Strategic & Organizational Leadership – 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.

• Programming & Community Engagement – 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 support internationally.

Public Representation

• 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.
• 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

• Leave: 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

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.

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Business Development and Sales

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