Manager, Fund Development – MLSE Foundation (1-year contract)

MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership); Toronto; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

MLSE Foundation seeks a Manager, Fund Development to build a diversified revenue pipeline across grants, government funding, foundations, and community fundraising. The role will lead strategy, write proposals, and manage a small team, driving year-over-year growth and ensuring strong relationships with funders.

Reporting to MLSE Foundation leadership, the position requires organizational discipline, CRM and reporting expertise, and a collaborative approach to align fundraising with

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in fund development, nonprofit fundraising, or institutional giving.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a revenue pipeline of $1M+ with growth.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a diversified $2M annual growth pipeline across grants, government funding, foundations, third-party fundraising, and community giving.
• Maintain a disciplined, well documented pipeline with clear stages, forecasts, performance and reporting.
• Lead the development, writing, and submission of grant, foundation, and government proposals; oversee compliance and stewardship with funders.
• Shape and grow community fundraising programs, including grassroots campaigns and local partnerships.
• Build systems, KPIs, and CRM usage to strengthen fund development operations.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Grant writing

Relationship management

Project management

CRM (Salesforce)

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Responsibilities

Pipeline Leadership & Revenue Generation (~$2.0M)

Powered by Passion. United by Purpose. Build for Impact.
At Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment Partnership (MLSE), we exist to deliver the ultimate fan experience by lifting trophies, spirits, and communities – united as one.
We're more than a workplace. We are a team of passionate people, boldly building the future of sport and entertainment, together. We believe in the power of play, the strength of collaboration, and the energy that comes from showing up with purpose.
From the ice to the pitch, the hardwood to the digital arena, we’re proud to be the driving force behind the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), the Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Argonauts (CFL) and development teams with the Toronto Marlies (AHL), Raptors 905 (NBA G League), Toronto FC II (MLS NEXT Pro League) and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club, the Toronto Raptors Esports franchise in the NBA 2K League.
We bring these teams – and world-class entertainment – to life at our iconic venues, including Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field, Coca-Cola Coliseum, Ford Performance Centre, BMO Training Ground, and OVO Athletic Centre. Off the field, we serve up elevated dining at e11even, Real Sports, and our signature club spaces like Hot Stove Club, ScotiaClub, and Platinum Club.
Through MLSE Foundation and MLSE LaunchPad, we use the power of sport to help youth facing barriers reach their full potential. Since 2009, we’ve invested more than $45 million into Ontario communities -- and we’re just getting started.
This is what it means to be One MLSE: a culture where everyone plays a role, everyone belongs, and everyone contributes to something bigger than themselves.
So, if you're ready to play with purpose, grow with passion, and win as one, we’d love to have you on our team.

• We know that great candidates come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. Even if you do not meet every qualification listed, we encourage you to apply. Your unique perspective, transferable skills, and lived experience may be exactly what we’re looking for.

Job Description

About MLSE Foundation
MLSE Foundation harnesses the power of sport to create positive and lasting change for youth across Ontario. In partnership with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, Toronto Argonauts, and MLSE LaunchPad, we invest in programs and organizations that help youth recognize and reach their potential.

As we enter a period of ambitious growth, and expanded community impact, this role will play a critical part in building a sustainable, diversified revenue engine for the future years and expanded community

Position Overview

The Manager, Fund Development is a high-functioning individual responsible for building and managing a ~\$2.0M diversified annual revenue pipeline across grants, government funding, foundations, and community/third party fundraising.

This role is a critical contributor to MLSE Foundation’s revenue targets and will thrive in an environment that requires creativity, discipline, and strong systems thinking.

You will lead strategy development and execution across multiple revenue channels while also supporting community and third party fundraising activity. This role is ideal for a builder, someone who can turn opportunity into structure, design repeatable processes, and bring discipline to an underdeveloped revenue area.

Responsibilities

Pipeline Leadership & Revenue Generation (~$2.0M)

• Build and manage a diversified $2M annual growth pipeline across grants, government funding, foundations, third-party fundraising, and community giving.
• Maintain a disciplined, well documented pipeline with clear stages, forecasts, performance and reporting.
• Identify new revenue opportunities and cultivate high potential partnerships aligned with the Foundation’s priorities.

Grant, Government & Foundation Strategy

• Lead the development, writing, and submission of grant, foundation, and government proposals.
• Oversee compliance, reporting, and stewardship requirements to ensure strong relationships with institutional funders.
• Build multi-year revenue strategies that support revenue growth milestones and programmatic expansion.

Community & Third-Party Fundraising

• Shape and grow community fundraising programs, including grassroots campaigns, third-party events, and local partnerships.
• Support and steward community partners to ensure high quality experiences and long-term engagement‑quality.

Building Systems & Structure

• Act as a builder by implementing new systems, processes, targets, and KPIs to strengthen fund development operations.
• Introduce or refine CRM usage, grant tracking systems, pipeline tools, and reporting frameworks.

People Leadership

• Manage one Coordinator focused on community and third-party fundraising.
• Provide coaching, performance feedback, and developmental support to strengthen team capability and output.

Internal Collaboration

• Partner closely with MLSE Foundation leadership, Finance, Marketing, MLSE LaunchPad, Community Engagement, and Partnerships teams to align fundraising activity with organizational priorities.
• Support cross-functional initiatives tied to the revenue strategy.

Qualifications

Must Haves

• 5+ years of progressive experience in fund development, nonprofit fundraising, or institutional giving.
• Demonstrated experience managing a revenue pipeline of $1M+ with year-over-year growth.
• Proven success in grant writing and institutional fundraising (government, foundations).
• Strong project management, organization, and analytical skills.
• Ability to thrive in an evolving environment and build structure where it does not yet exist.
• Excellent written communication, proposal development, and relationship management skills.

Nice to Haves

• Experience contributing to multi-year campaigns.
• Experience managing or mentoring staff.
• Familiarity with CRM systems (Salesforce or similar).
• Knowledge of sport, youth development, or community impact sectors.

Please note: this is a 1-year project contract, with the opportunity to extend.

Job Posting Compensation Range/Rate

$85,000 – 95,000 per year

At MLSE, we are committed to building an equitable, diverse and inclusive organization. We are an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. MLSE will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the job application process. If you have difficulty using our online application system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, please email [e-mail]. This email is only for accommodation requests.