About Pillar

Pillar Nonprofit Network strengthens individuals, organizations and enterprises invested in positive community impact.

Our 2021-2023 Strategic Action Plan highlights our intention to address the root causes of complex issues through collective action, a commitment to self-reflection and radically changing the way we engage with people living on the margins.

Pillar is committed to diversity and encourages applications from people who are Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQ+, women, persons with disabilities, and other historically excluded, equity-deserving groups.

Pillar Nonprofit Network was voted one of London’s best places to work by London Inc. magazine! Hear from our Executive Director, Mojdeh Cox on her journey to joining Pillar.

Position: Impact Consulting Associate, Social Enterprise

Role & Responsibilities

About the role:

Pillar Nonprofit Network is seeking an Associate, Social Enterprise to support its growing Impact Consulting practice. 

As a program of Pillar Nonprofit Network, Impact Consulting shares the mission and objectives of Pillar. Impact Consulting uses a variety of approaches, tools and resources to strengthen the capacity of individuals and organizations to develop innovative solutions to complex problems, advance their social purpose and generate greater impact. Impact Consulting is a small, entrepreneurial team within Pillar that creates impact for our clients and supports the financial sustainability of our charity.

Areas of focus for Impact Consulting include:

• Equity & Inclusion: Working at leadership levels to develop and deliver action-based strategies, training and success measurements. 

• Board Governance: Helping create stronger, more responsible, and more confident boards of nonprofits. 

• Social Enterprise: Supporting organizations in developing and scaling sustainable revenue generating social impact initiatives

• Social Innovation Spaces: Transforming real estate into social innovation spaces and projects to grow community ecosystems.

Our Approach to Social Enterprise

We define social enterprise as organizations that seek to create social and environmental impact while generating significant income through the sale of a service/product. Our broad definition includes social enterprises of many different forms, including non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, partnerships, and cooperatives to name a few. Impact Consulting also supports the transformation and development of public and private spaces that create social and environmental impact. This includes affordable/social housing, coworking spaces, community centres, and other real-estate based social innovation projects.

Responsibilities

The Associate, Social Enterprise, will be responsible for leading and supporting client projects as assigned by the Manager of Impact Consulting. The Associate will play a key role in developing business plans and financial models, delivering related consulting services and prospecting new clients to grow Impact Consulting. The role will include:

• Facilitation (10% of time)

  • Facilitate strategic discussions with leaders related to sustainability, social enterprise and revenue generation

  • Host Design Jams, Board of Director presentations, social enterprise workshops and related sessions

  • Support preparation and ongoing revision of social enterprise/social innovation learning and development programs

• Consulting Services (50% of time)

  • Develop financial models including but not limited to cash flow analysis, income statements, pro-forma projections, asset management, financing structure and other related financial analysis

  • Develop business plans related to social enterprises and social impact spaces

  • Conduct market research (primary and secondary) on relevant industries, geographies, markets and models of success

  • Support clients through investment readiness documentation and processes to secure project financing

  • Ongoing coaching with clients to support actionable business plan commitments

• Prospecting (30% of time)

  • Use prospecting and research tools to identify new leads based on Impact Consulting growth strategy

  • Develop targeted campaigns (email, phone, social media, events) to attract leads and convert into qualified prospects

  • Track and manage business development opportunities within CRM tool

  • Work with Impact Consulting team to implement business development strategy, identify qualified leads, and meet sales targets

• Organizational Alignment (10% of time)
  • Attend Pillar team meetings, professional development opportunities and other activities
  • Consider alignment between consulting activities and Pillar’s overall strategy and network
  • Support Pillar’s other programming and revenue targets, such as membership, Innovation Works co-tenancy, events, etc.

Job Skills, Knowledge, and Strengths

Skills and Qualifications

• 2+ years financial modelling and business strategy

• Post-secondary degree or equivalent experience

• Demonstrated experience developing formal business plans and financial models; experience preparing documentation for financing/funding an asset

• Strong understanding of business modelling, and financial modelling required; relevant experience with social enterprises and/or nonprofits a strong asset

• Experience and understanding of social finance and social impact real estate considered a strong asset

• Experience facilitating small and large groups through strategic discussions

• Skillful connector with previous prospecting/sales experience

• Experience building relationships with leadership teams considered a strong asset 

• Familiar with managing prospects and sales process in CRMs; direct experience with CiviCRM considered an asset

• Comfort with independent management of work and tasks

• Ability to align work with team and organizational priorities

• Proficiency in G Suite (Google Apps), Microsoft Office, communications platforms (social media), and graphics software (e.g. Canva) is helpful

• Knowledge of the impact sector, particularly board governance, systems change and/or equity and inclusion, is an asset but not required

Contribution to an equitable, inclusive, and anti-oppressive workspace:

• Demonstrates respect for people from all backgrounds

• Looks for the voices present and missing from projects and organizations, and seeks to fill the gaps

• Suspends judgment and challenges self and others to confront their assumptions and conscious and unconscious biases

• Committed to learning anti-oppressive practices, taking action, and holding self and others accountable

Work Environment

Work Terms

• Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

  • Flexible hours, with occasional evening and weekend work required

• Reports ?to:  Julie Forrester - Manager, Impact Consulting

• Contract: 18 months with potential to extend

• Access to Pillar's Learning & Development program, when possible

• Based at Innovation Works (201 King Street), with return to work in accordance with the Province of Ontario’s reopening plan

How to Apply:

• Please submit resume and cover letter to career@pillarnonprofit.ca by Wednesday, October 6, 5:00pm EST. No applications received after the deadline will be considered.

• Please reference "Social Enterprise Associate, Impact Consulting" in the subject line of your email.

Please note: 

Pillar thanks all applicants in advance. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment, selection processes and work environment in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Working with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.

Pillar acknowledges that posting job salaries signals a deep commitment to equity and transparency. Like many in the impact sector who share these values, we are in the process of the internal work necessary to align with these commitments.

If you have any questions about this posting please email career@pillarnonprofit.ca and reference "Social Enterprise Associate" in the subject line.