About the BlackNorth Initiative
The BlackNorth Initiative (BNI) is on a mission to close the gaps created by systemic anti-Black racism for Black Canadians—a Canada where systemic anti-Black racism does not exist.
We believe that if corporate Canada can boldly take on the challenge to add gender diversity to Canadian boardrooms and executive suites by declaring policies, setting specific targets, and holding itself accountable, it can do the same work to create better representation for Black Canadians.
Leaders from over 500 Canadian companies, totalling $1.3 trillion in value, including both public and private sector, major banks, insurance companies, law firms, government, and the largest asset managers and institutional investors in the nation are behind us. Together, we are holding major industry leaders accountable to take action and reshape corporate structures that uphold systemic anti-Black racism against Black Canadians.
Position Overview
The Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Pledge will play a key role in supporting the execution of BlackNorth’s Pledge and signatory engagement strategy. Reporting directly to the Director of Partnerships and Strategic Communications, this position is responsible for managing relationships with signatory organizations, ensuring effective implementation of DEI commitments, and coordinating reporting and accountability processes. This role is crucial to the organization's long-term strategy, as it focuses on the development and execution of new Pledge processes while ensuring the fulfillment of Signatories commitments. The Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Pledge is a strong project manager and relationship builder who thrives in a collaborative environment, has a passion for equity, and can balance operational execution with stakeholder engagement.
The Manager will also lead impact measurement efforts across BNI’s signatory network, helping translate commitments into measurable outcomes that demonstrate systems-level change. This role is both strategic and hands-on, combining data-driven accountability with deep relationship-building to advance BNI’s mission nationwide.
Responsibilities
1. Signatory Relationship Management:
- Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with Signatories, acting as their primary point of contact.
- Develop and implement engagement strategies to ensure Signatories remain committed to BlackNorth’s goals.
- Monitor and track Signatory performance, ensuring alignment with BlackNorth’s DEI initiatives and objectives.
- Provide tailored advice and resources to Signatories, helping them navigate challenges and successfully implement DEI initiatives aligned with BlackNorth's objectives.
- Facilitate peer-learning cohorts and communities of practice among Signatories to share DEI successes, challenges, and innovative strategies.
2. Pledge Process Execution:
- Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of all new Pledge processes, including the DEI maturity assessment.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop resources, tools, and best practices for Signatories.
- Analyze feedback and data from Pledge processes to identify areas for enhancement and drive continuous improvement.
- Regularly communicate with Signatories to provide updates, feedback, and insights on progress and best practices, fostering transparency and accountability.
- Maintain and optimize CRM or project management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Airtable, Asana) to track Signatory progress and engagement data.
- Contribute to the annual BlackNorth Pledge Report by synthesizing national trends, progress metrics, and sector-specific insights.
3. Fundraising Strategy and Execution:
- Work closely with the Fundraising department to support the execution of fundraising strategies and initiatives.
- Assist with tracking signatory fee commitments and other fundraising contributions.
- Provide coordination support for donor and partner stewardship activities.
- Prepare and maintain accurate fundraising progress reports and documentation for internal use.
- Collaborate with the Fundraising Manager to ensure seamless communication with signatories, donors, and partners.
4. Team & Departmental Leadership:
- Oversee day-to-day operations of signatory management activities, ensuring alignment with BlackNorth’s long-term goals.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to the Pledge Associate, fostering a collaborative and highperforming team environment.
- Monitor departmental budgets, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support the department's objectives.
- Collaborate with Communications and Philanthropy to highlight signatory achievements and success stories in BNI reports and events.
5. Strategic Planning and Organizational Alignment:
- Collaborate with senior leadership to align the Pledge department’s goals with BlackNorth’s overall strategic vision.
- Work with Signatories to set clear, measurable goals and develop action plans that align with BlackNorth’s DEI mission and vision.
- Contribute to the development of organizational strategies that advance DEI efforts within Signatory organizations.
- Identify and pursue opportunities to expand the reach and impact of BlackNorth’s Pledge.
- Organize and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and events to educate and inspire Signatories on the latest DEI strategies, tools, and trends.
- Collaborate with other departments—including Programs, Communications, and Philanthropy—to align signatory learnings with BNI’s broader strategic initiatives.
- Develop and maintain an organizational equity scorecard to track progress across industries, identify systemic gaps, and guide future strategic actions.
- Represent BNI at external DEI conferences, panels, and industry events to amplify the organization’s thought leadership and national presence.
- Collaborate internally to ensure BNI’s own policies and practices reflect the equity standards promoted to Signatories.
6. Compliance and Reporting:
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, particularly in relation to fundraising activities and donor engagement.
- Ensure detailed reports are provided to internal and external stakeholders, including Signatories, donors, and government agencies.
- Monitor industry trends and best practices, ensuring BlackNorth remains at the forefront of DEI and fundraising practices.
- Recognize and celebrate Signatories’ achievements in DEI efforts, highlighting successful case studies to motivate continued commitment and inspire others.
- Analyze data related to Signatory performance, using metrics and benchmarks to provide insights and recommendations for improvement.
- Track and report on key performance metrics including Signatory retention, Pledge completion rates, and sector-specific benchmarks to demonstrate national progress.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, Social Sciences, or a related field is required.
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Non-Profit Management, or a related field is preferred.
- Additional certifications or training in fundraising, DEI, or project management would be an asset.
Qualifications and Skills
- 3–7 years of relevant experience in relationship management, program coordination, fundraising, or DEIrelated initiatives (non-profit or corporate social responsibility experience an asset).
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Demonstrated experience working with corporate partners or large organizations.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
- Proficiency with data tracking, reporting, and CRM or project management systems.
- Ability to supervise and mentor team members effectively.
- Adaptable, collaborative, and passionate about DEI, with a deep commitment to BlackNorth’s mission.
Expected Salary
To Apply: Email your resume to [email protected] with Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Pledge in the subject line.
Note: The incumbent must be able to work a hybrid schedule with at least 60% in office. The office location is in downtown Toronto.
Equity Statement
BNI is a staunch advocate for diversity in all its forms and especially welcomes applications from members of the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) community, women, people with disabilities, the 2SLGBTQ+community, and those of diverse, intersectional identities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process as well as part of employment with BNI.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $70,000.00-$85,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)
Experience:
- management: 3 years (required)
- Stakeholder Management: 3 years (preferred)
- Team management: 3 years (required)
- Data analysis skills: 3 years (preferred)
- DEI: 3 years (required)
Language:
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
