Enhance your Career, Enrich our Community

Director, Social Enterprise Fund

The Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) is a leading and dynamic philanthropic organization dedicated to fostering positive change and community development in greater Edmonton. We are seeking an experienced and visionary professional to join our leadership team as the Director of the Social Enterprise Fund (SEF).

The Organization

ECF is committed to building a vibrant city and enriching the lives of all Edmontonians. We do this by providing an average of over $33 million in community grants and scholarships each year, thanks to the generous support of thousands of donors. As the largest non-governmental funder of the charitable sector in our City, ECF is in a unique position to address long-term, complex community needs by working with donors, charities, volunteers, government and community partners.

The Opportunity

SEF is a leading social finance organization dedicated to supporting social purpose organizations (SPO) and social entrepreneurs operating in Alberta. In collaboration with the ECF Executive Team, and with input from the ECF Impact Investment Committee and other stakeholders, the Director is responsible for creating and implementing the strategic direction and operating plan for $75 million in assets under management.

The Director plays a crucial role in driving the organization’s strategic direction and program development to support social impact initiatives across Alberta. This position requires a blend of financial expertise, business acumen, program management, relationship building, social entrepreneurship and a deep commitment to social innovation.

Key Roles & Responsibilities:

  • Impact Investing Strategy:
    • Develop and implement impact investing strategies that align with ECF’s purpose, vision and values, ensuring effective deployment of capital to maximize social and community impact.
  • Business Development:
    • Proactively source, identify and develop new loan and investment opportunities.
    • Expand SEF’s investment portfolio by building relationships with SPOs and social entrepreneurs across a variety of sectors.
  • Investment Due Diligence:
    • Conduct thorough due diligence of loan proposals and investment opportunities, ensuring sound financial decision-making and risk assessment within the scope of a variety of business models including non-profits, for profits and cooperative entities. This includes conducting financial and business plan assessments, deal structure reviews, client meetings, market research and oversite of final legal and securities documentation.
  • Loan Portfolio Management, Support, Reporting and Compliance:
    • Manage all aspects of a growing loan portfolio.
    • Prepare regular reports on investment performance, program outcomes, and compliance ensuring transparency and accountability to stakeholders.
    • Engage regularly and proactively to support and coach clients experiencing difficulties.
  • Impact Measurement:
    • Develop and implement impact measurement frameworks to assess, track and communicate the financial and social impacts of SEF’s investments, programs and overall portfolio.
    • Demonstrate how investments support ECF’s purpose, vision and values and contribute positively to community well-being and vibrancy.
  • Ecosystem Growth and Development:
    • Lead efforts to grow the social finance and social enterprise ecosystem in Alberta by fostering collaboration, networking, and partnerships with key stakeholders.
    • Collaboratively design and implement innovative programs and initiatives that support social enterprises and SPOs such as syndicated loan opportunities, combined loan and grant opportunities, and/or capacity-building services.
    • In collaboration with other organizations, support the education, training, and mentorship for social entrepreneurs, enhancing their capacity to develop sustainable and impactful business models.
  • Stakeholder Engagement and Strategic Partnerships:
    • Cultivate and maintain relationships with investors, SPOs, social entrepreneurs, community partners, national organizations and government agencies to drive collaboration and funding opportunities.
    • Identify and pursue strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to expand SEF’s impact and reach within the social finance ecosystem.
  • Management and Administration:
    • Provide strategic direction and mentorship to staff fostering a collaborative, innovative and inclusive work environment both within your department and across the organization.
    • Support the Boards and Committees that help govern SEF’s work. Manage SEF’s budget operating as a self-funding SPO.

The Ideal Candidate 

As the ideal candidate, you will possess the following qualifications:

  • University degree in Finance, Business Administration, or a related field combined with a minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible professional experience in social finance, impact investing, venture capital, commercial or small business lending, or financial management including a minimum of 6 years leadership and management experience. Equivalent combinations of related post-secondary education and directly related work experience will be considered.
  • An advanced degree (e.g. MBA, MPA) and financial designation (e.g. CFA) are preferred.
  • Proven track record in designing and managing innovative approaches to support community needs and a strong understanding of the Canadian nonprofit sector and community foundation landscape.

Additional requirements include:

  • Strong business and financial acumen including experience with investment analysis, financial modeling, and risk management.
  • Significant experience in successful deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio management.
  • Strong understanding of social finance, social enterprise models, impact measurement, and sustainable business practices.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, relationship and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.
  • Strategic thinker with demonstrated experience in program design, development, and implementation, preferably in the social finance or nonprofit sector.
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and adapt to change in a fast-paced environment.
  • Superior organizational and workload prioritization skills.
  • Proven capacity to coach, mentor and support others to enhance their development, performance and success.
  • Commitment to ECF’s mission and values, with a passion for driving positive social change and supporting underserved communities in Alberta.

If you have all these qualities and would love the opportunity to be part of an organization that truly makes a difference, we’d like to hear from you!

What we Offer 

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and welcome candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We also offer a competitive salary and benefits package, professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment including:

  • A 35-hour standard work week.
  • Extended Health, Dental and Short/Long Term Disability Benefits, Life Insurance and a Health Spending Account.
  • A 9% contribution to our group RRSP.
  • A hybrid work environment where employees have the opportunity to collaborate on site a minimum of 3 days per week with the flexibility to work remotely up to 2 days per week.
  • Vacation starts at three weeks per year.
  • 12 combined personal and sick days.

How to Apply 

We’re excited to partner with Involvi Human Resources! This Edmonton-based firm is assisting us in our search for top talent. To apply, send your cover letter and resume to Recruitment@involvi.ca.

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found; review of applications will begin July 26, 2024.  Apply now to get the jump on a new career!