About Windmill Microlending:

Windmill Microlending is a registered Canadian charity that empowers skilled immigrants and refugees by offering affordable loans, coaching and mentorship to restart their careers in Canada. Since 2005, we have provided over 15,000 loans, helping newcomers triple their incomes.

We are proud to be Great Place to Work certified, boasting an 85%+ average employee engagement score driven by a culture of inclusivity, exceptional teamwork and strong leadership.

The role:

Windmill's national Partnerships Team is tasked with growing a network of external partners that help to grow our loan applications from skilled newcomers across the country. Partners are essential to Windmill’s client acquisition strategy, and we are proud to have developed successful referral partnerships with educational institutions, settlement agencies, professional associations and corporations that refer hundreds of Windmill clients each year. Windmill’s partnership network is essential for building awareness and support for Windmill among key referral communities.

The Partnership Specialist, reporting directly to the Associate Director of Partnerships, will be a key member of the partnership team. This role will be responsible for growing current relationships and establishing new ones to ensure Windmill can meet its objective of supporting many more skilled immigrants each year.

This work will include executing Windmill’s ongoing strategic partnership plan – establishing and grow a referral network of immigrant-serving organizations, learning institutions, regulatory bodies, professional associations, and ethno- and occupation-specific groups. While there is a geographic focus on Eastern Canada (ON, NS, NB, NFL), the position will also represent Windmill nationally and will work collaboratively with the Partnership Team to build referral networks across the country.

Key responsibilities:

Partnership Generation and Development (80%) Actively connect with referring organizations for prospective loan applicants: Seek out, schedule, and deliver information sessions and/or career planning workshops (in person or virtually) to groups of prospective loan applicants. Seek out and participate in education fairs and industry and community events likely to attract prospective applicants and/or improve Windmill’s community standing with our referral network. Keep abreast of the immigrant sector, licensing and training needs and labour market trends to ensure effective targeting of prospective loan applicants. Collaborate closely with Windmill's Marketing and Communications teams to develop marketing materials, digital campaigns, media initiatives, and community engagement activities that increase awareness of Windmill's programs and services. Maintain and strengthen existing relationships with referral partners and cultivate new partnerships aligned with Windmill’s mission and vision. Foster knowledgeability and comfort with Windmill’s loan program amongst organizations in a position to refer eligible immigrants. Solicit information about partners’ programs and resources to strengthen the knowledge and responsiveness of Windmill staff in their work with clients. Deliver presentations, information sessions, and webinars to prospective and existing partners to build awareness, strengthen relationships, and drive referrals.

Administration (20%) Coordinate with Marketing, Communications, and Development teams to maintain and enhance promotional materials and ensure consistent messaging across partnership initiatives. Maintain the integrity of the partnership CRM and database, ensuring accurate, current, and well-organized records of partner contacts, activities, and engagement. Produce basic statistical analysis and reports for the management and leadership team as requested. Provide administrative support to the Partnerships team, including coordinating logistics, ordering marketing materials, maintaining records, and supporting partnership activities and events.

Competencies and Characteristics Skillful and engaging presenter in English, comfortable speaking to audiences of all sizes at varying stages of the immigration process. Familiar with and motivated to help immigrants succeed; experience addressing the labour market integration challenges faced by internationally trained immigrants. Proven ability to achieve results and meet deadlines; has strong organizational and problem-solving skills; has a high-energy, self-motivated approach and entrepreneurial attitude. Excellent people skills; experienced in collaborating in a multi-disciplinary, diverse and dynamic team nationwide. Demonstrated resourcefulness in setting priorities and proposing new ways of creating efficiencies. Professionalism in all aspects of work, including writing and in-person communications, with superior attention to detail.

Qualifications and Knowledge: Three to five years’ outreach, sales, or public relations experience; post-secondary education in this area is considered an asset. Project management software and CRM experience Comfortable using common digital media platforms for marketing and outreach. The ability to communicate in French is an asset.

Compensation and benefits: Starting salary range $60,000-$65,000 annually, based on skills and experience required for the role One-year contract, with the possibility of extension Full-time position, 40 hours/week Hybrid work solution with a minimum two (2) days in the office Position available in Toronto, ON or remote on the East Coast of Canada Three weeks’ vacation, plus a company-wide winter break Benefits plan – medical, dental, short & long-term disability, and life insurance Annual Wellness Budget to support personal well-being Evolving DEI initiatives – our staff is representative of our client base

How to apply:

Please submit, in confidence, your résumé, and cover letter that sets out your interest in the role and highlights your relevant experience. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. We thank all candidates in advance. However, we will only contact those selected for an interview.

Windmill Microlending is an equal-opportunity employer. Adhering to Canada’s Human Rights Act, Windmill grants equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

As an active participant in the Federal Government’s 50/30 Challenge, we are committed to building a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant economic future for Canadians by attaining gender parity and significant representation of underrepresented groups on our board and in senior management positions.