Relationship Manager

Start Proud aims to connect LGBTQ+ students with employers, while promoting the development of LGBTQ+ professionals, and celebrating the achievements and service of those in the community.

We facilitate the professional development of LGBTQ+ students as they transition from school to career in order to build a national network within the community. Our vision is to empower members of the LGBTQ+ community to be Canada’s leaders of tomorrow, where all institutions embrace inclusiveness within the workplace and diversity within the workforce.

Overview

Start Proud is seeking a dedicated and strategic Relationship Manager to join our Corporate Relations team. In this role, you will strategically design, execute, and scale corporate partner relationships to deliver high-impact value to partner firms while empowering 2SLGBTQIA+ students and young professionals across Canada. This is an excellent volunteer opportunity for professionals seeking to expand their network, build stakeholder management experience, and drive meaningful equity and inclusion initiatives across Canada's professional landscape.

Responsibilities

• Partnership Development: Identify, target, and cultivate high-value corporate partnerships across key and new focus areas (i.e., Finance, Consulting, STEM/Life Sciences, Healthcare, Creative Industries & Media, Social Sciences, etc.)

• Sector-Specific Expansion: Proactively identify and engage prospective corporate sponsors, industry associations, and student groups within your designated focus area

• Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for external corporate partners, aligning institutional EDI goals with Start Proud’s strategic offerings

• Agreements & Proposal Delivery: Support the drafting and delivery of partnership proposals, sponsorship agreements, and custom partnership packages

Requirements

• Early-to-mid career professionals, graduate students, or experienced volunteers in business development, stakeholder relationships, or account management

• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple partners simultaneously

• Comfortable working collaboratively across teams and stakeholders

• Passion for Start Proud’s mission and commitment to fostering inclusive communities

• Domain Expertise: Professional experience or academic background in at least one of Start Proud’s focus sectors:

  • Finance & Professional Services (e.g., Banking, Consulting, Accounting)

  • STEM & Life Sciences (e.g., Biotech, Pharma, Health Research, Engineering)

  • Healthcare & Public Health Systems

  • Creative Industries, Social Sciences & Public Policy

What You Will Gain

• Direct exposure to major Canadian corporate partners and firms

• Hands-on experience in corporate sponsorship sales, business development, and stakeholder management

• Direct involvement in creating inclusive corporate spaces and supporting students entering the workforce

• An opportunity to build your network with Start Proud’s community

Expectations

• ~5-10 hours per month

• Mandatory attendance at team meetings

How to Apply

Please submit your resume via the link above. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Candidates from the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or are otherwise marginalized on the grounds of gender expression, gender identity and/or sexual orientation are strongly encouraged to apply. Lived experience as a member of any equity-deserving community is considered a strong asset.

We’re committed to providing accommodations throughout the application, interview, and employment process. If you require accommodation to be at your best, please let us know during the application process.