Director, Grants and Programs

Our client, The Law Foundation of Ontario, is searching for a permanent, full-time Director, Grants and Programs to join their team. Reporting to the CEO, the Director, Grants and Programs is accountable for providing strategic leadership and direction for the Foundation’s granting activities.

The Foundation offers competitive compensation, including benefits, and provides an opportunity to make a difference and enhance access to justice within the Foundation’s objectives. This position is currently a remote position due to COVID-19. The Director, Grants & Programs will be required to work on-site in the Toronto office post COVID-19. Proof of vaccination status (two-doses) is required.

Strategic and Operational Responsibilities:

• Provides strategic support to the CEO and Board of Trustees in relation to the granting program, including in the development of a strategic plan, oversight of the granting priorities and budget, and management of relationships with grantees and other funders
• Provides recommendations and reports to the Board regarding the Foundation’s granting activities
• Reviews and, as required, recommends changes to the Granting Policy, considering the Foundation’s strategic plan, financial situation, and the evolving legal needs of Ontarians
• Establishes positive relationships with grantees and responds to complex or escalated granting issues
• Contributes to the development of outreach strategies and communications plans
• Provides financial oversight and ensures accountability for all grant payments
• Ensures operational effectiveness and efficiency for grants area, including the pro-active management of issues and operational planning
• Contributes to a range of policy and administrative issues and leads/participates in special projects, as required
• In 2022, will oversee transition to new grants management software, ensuring system is designed to facilitate sophisticated data collection and analysis of depth, breadth, and impact of the Foundation’s granting activities

Leadership Responsibilities:

• As a member of the senior leadership team, works in collaboration to contribute to organizational strategies and priorities
• Champions and models a collaborative and inclusive team environment which respects and fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion and a culture of service excellence
• Promotes and drives innovation and continuous improvement throughout the Foundation’s grant-making activities
• Enables a learning culture that provides opportunities for internal/external development, coaching, and mentoring to develop an agile and flexible grants’ team
• Supports staff during periods of organizational change, transition, and growth

Minimum Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

• Graduate degree, with a focus on law and/or legal issues or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent
• Minimum 10+ years experience years of relevant experience in community organizations, philanthropy, legal organizations, and/or non-profits
• Minimum 7+ years experience in leadership and management roles
• Prior experience or familiarity with granting
• Experience developing and implementing a strategic vision that is aligned with operational planning – strong internal and external leadership skills
• Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion, including an intersectional understanding of disadvantage
• Experience in coalition building and a nuanced understanding of the links between the justice system, socio-economic issues, poverty, and the situation of Indigenous people and equity-seeking groups in the justice system
• Experience working with boards of directors and an understanding of board governance
• Strong influencing, communication, and vision-setting abilities
• Superior analytical, research, and risk assessment skills
• Political acuity to recognize and respond in a timely manner to issues which may have an impact for the CEO and/or the Board
• Strong project management and organizational skills that support the launch, successful implementation, and evaluation of initiatives
• Proven fiscal management skills and experience managing budgets

The Foundation is committed to a workplace that reflects our diverse community and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and equity-deserving groups. If you require accommodation in our hiring process, please contact us to discuss your needs.

To apply

To apply, please submit click “Apply” button to submit resume by April 15, 2022.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The full job description is available for review upon request.

About The Law Foundation of Ontario

Established by statute in 1974, The Law Foundation of Ontario is the sole foundation in Ontario with the mandate of improving access to justice. Through granting and collaboration, the Foundation invests in knowledge and services that help people understand the law and use it to improve their lives. Learn more at www.lawfoundation.on.ca.