WHO WE ARE
Lay-Up Youth Basketball is a charitable organization that delivers cost-free programs designed to develop the skills kids need on and off the court. Lay-Up provides evidence-based basketball, coach development programs, culture of basketball workshops and employment opportunities in and around recognized Neighbourhood Improvement Areas across Toronto. Our focus is on the Future of Access to Basketball and the impact that basketball can have when delivered through a sport for development lens.
We combine a high-quality basketball experience with best-practices in youth development to foster meaningful relationships and equip children and youth for success. Lay-Up is dedicated to breaking down the barriers to access to sport for youth, with a focus on women and girls. As an organization, we are operating our model as a global best-practice in sport for development programming and are now focused on the steps required for growth and scale.
Please refer to the Lay-Up website (www.layup.ca), IG page (instagram.com/layup), and LinkedIn page (www.linkedin.com/lay-up) for additional details and updates.
OVERVIEW
We are looking to expand our Leadership Team with a team-player that is experienced in sponsorship and fund development. This full-time role would be fully integrated into the team to support our work in development and partnerships.
Since 2013, Lay-Up has grown from a volunteer-run organization to a best-in-class charity operating as a hyper-local charity (Toronto-based) with a system focus on the Future of Access to Basketball. Over the past decade, Lay-Up has evolved and innovated on how to deliver basketball through a sport for development lens by establishing a series of evidence-based approaches to youth programming.
Our work has been powered by critical partnerships with stakeholders such as Nike, Canada Basketball, Sun Life, Jumpstart,Toronto District School Board, among others. One of the key next steps and the focus of this position is to secure and grow corporate partnerships and to align with key ministries and departments at all levels of government to make the work of Lay-Up and other cost-free sports for development programs truly scalable and sustainable.
The primary project for this role is Lay-Up’s Annual City-Wide 3×3 Tournament, which is designed to be a peak moment in the year for Lay-Up participants and as a space to bring together the entire community of partners and funders that make the mission and vision of Lay-Up possible.
SPONSORSHIP & DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST
This individual will work closely with the leadership team to land and manage new corporate partnerships and government grants, contracts, and partnerships.
This will include co-developing sponsorship and communication strategies that align with the development goals within the organization.
The Sponsorships & Development Specialist will work directly with the Executive Director, Manager of Partnerships, Development Manager, and Director of Basketball Operations. This role entails supporting fund development strategies, leading partnership proposals and pitches, the development and maintenance of relationships, as well as sourcing and securing new opportunities within the corporate and government landscape.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist in the development and execution of a strategic development plan and annual stewardship plan.
- Collaborate with the Leadership Team to identify sponsorship/partnership opportunities.
- Implement and maintain use of CRM platform.
- Collaborate with the Leadership Team in developing fundraising goals for the next three years, including donors, corporate, government, and grants.
- Collaborate with the Leadership Team to develop and lead an event sponsorship strategy.
- Create and support the design of communication materials such as sponsorship packages, sizzle reels, pricing mock-ups, pitch decks, etc.
SKILLS AND REQUIREMENTS
- 3-5 years’ experience working in fundraising, partnership development, and/or sponsorships.
- Strong communication skills, including presentations, pitches, and through communication materials, including decks, email, and social media.
- Demonstrated success in partnership strategy and management.
- Familiarity with, and curiosity for, evolving government priorities within municipal, provincial, and federal ministries and departments.
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects efficiently.
- Ability to write in a compelling manner and to develop and produce proposals that showcase Lay-Up’s evidence-based outcomes;
- Working understanding of the sports landscape in the GTA;
- An ability to collaborate with team members and with external talent (e.g., designers);
- Alignment with Lay-Up’s core values, including a commitment to diversity and a positive culture.
Time Commitment
The Sponsorships & Development Specialist is a commitment of 40 hours per week, which can fluctuate based on fundraising cycle. As a member of the management team, the manager is exempt from overtime. This position is hybrid, facilitating a combination of in-person team meetings, engagement with programs, representing Lay-Up in meetings/events, and remote work.
Compensation
This position has an annual salary of $65,000 – $75,000 (rate is commensurate with experience) with additional health benefits and three weeks of annual vacation time.
Professional Development
Lay-Up will provide $2,000 per year directed towards personal and professional development related to the role. Additional training and development opportunities are provided through Lay-Up’s broad community of partners.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit a cover letter and resume to Chris Penrose, Executive Director at cpenrose@layup.ca