Join Our Team

Position

Strategic Partnerships Lead

‍

Type

• Full-time
• 24-36 Month Contract (with opportunity to transition roles based on completion of projects)

‍

Hours

• Standard 8 am - 4 pm
• Potential of evenings and weekends (strong flexibility required)
• Will vary from week to week

‍

Location

• 175 Longwood Road South, Hamilton, ON
• Anticipated to spend less than 30% at work station, majority of time spent in the community of Hamilton and Burlington developing partnerships

‍

Compensation

$60,000 - $80,000

‍

Reports To

Director of Strategy and Revenue

‍

About the HBSPCA

For 138 years, the Hamilton/Burlington SPCA (HBSPCA) has been a cornerstone of animal welfare in our region. As one of only three Humane Canada Accredited animal welfare organizations in Canada, we care for more than 25,000 animals annually and work every day to strengthen the bond between people and animals in our community. Our vision — the Pet-First Campus and Unleash Love Capital Campaign — reflects our commitment to building Canada's first integrated Animal Wellness Hub, and the energy behind it starts with our people. Learn more at hbspca.com.

‍

The Position

The HBSPCA is entering a pivotal phase of growth with the development of a new, state-of-the-art animal care and community facility.

This role is not traditional fundraising.

We are seeking a Strategic Partnership Lead to build and steward meaningful, long-term partnerships that support both the capital development of the new facility and its ongoing operations and community impact.

This is an opportunity to shape how organizations, brands, and community partners show up in a space dedicated to animal welfare, education, and connection.

HBSPCA is seeking a Strategic Partnerships Lead - a relationship-builder, problem-solver, strategic thinker, and closer who is passionate about connecting purpose with opportunity. This role is not traditional fundraising. It’s about creating solutions-based partnerships that drive meaningful investment (typically $100K+) in HBSPCA’s capital and community priorities.

The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, creative, and confident, comfortable navigating high-level discussions, structuring mutually beneficial partnerships, and creating and stewarding long-term relationships from introduction to signed agreement.

‍

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Development

• Identify and engage aligned corporate, local, and national partners
• Build and manage a qualified pipeline of partnership opportunities
• Develop tailored proposals that connect partner goals with HBSPCA’s mission and programs

Strategic Alignment

• Position the new facility as a platform for impact, visibility, and community engagement
• Collaborate internally to align partnerships with capital campaign priorities and operational needs
• Integrate partners into programs, spaces, and experiences within the new facility

Revenue & Growth

• Secure financial and in-kind contributions supporting both capital (build phase) and GIK (ongoing operations)
• Structure multi-year agreements that ensure sustainable support

Relationship Management

• Steward partner relationships with a high level of integrity and care
• Ensure partners receive meaningful engagement, visibility, and impact reporting
• Identify opportunities to deepen and expand partnerships over time

Collaboration

• Work closely with fundraising, marketing, and leadership teams
• Contribute to partnership strategy, pricing, and offering development (e.g., naming rights, program sponsorships, experiential activations)

‍

Skills & Qualifications:

• 5+years in business development, partnerships, or relationship-driven sales(nonprofit, agency, or corporate experience welcomed).
• Proven success managing complex deals or partnerships of $100K+.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong organization and CRM discipline (Raisers Edge or similar).
• Proficient in tools such as Canva and AI platforms to create compelling partnership materials, presentations, and outreach.
• Strategic mindset with creative problem-solving abilities.
• A self-starter who is comfortable taking initiative, setting priorities, and following through.
• Emotional intelligence and compassion able to collaborate respectfully with partners, staff, volunteers, and donors.
• Access to a reliable vehicle

‍

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about community impact and animal welfare.
• Curious, innovative, and solutions-focused.
• Confident yet flexible to be able to listen deeply and adapt approaches.
• Empathetic leader who balances results with relationship care.
• Self manager that works autonomously with limited supervision and clear objectives

‍

How To Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter detailing their qualifications and passion for the role to careers@hbspca.com. Please include "Strategic Partnerships Lead" in the subject line.

Please be aware that once you submit your resume or application, your information will be retained for 5 years as per Ministry of Labour Employment requirements 2025. If you are selected for an interview, your information will also be kept on file that you either were interviewed and declined or interviewed and selected. This is also a requirement of the Ministry of Labour to maintain a list of all candidates that applied for the role even if they are not hired. Finally, we do not use AI technology to review, assess and select candidates as of July 1, 2025. Only those selected will be contacted for an interview.

‍

Interview Process

1. Initial Screening Call
2. Take Home Assessment
3. Virtual Interview
4. Final Assessment with CEO & President

‍

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The HBSPCA is an equal opportunity employer that actively supports diversity, equity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and lived experiences. If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please contact your interview lead for assistance.