2025, 'Motherland' at Scavolini Kitchens.

DesignTO Board Member — Chair, Development Committee

Position Focus: Development
Organization: DesignTO
Location: Toronto, Ontario (Primarily virtual, with 1-2 in-person meetings per year)
Commitment: 1 hour per week (including meetings and event participation)

About DesignTO

DesignTO is a charitable arts organization celebrating 16 years of designing a sustainable, just, and joyful future. We curate exhibitions, presentations and educational programming to increase the public’s knowledge and appreciation of design. As Canada’s largest annual design festival, DesignTO has welcomed over 1.2 million attendees, reached 2.6 billion people through media, and showcased 7,500+ artists and designers since 2011. 

Position Overview

We are seeking passionate and strategic individuals to join the DesignTO Board of Directors. As a Board Member, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the festival’s sustainability and driving its charitable purpose forward. Your contributions will include fundraising, governance, strategic oversight, and active involvement on a Committee, with a focus on organizational sustainability and expanding DesignTO’s reach and impact.

Key Responsibilities of the Board

Governance and Oversight

  • Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plans that align with DesignTO’s charitable purpose and vision.
  • Monitor the organization’s progress toward achieving its strategic goals, providing oversight to ensure compliance with legal and financial regulations.
  • Participate in Board meetings, Committee work, and organizational decision-making processes.

Resource Development and Fundraising

  • Identify and secure new donors, sponsors, and strategic partners.
  • Collaborate with the Development Committee to innovate strategies that support the execution of fundraising events and campaigns.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

  • Representing the organization at events.
  • Foster relationships within the design and arts communities, advocating for DesignTO’s programs.
  • Support efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Required Qualifications

Fundraising and Resource Development Experience

  • Demonstrated success in fundraising, sponsorship development, donor cultivation, or revenue generation within charitable organizations, or in arts, design, cultural or entrepreneurial sectors.

Strategic Relationship Building

  • The ability to leverage personal and professional networks to identify, cultivate and steward donors, sponsors, partners and supporters who can contribute to DesignTO’s charitable purpose and long-term sustainability.

Leadership and Committee Experience

  • Experience leading teams, committees, campaigns or strategic initiatives, with the ability to guide discussions, build consensus, and motivate the team toward shared fundraising goals.

Business Development and Partnership Expertise

  • Strong understanding of partnership development, sponsorship acquisition, and relationship management, with the ability to identify opportunities that create mutual value for DesignTO and its partners.

Familiarity with Non-profit or Charitable Sector

  • Ability to think creatively about revenue generation, community engagement and organizational growth while balancing mission impact and financial sustainability.
Preferred Assets (Not Required)

Design and Arts Community Involvement

  • Passion for design and arts communities, with an understanding of the challenges and opportunities within these sectors.
  • Experience working within design and arts organizations.

Cultural and Community Advocacy

  • A commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Experience in community engagement and cultural advocacy.
Personal Attributes
  • Committed to DesignTO’s charitable purpose and the impact of design in culture, community, and the public realm.
  • Collaborative, innovative, and proactive in problem-solving.
  • Skilled at building meaningful connections through clear communication and thoughtful engagement.
Time Commitment
  • Attend 6-8 Board meetings per year (typically 1 hour per meeting).
  • Participate on at least one Board Committee and attend 6-8 Committee meetings a year (typically 1 hour per meeting).
  • Attend 1-on-1 sessions with the Executive Director, sending outreach and introduction emails to warm donor/sponsor prospects (1 hour per month).
  • Attend DesignTO events throughout the year and during the annual January Festival (approx. 10 events per year).
  • Engage in periodic strategic planning sessions. 
Benefits of Serving on the DesignTO Board:
  • Help shape the future of design and culture in Toronto by making a meaningful impact on the city’s creative communities.
  • Play an active role in advancing the growth and long-term vision of one of Canada’s most influential design organizations.
  • Develop valuable, hands-on leadership skills in non-profit governance, strategic planning, and resource development.
  • Champion design excellence, foster creative exchange, and strengthen the cultural landscape.
  • Engage with the creative community through a beloved organization and Festival.
How to Apply

If you are passionate about design, art, and community, and interested in joining a dynamic and forward-thinking Board, we are thrilled to have you apply by clicking the button below. Complete the application form and upload a PDF with your CV and cover letter telling us how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications listed above. We are excited to hear from you! Apply by Friday, July 31, 2026 at 11:59 PM.

Apply

Application Deadline: Friday, July 31, 2026