Director, Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships

This is an opportunity to build a movement.

Tropicana Community Services is one of Canada’s largest and most trusted Black-led, Black-serving organizations. For more than 45 years, we have been changing lives through culturally responsive programs that support children, youth, families, newcomers, seniors, and communities across the Greater Toronto Area.

Today, we are entering an exciting new chapter.

Under the leadership of CEO Daniel Anckle and guided by our new ARISE Strategic Plan, Tropicana is investing in growth, innovation, community impact, and long-term sustainability. We are looking for an ambitious and entrepreneurial fundraising leader who wants to help shape that future.

If you have ever wanted to build something meaningful, create lasting community impact, and leave a legacy, this role may be for you.

Tropicana has historically relied on government funding to deliver critical services.

Our next chapter is different.

We are building a diversified revenue model that includes:

• Major gifts and individual philanthropy
• Corporate partnerships and sponsor ships
• Foundations and grants
• Planned giving
• The future development of the Tropicana Foundation

This role is not about maintaining an existing fundraising program.

It is about creating one.

Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team, you will lead the development of a modern philanthropy program that will help shape the future of our organization and the communities we serve.

Within your first three years, you will help:

• Build a sustainable major gifts program
• Grow unrestricted revenue and philanthropic investment
• Expand corporate and community partnerships
• Launch innovative fundraising campaigns and events
• Strengthen donor stewardship and engagement
• Position Tropicana as a leading philanthropic investment opportunity
• Lay the groundwork for a future philanthropic foundation

Most importantly, you will help ensure that more children, youth, families, and seniors have access to life-changing opportunities.

You are a builder.

You thrive in environments where you can create, innovate, and lead.

You are comfortable sitting across the table from CEOs, philanthropists, foundations, elected officials, and community leaders.

You understand that fundraising is ultimately about relationships, trust, and storytelling.

You are equally comfortable developing strategy, cultivating donors, securing major gifts, and inspiring others around a shared vision.

You likely bring:

• 7+ years of progressive fundraising, philanthropy, business development, or revenue-generation experience
• A track record of securing major gifts, sponsor ships, partnerships, or significant investments
• Experience developing and executing growth strategies
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• A passion for community impact and social change

CFRE designation is considered an asset but is not required.

At Tropicana, you will join a leadership team that believes the best ideas can come from anywhere.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Work directly with the CEO and Board of Directors
• Shape the future direction of a growing organization
• Build a philanthropy function from the ground up
• Develop innovative social impact initiatives
• Work in a collaborative and mission-driven environment
• Make a measurable difference in the lives of Black, African, and Caribbean communities

This is a rare opportunity to combine purpose, leadership, innovation, and impact.

At every stage of life, Tropicana Community Services provides culturally rooted programs, services, and advocacy for Black, African, and Caribbean communities that remove barriers, advance economic equity, and create opportunity.

We believe in a Canada where Black, African, and Caribbean communities embody cultural pride, economic equity, and lead systemic change that impacts our lives.