Executive Director

DesignTO; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

DesignTO is seeking an Executive Director to lead its non-profit arts organization, overseeing strategic vision and operational excellence. This role involves strong fundraising expertise and a passion for design, architecture, and culture, making it a unique opportunity to shape a beloved organization in Toronto's creative community.

Benefits

3 weeks vacation per year

Flexible and hybrid working schedule

Health and dental benefits

Qualifications

• Proven track record in fundraising and strategic leadership.
• Strong passion for design and creative communities.
• Outstanding communication and public speaking skills.

Responsibilities

• Drive strategic vision and operational excellence.
• Lead fundraising strategies and build partnerships.
• Serve as the public face of DesignTO.

Skills

Fundraising expertise

Relationship-building

Public speaking

Strategic leadership

Analytical skills

Job description

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DesignTO’s Board of Directors is seeking an experienced, visionary Executive Director to lead its non-profit arts organization, producing Canada’s largest design festival, into its next phase of growth and impact. We are looking for a dynamic leader who combines strong fundraising expertise with a passion for design, architecture, and culture.

As Executive Director, you will drive DesignTO’s strategic vision and operational excellence, overseeing financial and strategic planning, fundraising, partnerships, and team leadership. You will work closely with the Artistic Director and the Board of Directors to ensure the festival’s sustainability, visibility, and future growth.

This is a unique opportunity for a passionate cultural leader to shape a beloved organization at the heart of Toronto’s vibrant creative community.

How to Apply

Please submit a single PDF containing your cover letter (max 1 page), CV, and three professional references through LinkedIn.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Partnerships

• Represent DesignTO across Toronto’s cultural sector, building strategic alliances with architecture, design, craft, and visual arts communities.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with business partners, grant agencies, city officials, and community organizations.
• Champion DesignTO’s mission to diverse audiences, including donors, media, and the public.
• Lead and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy, including sponsorships, grants, donor campaigns, events, and memberships.
• Research, identify, and engage potential donors, corporate partners, and aligned community organizations.
• Prepare compelling grant proposals, sponsorship pitches, and fundraising appeals to meet revenue targets.
• Ensure the financial health and strategic growth of the organization in collaboration with the Board of Directors.

Operations & Administration

• Collaborate closely with the Artistic Director on communications, marketing, and organizational profile-building.
• Oversee grant applications and reporting, operating budgets, and financial tracking.
• Meet weekly with staff and report bi-monthly to the Board of Directors.

Public Representation

• Serve as the public face of DesignTO, attending events, participating in media engagements, and speaking at openings and forums.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in fundraising, sponsorship development, and strategic leadership, preferably within art, design, or cultural sectors.
• Strong passion for design and creative communities.
• Demonstrated commitment to and track record of respectful leadership and collaboration in a high-performing culture.
• Outstanding relationship-building, communication, and public speaking skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.
• Analytical skills for tracking fundraising performance and optimizing efforts.
• Experience working with boards, grants, and non-profit administration is an asset.

Compensation

• 60,000 to $75,000 per year (based on 30 hours / week), commensurate with experience
• 3 weeks of vacation per year, plus 1 week office closure in December
• Flexible and hybrid working schedule
• Health and dental benefits

About DesignTO

DesignTO is a non-profit arts and culture organization that believes design can create a sustainable, just, and joyful world. Entering its 16th year, it is Canada’s leading festival celebrating design as multidisciplinary creative thinking and making. Every January, DesignTO showcases 500 artists and designers, draws over 200,000 visitors, and generates more than $31 million for Toronto’s economy. Year-round, DesignTO fosters creativity and connection through talks, tours, youth programs, and members’ events.

DesignTO is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to reflect Toronto’s diversity, with 100% of our team and 72% of our audience identifying as part of equity-deserving groups. We encourage applications from equity-deserving communities. Accommodations are available on request.

Seniority level

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Business Development and Sales

Design Services

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