Executive Director

Position Title: Executive Director, The Council of Canadians
Location: Ottawa Headquarters (or remotely)
Reports To: The Council Chairperson, Board of Directors
Supervises: All Council Staff (currently 9)
Salary Range: Base annual $110,000 (under review) with a comprehensive benefits package and flexible working conditions.

About The Council of Canadians

Mission — Bring people together through collective action and grassroots organizing to challenge corporate power and advocate for people, the planet and our democracy.

Our Vision — The Council of Canadians believes we all do better when:

Advocate for a society built on democracy, justice and care for each other. We believe we can learn from the perspectives and struggles of others as we work together for a more just world.

• We expand and improve our public services and social programs.
• We ensure access to clean water is a human right and stop water privatization.
• Our governments work for people and not for corporations or the wealthiest 1%.
• Everyone lives with dignity and respect, and systems of oppression such as racism and colonization are dismantled.

Learn more at https://canadians.org

---

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

SUMMARY

Led by and reporting to a very dedicated and committed Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will be a values-based and strategic leader driven to support the mission and priorities of the Council of Canadians.

The Executive Director is responsible for the overall management of the organization, ensuring effective systems for program development, evaluation, and innovation. These programs must meet the strategic objectives of the organization while maintaining a strong financial foundation and priorities established by the Board of Directors.

Possessing proven experience working in a political, NGO, or not-for-profit (or similar) organization, the successful candidate will be able to meet the challenges in supervising a small, multidisciplinary staff who carry out the campaigns and priorities of the organization. A builder, collaborator, and advocate for social justice, the next ED will be passionate about shaping a positive organizational culture.

The ideal candidate will have at least five years’ senior management experience with proven leadership experience. Additionally, they will bring a strong record of effective communications, team development, and compassionate leadership, with a special focus on fundraising, familiarity with external grants, and financial literacy. Their years of relevant management experience will be supported by a post-secondary degree or diploma.

As a visionary and inspirational leader with superior interpersonal and communication skills, the next ED will promote a culture of collaboration, excellence, and continuous improvement.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Human resource management

• Build, lead, and retain an effective and diverse staff team dedicated to the mission of the Council and with the requisite skills to be successful in their work.
• Ensure the Council’s work environment is defined by respect, collegiality, and professionalism, beginning with the ED’s own modelling of these values.
• Utilize tact, discretion, and judgment, including within the Council’s staff and with external partners, allies, and other interested parties.
• Support the resolution of operational issues and ensure harmonious relations across the organization, including the administration of the collective agreement, labour relations, collective bargaining, and staff development.
• Responsible for recruitment and supervision of staff, including hiring, firing, and performance evaluation.

Operations and programs

• Oversees and manages the overall programs and operations of the Council of Canadians, including program planning, implementation, and evaluation.
• Stays connected to Council membership through direct engagement with Chapters, presence at member gatherings, and actively seeking opportunities to cultivate deeper engagement across new and existing Council supporters.

Financial management and revenue generation

• In partnership with the Financial and Administrative staff and Board Treasurer, ensures the organization has a solid financial foundation.
• Collaborates with the Board Treasurer in creating the annual budget for consideration by the Board of Directors.
• Responsible for oversight of the annual audit.
• Responsible for reporting on grant-funded positions, as well as seeking new funding sources.
• Ensures effective risk management and mitigation.
• Responsible for ensuring that ongoing expenditures and revenues are consistent with the annual budget.
• Directs the development of revenue generation strategies and programs, in collaboration with the relevant staff and the Board of Directors, to secure the resources needed to sustain the Council’s mission.

Board liaison

• Provides professional support and policy guidance to the Council’s Board of Directors and carries out Board decisions.
• Attends all meetings (in person and virtual) of the Board, Executive Committee, and general membership, including the Annual Membership Meeting.
• Consults with members of the Executive Committee within their respective areas of responsibility.
• Ensures logistical support and document preparation for all Board and general membership meetings, and drafts agendas with the Chairperson of the Board.

EMPLOYMENT DETAILS

The Council of Canadians is an equal opportunity employer. This is an excluded managerial position.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

The Council of Canadians is committed to employment equity. We seek to build a diverse and welcoming team. We encourage individuals from communities facing systemic barriers to apply, including people of colour, Indigenous people, members of the Black community, women, LGBTQIA2S and people with disabilities.

Only candidates shortlisted for the interview will be contacted, but all applicants can check for updates on the Council’s website at https://canadians.org/jobs

APPLICATIONS

Send your resume, in confidence, to hr@canadians.org . Applications close on May 5, 2025.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.