Executive Director - Capital Rainbow Refuge / Refuge arc-en-ciel de la capitale
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Remote, must be based in the Ottawa area.
Capital Rainbow Refuge (CRR) is a small registered non-profit organization founded in 2010 to support and sponsor lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) refugees. We are dedicated to providing safe haven for refugees who are fleeing persecution due to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or HIV+status. Through volunteer-led sponsor groups, advocacy, community building and outreach, we help LGBTQI+ refugees and newcomers arrive and thrive in Eastern Ontario.
CRR is looking to hire a new full time Executive Director to support its growth and transition to becoming a fully for and by LGBTQI+ newcomer organization. This position is reserved for a LGBTQI+ individual with lived experience of migration to Canada. The successful candidate will work closely and collaboratively with the current Executive Director for up to 6 months to help support a smooth onboarding and succession, thoughtful transition and documentation and time for leadership development.
Summary
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is a skilled, visionary, results-oriented, highly organized, and passionate individual who will continue to advance and lead CRR’s impact, reach and sustainability. This role is best suited for someone who is empathetic and strategic, comfortable with ambiguity, and who can calmly lead and prioritize through challenges and competing priorities.
The Executive Director oversees all aspects of CRR’s operations, strategy, and growth. The ED leads the organization while ensuring that the community served receives support, respect and care reflecting the mission and values of CRR. They are responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of CRR’s strategic plan, managing resources, leading a small team, and fostering a positive and inclusive environment. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to advance the organization's impact and sustainability. As a small organization with grassroots history that is poised for growth – including charitable status – the Executive Director is someone who is excited to learn and jump-in where needed, supporting the team to advance CRR’s strategy and mission.
Areas of Responsibility
Mission and Strategy
- Execute CRR’s strategy in alignment with the vision and strategic plan set forth by the Board of Directors;
- Monitor, report on and evaluate progress toward strategic objectives, adjusting as needed;
- Communicating and interpreting board policy decisions and implementing them with the team;
- Seek strategic opportunities to expand CRR's sponsorship, services and reach, identifying potential areas for growth and improvement;
Project and Program Management
- Cultivate successful programs and projects that align with CRR’s brand, mission and community needs;
- Grow CRR’s sponsorship work, identifying groups and stewarding additional sponsorship opportunities;
- Manage existing projects and grants effectively, identifying and deploying appropriate resources and ensuring their success;
- Seek opportunities for strategic funding for CRR, leading grant applications;
- Manage CRR’s grant reporting schedule, relationships with funders and project partners to ensure successful projects.
Financial Management
- Oversee and manage budgeting, financial planning, and fundraising efforts to ensure the organization's financial health and sustainability;
- Cultivate relationships with donors, sponsors, and other funding sources to secure financial support;
- Ensure transparent financial reporting and compliance with funders, and relevant non profit and charitable laws and requirements;
- Help develop and provide financial analysis and recommendations for programs and funding efforts.
HR and Team Leadership
- Lead and manage a small team of staff who may have lived experiences of migration and assist them in performing their roles as well as developing their careers;
- Maintain and model a supportive team culture that values collaboration, gratitude, excellence and growth;
- Set performance expectations and conduct evaluations for staff, providing mentorship and support to help them in their careers;
- Drive staff development by encouraging and fostering continuous improvement and professional and personal development opportunities;
- Encourage and model diversity, equity and inclusivity in the team culture, fostering a culture of belonging where people are respected, contributing to their fullest potential, growing and valued;
- Support Board development by promoting retention and training.
Governance and Compliance
- Maintain effective working relationships with the Board characterized by open communication, respect and trust;
- Support Board development and training opportunities, where possible;
- Participate in various Board Committees and monthly Board meetings, supporting good governance practices and helping to identify and operationalize CRR’s work;
- Foster transparency by implementing effective processes to ensure that monthly reports are prepared in advance of Board meetings.
External Relationships, Communications and Advocacy
- Build awareness, recognition and support of CRR and its objectives to multiple stakeholders, including governments, media and the general public;
- Implement initiatives to expand our community presence and participation in events;
- Build strong connections and communication with stakeholders, partners, volunteers and the communities we serve;
- Represent CRR to clients, funders, media and stakeholders;
- Enhance marketing and communications strategy and implementation to grow CRR’s reputation, reach and engagement in the mission;
- Collaborate with key funders and related organizations to enhance CRR’s impact.
Qualifications
We believe in growth and curiosity, in addition to experience. If you have some of the qualifications listed below, are interested in growing, and believe this is the position that will make you excited to come to work every day, then we want to hear from you!
- A Bachelor's degree; advanced degree preferred;
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English;
- At least 3 years of progressive leadership experience, preferably in a not-for-profit or charitable organization;
- Demonstrated leadership, analytical, decision-making and problem-solving skills;
- Board governance and community engagement experience, ideally in a registered charity;
- Experience leading or participating in strategic and annual operational planning to improve and challenge the vision, mission and mandate of an organization;
- Strong financial management skills, including budgeting and fundraising;
- Management and supervisory skills, ability to motivate and lead the growth and development of teams;
- Excellent networking skills and strong public engagement history and interpersonal abilities, with the capacity to build partnerships and engage stakeholders effectively;
- Strong project management, report writing and grant application experience;
- Ability to work under pressure, balancing and prioritizing competing work demands;
- Change-management ability especially related to developing and enhancing program operations;
- Commitment and passion for CRR’s mission and values;
- Demonstrates knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of anti-oppression and gender equity frameworks and a willingness to learn;
- A passion for and dedication to making a positive, meaningful impact on the lives of refugees and newcomers in their communities and future;
- An entrepreneurial spirit that leads with vulnerability and the willingness to be hands-on;
- Fluency in French and other languages is an asset;
- Experience and familiarity with Canada’s refugee sponsorship system is an asset;
- Familiarity with the resources available for newcomers and LGBTQI+ communities in Eastern Ontario is an asset.