Funding Development Associate

Job Description

Spoken Culture is a London-based arts and culture platform producing live poetry experiences, community programming, and artist development initiatives across Ontario. We create spaces where writers, spoken word artists, and audiences connect through performance, storytelling, and shared cultural expression. Our flagship initiatives include:

• The Black History Slam (annual production)


• The Poet Chronicles (collaborative poetry media series)


• The Spoken Culture Artist Roster Directory (launching Spring 2026)


• Draft Society Networking Events (Spring and Fall)

As we grow, we are building sustainable infrastructure to support long-term artistic impact. You can learn more about us at www.spokenculture.com.

The Funding Development Associate will play a central role in strengthening the long-term sustainability of Spoken Culture. We are seeking a strategic thinker who can identify funding opportunities, support proposal development, and help position Spoken Culture for growth at the municipal, provincial, and national levels. This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the growth of a dynamic arts organization while gaining high-level development experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Research relevant grant and funding opportunities (arts councils, foundations, municipal and provincial streams)


• Lead or co-draft grant proposals and funding applications


• Assist in developing sponsorship and funding decksTrack funding deadlines, reporting requirements, and deliverables


• Contribute to long-term funding strategy and sustainability planning


• Support impact language and positioning for public-facing materials

Eligibility

• Has demonstrated experience in grant writing, fundraising, or development (nonprofit, arts, or community sector preferred)


• Has a strong understanding of funding landscapes (municipal, provincial, federal, or foundation-based)


• Writes clearly, persuasively, and strategically


• Is detail-oriented and deadline-driven


• Can think both operationally and strategically about organizational growth


• Is aligned with Spoken Culture’s mission to build sustainable infrastructure for poetry and live arts


• Experience securing funding for arts, cultural, or community initiatives is a strong asset


• This role requires professionalism, discretion, and the ability to represent Spoken Culture in formal funding contexts

Why should you volunteer for this opportunity?

• Strategic leadership experience within a growing cultural organization


• Portfolio-building experience tied to real productions and initiatives


• Direct impact on the sustainability of Black-led and community-driven arts programming


• Opportunities to shape the long-term growth of Spoken Culture

Please submit a resume and cover letter to info.spokenculture@gmail.com with the subject line: Funding Development Associate. Deadline: 25th March, 2026.