Building on the successful model of the Volunteer Consulting Group (VCG) at the University of Toronto, Endeavour Volunteer Consulting for Non-Profits (Endeavour) was founded in 2007 to bring together skilled volunteers to provide pro-bono consulting services to non-profit organizations in Toronto and the surrounding regions.

Endeavour is currently led by eight executives and two advisors. The Executive Team is made up of University of Toronto MBA, business and engineering graduates currently working in the consulting, investment, IT and telecommunications industries (representing Deloitte Consulting, Accenture, Hugessen Consulting, Satov Consultants, RBC Asset Management, Middlefield Capital, Microsoft and TELUS). The advisors to the executive and consulting teams bring their expertise from their professional experiences at the Rotman School of Management, Accenture, TELUS and private consulting.

Pilot Project

We are currently looking for skilled, committed and enthusiastic volunteers to participate in our pilot project beginning in October 2007. The projects last from three to six months depending on the client’s needs. As a volunteer, you will have the opportunity to work in a small team on one of the following consulting projects:

• A fundraising strategy for a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting public awareness of children’s mental health and wellness issues
• The development of a tool kit for a rural council to advocate the importance of youth councils to rural municipal governments
• A sustainability strategy for an Internet café used by youth living in a Toronto Community Housing building
• A fundraising strategy and organization design to ensure sustainable growth for a youth coalition working on developing programs to engage youth

Each consulting team is composed of four consultants led by an engagement manager. Support will be provided to the consulting teams through an orientation session, feedback from advisors, and an online resource centre. The engagement manager is responsible for leading the consulting project, including managing the relationship between the team and the client, and consulting with the advisor. The consultants are responsible for project work. As an engagement manager or consultant, you will participate in:

• An orientation session for volunteers
• Client meetings
• Research, analysis and recommendations
• Presentations to the advisors and client
• Sharing your experience
• Providing feedback

Benefits

Using your skills and knowledge to give back to the community can be an extremely meaningful and rewarding experience. As a volunteer with Endeavour, you will have the opportunity to:

• Work with and develop friendships with like-minded individuals
• Network with and learn from consultants, industry professionals, and community leaders
• Gain exposure to different areas of work and discover potential career paths
• Gain consulting experience
• Develop and strengthen your skills
• Help a new organization grow
• Volunteer on a flexible schedule

Non-profit or consulting experience is not required. If you fit the profile below, we encourage you to apply. Endeavour is dedicated to providing a high quality experience for both our non-profit clients and volunteers, and will evaluate the results of the pilot project. Volunteers are expected to commit 5-10 hours per week, and to commute for team and client meetings. Please ensure that you will be available, committed and an active volunteer for the entire duration of the consulting engagement before applying.

Engagement Managers:
MBA student, experienced professional or relevant non-profit/consulting experience

Consultants:
Undergraduate/graduate student, new graduate, or working professional

Engagement Managers & Consultants:

• Enthusiasm for working with non-profit organizations
• Full commitment for the entire length of the consulting engagement (5-10 hours per week for 3-6 months)
• Strong communication, presentation, interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Professionalism
• Strong time management skills

Please follow these steps to submit your APPLICATION FORM and RESUME for a volunteer position:

1. Download and complete all fields in all five sections of the volunteer application form
2. Rename your completed application form to include your name and the position you are applying for (e.g. 2007 Volunteer Application Form John Doe Consultant.doc)
3. Email your COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM and RESUME to volunteer@endeavourvolunteer.ca with your name and the position you are applying for in the subject line (e.g. John Doe, Consultant)

Application Deadline: Friday, August 31, 2007

Qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview. Interviews take place in mid-September. An orientation for volunteers will be held in late September.