Project Director, 50th Anniversary

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BACKGROUND

The 519 is seeking a dynamic and strategic Project Director, 50^th Anniversary with a passion for community, celebration, and driving impact.
In this pivotal role, you will spearhead an extraordinary milestone in our organization’s history. You will lead cross-organizational efforts to create unforgettable events, engaging programs, and meaningful storytelling initiatives that honor our past and propel us into the future. If you thrive in fast-paced environments, excel at managing high-profile projects, and are committed to making a lasting difference for 2SLGBTQ+ communities, we want to hear from you.

A proud City of Toronto Agency and Canada’s largest 2SLGBTQ+-serving organization, The 519 is celebrating its 50^th anniversary in 2026. This year-long project will honour our history and the communities we serve, work to advance the rights of 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and build stronger awareness of The 519 and our organizational impact, further positioning The 519 as a leading 2SLGBTQ+ organization and charity of choice.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Working closely with The 519’s Senior Leadership Team, staff, board, volunteers and organizational partners, this role will be responsible for the overall development and implementation of The 519’s 50^th anniversary project, driving four key branches of work:

• Developing the project framework and plan in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team, including the Board of Management. With the support of an external consultant firm, develop a cohesive look, feel, and narrative frame for the 50^th anniversary that positions The 519 at the centre of Toronto’s 2SLGBTQ history, community, and future.
• Integrating the 50^th anniversary into existing programs and events, including leveraging existing signature events such as Green Space Festival and The 519’s annual gala, and supporting the development of activations and engagements within existing programs and services.
• Developing new engagement opportunities for broader 2SLGBTQ+ communities that raise the profile of The 519 and build stronger affinity for The 519. This includes large-scale events and parties, community-based arts projects, mid-scale community gatherings and securing recognition opportunities for The 519.
• Overseeing a community-based storytelling project that highlights the history of The 519 through archival work, key informant interviews, partnership development, and opportunities for the broader community to share their memories.

In addition, this role will provide vital support to The 519’s Philanthropy Department, leveraging the 50^th anniversary as an opportunity to power our work through highlighting our impact over the decades to new and existing donors.

The Project Director, 50^th Anniversary role requires a creative, detailed results-oriented individual with highly developed relationship and project management skills and who has a proven ability to think strategically and work independently. The successful candidate will draw on their extensive experience in project and events management/development. Strong organization, project management, and understanding of event operations will be crucial to this role.

This exciting and challenging role requires a deep understanding of local 2SLGBTQ+ communities and political dynamics. This role will work closely with a ride range of stakeholders and relevant community partners. Experience with networking, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement will be essential to this role.  

The Project Director, 50^th Anniversary will report to the Director, Advocacy & Strategic Communications, and will be an active member of The 519’s Senior Leadership Team. This includes engagement in cross organizational projects, ensuring our work aligns with our strategic goals and guiding principles; supporting internal capacity building efforts and encouraging staff to engage in training, professional development, employee resource groups and fostering inter-team collaboration. Senior management experience, effective communication and teamwork skills are important aspects of this role.