YWCA - Chief Executive Officer
Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will provide leadership to the YWCA Durham team and manage a budget of $2M. You are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and bringing a feminist perspective that aligns with the guiding principles of the YWCA Durham.
As the Association’s representative, and motivated leader, you will skillfully represent YWCA Durham. You will build new relationships with community partners, and expertly steward the relationships that exist in the community. Being an active advocate on behalf of YWCA and its constituents will be a critical responsibility of the CEO.
Position is Filled for this Role
Who Are We
YWCA Durham is part of our country’s oldest and largest women’s multi-service organization, YWCA Canada and exists in solidarity with the global YWCA movement, which serves 25 million women and girls through 125 countries while driving the international gender-based human rights agenda. Locally, YWCA Durham has a long 75+ year history in the Durham Region which has over 645,000 residents. Over the years, we have adapted our programming to meet the ever-changing needs of the women we serve and we are a proud member of the Durham Region’s Violence Prevention Coordinating Council.
Mission: YWCA Durham is a trusted community leader that provides high quality programs, services and resources that respond to the needs of women, children, youth and families. We conduct ourselves with integrity to ensure a high level of accountability and transparency.
Vision: An inclusive community where women, children, youth and families are safe, inspired and empowered to grow.
Values: YWCA Durham is a feminist organization that believes in, supports and advocates for:
Equity – We recognize that an investment in women, children, youth and families builds a stronger future for everyone.
Diversity – We honour and are committed to diversity and inclusion.
Self-Determination – We respect and support the right for women and girls to make their own choices.
Accountability – We conduct ourselves with integrity to ensure a high level of accountability and transparency.
Our Programs:
- Y’s Wish Shelter
- 24/7 Crisis Line
- 2nd Stage Housing
- Interim Housing
- Supportive Housing
- Transitional and Outreach Support
- Long Term Counseling (APPLE)
- Community Enrichment Centre
- Venue Rental
- Recreation
Opportunity
Chief Executive Officer
Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will provide leadership to the YWCA Durham team and manage a budget of $2M. You are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion and bringing a feminist perspective that aligns with the guiding principles of the YWCA Durham.
As the Association’s representative, and motivated leader, you will skillfully represent YWCA Durham. You will build new relationships with community partners, and expertly steward the relationships that exist in the community. Being an active advocate on behalf of YWCA and its constituents will be a critical responsibility of the CEO.
In addition, the CEO must have strong financial acumen and business skills, resources management experience, fundraising expertise, knowledge of current People and Culture practices, as well as experience with strategic planning, risk management, project planning, human services, shelter services and communications at a senior level.
You in the Role
- Innovative
- Relational
- Driven
- Ambitious
- Progressive thinking
- Solutions focused
- Business minded
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Change Management
- Create an environment and culture that focuses on fulfilling the organization's vision, mission and values.
- Take a leadership role with Board members, volunteers, paid staff, and the community in the identification of issues and needs and the development of strategies relating to the well-being, safety, development and equality of women and girls.
- Gather, lead and inspire volunteers that support YWCA.
- Participate as ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board and Board committees as required.
- Embody a philosophy of team building that will grow leaders within the organization and encourage contributions from stakeholders that will move the organization forward.
- Responsible for the implementation and practice of all policies, procedures, activities and working relationships in ways that meet both the letter and the spirit of principles relating to equity, fairness, tolerance, equal opportunity and equal access. Leads by example in this area.
- Lead the organization and YWCA Durham team in a collaborative way, through change that will strengthen and grow the capacity and impact of the YWCA Durham team and organization in the wider community as a whole.
- Meet regularly and lead program supervisors to coordinate YWCA Durham programs to provide consistent service delivery with excellence, to meet the community needs.
- Lead on-call responsibilities at 33 McGrigor Street location, and will be the main support personnel for other managers for emergencies at the other sites.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
- Take an active role in representing the Association in community activities, and work with the Board President to ensure appropriate Board representation.
- Develop, embrace, and enhance strategic relationships with community agencies, government and political leaders and community partners with the purpose of advancing the vision, mission and values of the Association, along with improving the lives of women.
- Represent the Association among levels of government to increase visibility, understanding and support of the YWCA Durham’s vision/mission.
- Serve as the primary point of contact with, and is responsible for the effective management of YWCA Durham’s relationship with YWCA Canada.
- Work with YWCA Canada to be a change agent and help to give back to the next generation of YWCA Durham leaders.
Strategic Planning, Finance and Operations
- Responsible to deliver and execute on the Strategic Plan, including budgets and meeting timelines on specific deliverables as set out in the plan.
- Provide guidance and co-ordination of effective planning and the setting of strategic and operational goals.
- Working with the CFAO (Chief Financial and Administrative Officer) and the Board Finance Committee, prepare a comprehensive annual budget and longer-term financial plans for Board review and approval.
- In conjunction with the CFAO, provide strategic direction to the collective bargaining process and ensures that the Association is managed in accordance with the Collective Agreement.
- Working collaboratively with the CFAO and Board Finance Committee, responsible for advising the Board and implementing effective management of property owned or used by the YWCA Durham.
- Streamline processes and systems internally to improve efficiencies and achieve operational excellence.
- Maintain fiscal responsibility, timely reporting, and ongoing transparency with the Board about the organization’s finances.
- Effectively lead the day-to-day operations of The YWCA VAW services, including oversight of the Y’s Wish Shelter and its team.
- Operational responsibility to ensure the health, fire, medical and emergency procedures are developed and adhered to.
- Meet with program supervisors to coordinate YWCA programs to effectively meet client needs.
Fundraising/Resource Development & Growth
- Develop and maintain key funding relationships, particularly with government, major and long-standing donors.
- Have overall responsibility for the development and implementation of funding and fundraising strategies and membership campaigns for Board approval.
- Increase diverse financial support by seeking funding offered by government, organizations, corporations and private donors.
- Resourceful in seeking additional funding and writing grants to support YWCA Durham’s mission.
Board Governance
- 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 for attending all Committee meetings of the Board.
Information & Social Media Links
Key Competencies and Qualifications
- A Post-Secondary degree in Social Work, Business Administration, Counseling, Health Services or relevant discipline is considered an asset.
- Over ten years related experience (including five years at a senior management level) in the not-for-profit sector in a multi-funded organization.
- Advanced knowledge and experience in leadership and strategic planning.
- Knowledge and experience working with at risk women and children, including victims of violence, homelessness, addictions and mental health.
- Thorough knowledge and experience of key concepts relating to gender-based violence.
- Having a feminist, pro-choice, anti-oppressive, anti-racist and trauma informed lens with which you conduct your work practices.
- Strong financial competency and knowledge of human resources management in a unionized and non unionized environment.
- Ability to establish and build strategic relationships.
- Excellent verbal, written communication, and presentation skills.
- A second language would be an asset
Compensation
- Annual Salary: $100,000.
Benefits
- 22 days of paid vacation after 11 months with incremental increases at 3, 10 and 18 years of service.
- 3 days off at the end of December, plus 2 float days per year.
- 5 days as compensation for being on call.
- RRSP Matching up to 2%.
- Laptop and cell phone provided.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
Workplace Environment
- On-site, in office position at the YWCA Durham, 33 McGrigor Street, Oshawa.
- Occasional evening and weekend hours to accommodate community event participation.
- On call requirements to support shelter personnel.
Checks and Verifications
- The successful candidate will be required to provide a satisfactory Police and Vulnerable Sector Check dated within two (2) months from date of hire.
- Criminal Background Check & References required.
- As a condition of employment you are required to provide updated COVID vaccinations in compliance with Public Health recommendations.
Apply For This Role
Cause Leadership Inc. is managing this leadership search on behalf
of YWCA Durham.
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 YWCA Durham is located on the traditional territories of the Chippewa and Mississauga Anishinaabeg that is committed to the Williams Treaties. We honour and recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Metis and the Inuit peoples.
The YWCA is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. If you require accommodations, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.
