The Dam - Executive Director

Reporting to the Board, the Executive Director is a driven, growth-minded leader, energized by the prospect of leading an exciting new chapter at The Dam by honouring its 25 year legacy to build a unique inspired future.

You are an empathetic and community minded leader who genuinely cares about amplifying the voice of youth and will champion The Dam’s vision.

Position is Filled for this Role

Who Are We

For over 25 years, The Dam has been partnering with youth in Mississauga to create an inclusive community where all are welcome, valued and respected towards the vision where youth are empowered to discover their worth, enabling them to grow and thrive in their community.

We provide programming during the week at our Meadowvale and Cooksville locations which includes a lunch and after school drop-ins, outreach to schools and a volunteer program.

The Dam’s team (The “Damily”) is a supportive, dynamic, and passionate group that cares deeply for youth, each other, and the programs they run.

They strive to build deep connections, foster trust and respect, and make a lasting positive impact on youth through servant-leadership, judgment-free interactions and inclusive programs.

Mission

Partnering with youth to create inclusive community where all are welcomed, valued and respected.

Vision

Partnering with youth to create inclusive community where all are welcomed, valued and respected.

Values

Opportunity

Executive Director

You are an empathetic and community minded leader who genuinely cares about amplifying the voice of youth and will champion The Dam’s vision.

You provide strategic, financial and operational leadership working closely with the Board, staff and community partners and are responsible for regular monitoring, development and evaluation of staff, programs, policies and procedures and making recommendations to the Board. You provide leadership to staff and have final responsibility for all management decisions.

Who You Are

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management (35%)

Create an environment and culture that focuses on fulfilling the organization's mission, vision, and values.
Reinforce The Dam's commitment to be an inclusive community where all are welcomed, valued, and respected.
Embody a philosophy of team building that will grow leaders and their skills in leadership that will help move the organization forward.
With the Board, the Executive Director will be responsible for strategic planning to ensure that The Dam can successfully fulfill its mission.
Directs the development of annual budgets that are consistent with The Dam's values and strategic and operational plans.
Work with the Operations Manager to streamline processes and systems internally to improve efficiencies and achieve operational excellence.
Work with the Program Director to not only achieve program excellence but to also deliver programs that are inclusive and relevant removing any barriers to access.
Manage and oversee all aspects of Human Resource Management including the recruitment, orientation, team building, and recognition of staff and volunteers.

Fund and Resource Development (40%)

Provide leadership in developing new fundraising initiatives and diversifying funding.
Steward good relationships with the existing donor base and develop meaningful relationships with new donors.
Increase financial support by seeking funding from major gifts donors and corporations.
Maintain key funding relationships, particularly with government, and major and long-standing donors.
In consultation with the Treasurer, provide timely reporting, and ongoing transparency with the Board about the organization’s finances.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

Represent the organization in the community among businesses and government to increase visibility, understanding and support of The Dam's mandate, also to increase brand awareness and social media presence.
Maintain solid internal and external reputation and relationships.
Work in advocacy for policy that impacts youth in the education system, policing, and politics.
Work with staff and the Board to actively resource others with what the Dam has been doing successfully.
Manage and maintain a good working relationship with site landowners at both sites, including partnering on future development plans for the Cooksville site.

Board Governance (5%)

In tandem with the Board, set out the vision and ambition for engagement with all stakeholders providing opportunities for engagement and feedback.
In consultation with the Board Chair, develop board meeting agendas and ensure materials are relevant and supportive to the agenda.
Empower the Board, in order to provide proper governance, reflective of the community.
Develop, in consultation with the Board, oversight, governance policies, and procedures as appropriate.
Monitor and apprise the Board of all aspects of organizational risk.
Responsible to attend all Committee meetings of the Board.
Be in regular conversation with the Board about Strategic Plan ensuring that deliverables are met.

Information & Social Media Links

Qualifications and Experience Required

University undergraduate or equivalent completed post-secondary education in a relevant field.
Graduate level designation is considered an asset.
Previous experience working in the nonprofit sector is a strong asset.
Previous experience working with or in a youth-focused environment an asset.
Proficiency in business productivity tools, devices, and cloud-based platforms (including donor CRMs); SalesForce preferred.
Prior experience in dealing with the media is an asset.
Able to navigate and manage interactions with lawyers, insurance companies and various other stakeholders related to the viability of the organization.

Key Competencies

Excellent communication skills (oral and written), to articulate the vision of the organization and inspire others to participate.
Strong financial acumen and results-oriented.
Willingness to embrace and live out The Dam's 9 core values.
Demonstrates the ability to think strategically, work proactively, and manage competing priorities.
Strong understanding of fundraising, financial planning and budget management.
Highly relational and excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated professionalism and tact.
Strong organizational, planning, execution, and time management skills.
Able to manage a fast-paced environment.

Before you Apply

Compensation

Benefits

Workplace Environment

Checks and Verifications

The Dam DEI Statement

Apply For This Role

Cause Leadership Inc. is managing this leadership search on behalf
of The Dam.

Individuals interested in being considered for this opportunity are invited to apply below.
Please upload your cover letter and resume.

The search will remain open until a successful candidate is selected. We thank all interested parties but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Dam is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in concert with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. As such, The Dam will make reasonable accommodations available to applicants with disabilities, upon request, during the recruitment and hiring process. As an equal opportunity employer, we will strive to ensure the hiring process meets the needs of all persons with disabilities. The Dam strives to ensure that its employment practices are free from direct and indirect discrimination and is committed to upholding the human rights of those participating in the hiring process. In pursuit of this commitment, we will not condone or tolerate any acts of discrimination or harassment under any of the grounds protected under human rights legislation. This commitment extends to the hiring process and throughout the course of employment.