Manager, Network Initiatives 

The Manager, Network Initiatives is a strategic doer, a self-starter with a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude who thrives in dynamic, evolving environments. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable setting strategy and getting into the details, taking full ownership of projects from start to finish, including budget oversight, communications, and partner and network engagement.

They bring a keen eye for detail and strong sense of ownership to ensure follow-through, strong interpersonal skills that fosters trust and a flexible and solutions-oriented mindset. The Manager is comfortable with ambiguity, adaptability to emergent opportunities, and the ability to guide others through change.

The Manager will contribute to a dynamic portfolio of projects and initiatives that reflect CFC’s evolving priorities and opportunities. This work may include granting programs, learning and capacity-building initiatives, convenings and events, strategic partnerships, and other emerging areas of work across the organization.

As you begin your role as Manager, Network Initiatives, your priority will be supporting the strategic direction and implementation of Free to Play, while contributing to and eventually leading additional initiatives as the portfolio evolves.

Free to Play brings funders, local community foundations, technical partners, and community organizations together around a shared goal: bringing more play back into childhood. 22 community foundations were selected to lead local delivery and help shape the initiative through a consultative, community-responsive approach rooted in local leadership and relationships. Free to Play aims to spark a broader culture shift around outdoor play by connecting organizations, community foundations, funders, and partners to share ideas, learn together, and build energy around this work across Canada.

Currently, the first round of funding is flowing into community. There will be a second intake for certain community foundations in early 2027.

CFC is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, racialized and other underrepresented groups. The salary range for this position is $65,000 to $70,000 per year, commensurate with experience. This role can be based anywhere in Canada. Some travel may be required. Please submit your resume and cover letter by June 16, 2026.

Responsibilities

Project & Budget Management (50%)

• Lead the full implementation of Free to Play, this involves planning, evaluation, stakeholder management, and reporting.
• Take ownership of project timelines, and deliverables, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and appropriately briefing and proactively seeking guidance from the Director, Network Initiatives.
• Take ownership of the project budget monitoring accounts receivable and payable and transaction coding and leading the preparation for quarterly close.
• Take ownership of the project communications, both internal and external, ensuring clarity, transparency, and impact and collaborating with Communications colleagues for high quality products that build the momentum of Free to Play
• Take ownership of the data and systems used to implement projects ensuring information is accurate and updating processes as needed.
• Coordinate across Network Initiatives and with other teams to deliver cohesive and streamlined initiatives.
• Anticipate challenges, adapt to changing circumstances, and bring forward responsive solutions to the Director and Management Team.

Outreach & Engagement (30%)

• Build and sustain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including the network of community foundations.
• Maintain and build partnerships with funders in collaboration and consultation with the Director, Partnerships ensuring CFC meets agreed expectations and strategically goes above and beyond to build the momentum of Free to Play.
• ​​Act as a connector, help surface emerging insights, partnerships, and opportunities that strengthen long-term impact and movement-building efforts.
• Foster clear and impactful relationships with collaborators and third party bench strength to enhance design, delivery, and long-term impact.

Strategy & Planning (10%)

• Provide strategic insights and co-develop financial models and workplans in consultation with the Director, Network Initiatives for new emerging opportunities flagging opportunities and providing solutions-oriented recommendations.
• Ensure projects align with the practices and outcomes of CFC’s emergent strategy, anticipate and adapt to changing contexts.
• Assess risks and design mitigation strategies that strengthen resilience.
• Embed equity considerations into planning and execution.

Other Responsibilities (10%)

• Contribute to CFC’s collaborative culture by supporting colleagues across initiatives with logistical, engagement, communications, and administrative support as needed.
• Act as an ambassador of CFC’s purpose and values in all work.
• Stay informed on emerging conversations, research, and practices related to outdoor play, child development, risk and resilience, and community wellbeing, and integrate relevant insights into project delivery and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Strong written and oral communication skills in English (French preferred)
• 3–5 years of experience in project and budget management, with proven ability to oversee budgets, reporting, and communications.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment with multiple, shifting priorities.
• Familiarity or interest in outdoor play, child development, community wellbeing, or related fields is considered an asset.
• Ability to integrate emerging insights, research, and community knowledge into initiative design, engagement, and implementation.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively across teams with a solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong relationship-building and facilitation skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset and capacity to navigate emergent opportunities.
• Comfort with using technology and systems to effectively deliver initiatives.

Benefits

At CFC, our purpose is to relentlessly pursue a future where everyone belongs. At the centre of this work is a talented, thoughtful and driven team, and we strive to provide the benefits, support and work culture that they and their families need to flourish. Our benefits are regularly reviewed, guided by best practices, and developed with input from our team.

Health and Wellbeing

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Annual RRSP contribution (10% of base salary, unmatched)
• Annual taxable wellness stipend of $300
• 15 paid vacation days
• 15 paid sick/personal days to support sick leave, non-statutory holidays, and well-being days

Flexible Work Environment

• Hybrid and remote work opportunities are available in addition to physical office space in: Ottawa at CFC’s Head Office and SDG Hub, Toronto at Foundation House
• One-time home office setup budget allocation of $500
• Monthly home internet and cell phone stipend of $125 per month
• 4-day work week from July 1 to Labour Day weekend (paid Summer Fridays)

Community and Professional Development

• Annual donation matching of up to $200
• Annual professional development budget of $1000
• Team retreats focused on culture, personal and professional development
• Regular opportunities for continuous learning through full team workshops on topics of relevance to CFC’s work, as well as optional participation in learning opportunities hosted by CFC’s Learning Institute.