Community Giving Volunteer – Prospecting & Pride Preparation (Toronto)

Community Giving Volunteer – Prospecting & Pride Preparation (Toronto)

About Rainbow Railroad

Rainbow Railroad is a global charitable organization that envisions a world where LGBTQI+ people are free to live with dignity and without fear of persecution based on their sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics. With the support of partners across the globe, we collaborate to champion the right of LGBTQI+ people toward access to justice, peace, economic stability, and the facility to actualise their dreams. Our mission is to help at-risk LGBTQI+ people to safety and to create a sense of home and belonging in their community. Our work has become increasingly critical at a time when there are more displaced people than ever before and where the rights of LGBTQI+ people continue to be threatened by homophobic, transphobic, and queerphobic countries and cultures. Since 2006, we have rallied the support of human rights defenders, governments, donors, volunteers, agencies and organizations, and people with lived refugee expertise to assist over 13,000 LGBTQI+ individuals find safety through multiple relocation pathways and other forms of assistance. As we continue to grow, we remain steadfast in our commitment to the queer liberation movement and its transformative impact on people’s quality of life.

Rainbow Railroad is a USA 501(c)(3) organization and a registered Canadian charity with offices in New York and Toronto.

THE VOLUNTEER ROLE

Rainbow Railroad is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to assist with administrative tasks in preparation for an upcoming fundraising campaign. This contracted role will focus on influencer and celebrity prospect research, exploring international LGBT events for potential partnership opportunities, and data entry in Rainbow Railroad’s case management system, SalesForce.

The position can be performed remotely in the U.S. or Canada, or onsite in our Toronto office for ~5hrs a week, once a week.

VOLUNTEER DUTIES

• Conduct thorough research to identify potential influencers and celebrities who align with Rainbow Railroad’s mission.
• Evaluate their past involvement in similar fundraising efforts or LGBTQ+ advocacy.
• Compile a detailed list of prospects, including relevant contact information and notes on their engagement potential.
• Research international LGBT events that present partnership opportunities, including festivals, conferences, and pride events.
• Document findings in a clear and organized manner to support fundraising strategy.
• Enter and update records in SalesForce, ensuring the accuracy of contact information and details.
• Maintain organized data sets for easy access and future reference.
• Assist with any additional administrative tasks as needed.

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be punctual for your volunteer duty or shift;
• Be reliable and responsible;
• Communicate any issues or concerns which are likely to affect your volunteer duties;
• Do your duties as assigned and directed;
• Accept guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator or supervisor;
• Be willing to learn and participate in orientation, training programs, and meetings;
• Understand the role of the paid staff, maintain a smooth working relationship with them and stay within the bounds of the volunteer role;
• Keep sensitive organizational information confidential;
• Comply with the policies and procedures of the organization.

YOUR QUALIFICATIONS

Personal Skills

A positive, collaborative, and can-do attitude is required to serve and lead in this high-skilled volunteer role. We’re looking for skilled volunteers with experience in the following areas:

• Strong research skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with data entry and familiarity with SalesForce or similar CRM platforms.
• Flexibility, creativity, thinking out of the box
• Proficiency in English; additional language is an asset
• The capacity to inspire and motivate others
• Experience working across different teams and developing links with other groups
• Can work effectively and flexibly in a highly diverse environment, experienced in an international/ multilingual setting.

Requirements

• High-functioning critical thinking, problem-solving and system evaluation skills
• Superb attention to detail and a sound, logical approach to managing tasks and projects.
• Ability to troubleshoot systems issues and independently identify and test new processes
• Ability to work effectively and exercise good judgment with all levels of volunteers, staff, committee members, donors, partner, and the general public
• Strong team player who is customer-service oriented and also able to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Able to handle and prioritize multiple requests concurrently, develop individual timelines and meet deadlines
• Sensitivity to LGBTQI+ issues and enthusiasm for Rainbow Railroad’s mission and vision
• Minimum Commitment of 3-6 months.
  • 1-2 morning/afternoon, a week for a total of 5-15 hours a week commitment
• Toronto-based, with in-person participation required for administrative duties.

VOLUNTEER BENEFITS

• In return for your input as a Prospect Research Volunteer, you will benefit from the chance to join an international team of staff and volunteers to deliver a key piece of Rainbow Railroads Fundraising Strategy.
• You will develop new skills and create networks with people from all over the world and all walks of life, which may all be beneficial to your personal and professional life.
• There will be checkpoints and measurements to ensure success, and you will be supported with tools, resources, training, and opportunities for personal development.
• Upon request, we can offer you professional recognition such as a reference/quote on your CV/LinkedIn profile, and last but not least, by volunteering with us you won’t fail to boost your Feel Good Factor.

Length of Role: Minimum 3–12 months

Application Deadline – Feb 28, 2026

Please note that we will be accepting resumes on a rolling basis, so we encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.

Rainbow Railroad is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. This includes diversity in languages spoken, culture, race, sexual orientation and gender identity.

Requests for accommodation due to disability can be made at any stage in the recruitment process.

For inquiries related to these volunteer opportunities, please contact ndavis@rainbowrailroad.org.