ABOUT INSIDE OUT

Inside Out is Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQ+ film festival and a year-round cultural organization committed to showcasing queer stories on screen and fostering meaningful connections through film, arts, and culture.
We are seeking a strategic, relationship-focused, and results-oriented leader to guide the organization through its next chapter. The Executive Director (ED) will play a central role in shaping Inside Out’s future, building on its artistic excellence, financial sustainability, and strong community presence.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

· 5 to 7+ years of senior management experience in nonprofit, arts, culture, or related sectors.
· Experience leading people, strategic planning, goal setting, and delivering measurable outcomes.
· Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships.
· Proven experience managing complex budgets and ensuring financial accountability.
· Experience representing organizations compellingly to diverse audiences, media, funders, and community stakeholders.
· Demonstrated understanding of and dedication to 2SLGBTQ+ communities, anti-oppression principles, and inclusive practices.

ASSET QUALIFICATIONS (HIGHLY DESIRED BUT NOT REQUIRED)

· Experience in film/media, arts and culture, or festival leadership.
· Post-secondary education in film/media, arts and culture, or festival leadership.
· Well-connected within the media and/or cultural industries, with the ability to leverage networks to amplify the festival’s profile and impact.

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS

· Collaborative leadership
· Strategic thinking and planning
· Relationship management across diverse stakeholders
· Excellent communication and presentation skills
· Ability to navigate sensitive governance and stakeholder dynamics

THE ROLE

Located in downtown Toronto, this full-time, hybrid position reports to the Board of Directors. The ED is the chief executive and public representative of Inside Out who leads a core team of 9 full-time staff, along with part-time and seasonal employees, and works closely with the Board Chair, senior leadership team, and community stakeholders.
This role requires strong leadership, fundraising, financial management, and programming and community engagement skills, the ability to foster an inclusive and accountable workplace culture, and the capacity to strengthen partnerships with funders, sponsors, and industry collaborators.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

· Lead the execution of Inside Out’s strategic plan, translating vision into measurable outcomes.
· Foster a positive, equitable, and accountable workplace culture.
· Ensure effective governance by maintaining clear communication with the Board Chair and Executive Committee.
· Anticipate and respond to external factors, including funding shifts and evolving community needs.
· Drive all fundraising efforts, including major gifts, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, grants, and individual giving.
· Expand and diversify revenue streams to strengthen sustainability.
· Build and maintain long-term relationships with donors, funders, and industry partners.
· Oversee an annual operating budget with a focus on fiscal responsibility, transparency, and compliance.
· Ensure timely financial reporting, risk management, and strong internal controls in collaboration with senior administrative leadership.
· Manage the stewardship of surpluses, aligned with budget projections.
· Partner with the Programming team to support the delivery of high-quality festival and year-round events.
· Advocate for diversity, accessibility, and representation in all programming decisions.
· Strengthen industry and community partnerships locally, nationally, and Support internationally.
· Serve as the primary spokesperson for Inside Out to media, funders, and the public.
· Represent the organization at key community and industry events, both in Canada and abroad.