The Position:
Summit Search Group has been retained by Family Dynamics on the recruitment of their Executive Director. Family Dynamics is a long-standing, community-based organization dedicated to realizing a vision of healthy families, strong communities, thriving children and resilient people. Guided by principles of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration, they offer accessible programs that promote access to basic needs, mental health, family well-being, knowledge and skill development, and community connection. Their work is grounded in strength based, trauma informed, culturally safe approaches and a belief that strong families make strong communities.
The Executive Director provides strategic, operational, and values-based leadership to ensure Family Dynamics delivers high-quality programs, maintains strong partnerships, and achieves its mission. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED oversees all operations, finances, external relations, and staff teams while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) across programs, policies, and organizational culture. The ED acts as the primary liaison to funders, supports governance, and ensures that the organization remains responsive, sustainable, and impactful for the children, youth, adults, families and communities it serves.
Strategic & Operational Leadership:
- Lead the creation, implementation, and evaluation of annual operational plans aligned with the strategic plan and community needs.
- Ensure programs are high-quality, accessible, trauma-informed, and continuously improved through data-informed decision-making.
- Oversee financial and resource stewardship, including budgeting, forecasting, and compliance with service agreements.
- Identify organizational risks and implement mitigation strategies to ensure stability and service continuity.
- Maintain strong systems, policies, and structures that support efficiency, accountability, and organizational health.
- Support a culture of innovation, learning, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
People, Culture & Governance:
- Lead, mentor, and support the HR Manager, Program Managers, and the Finance Director to foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment.
- Champion DEI, cultural safety, and reconciliation in all HR practices, policies, and leadership approaches.
- Ensure effective communication with all staff and promote employee well-being, safety, and professional development.
- Build and maintain positive relationships with union representatives and ensure adherence to collective agreements.
- Provide timely, strategic reporting to the Board and support effective governance, planning, and Board development.
- Manage all Board administration, including meetings, AGMs, documentation, and succession support.
Partnerships, Funding & Community Engagement:
- Build strong relationships with major funders, partners, donors, and sector stakeholders to sustain and grow organizational funding.
- Lead the development of proposals, grant submissions, and accurate reporting that align with funder requirements.
- Represent Family Dynamics publicly and maintain a positive, professional presence across the community and media.
- Address community concerns or complaints in a timely, respectful, solutions-focused manner.
- Promote Family Dynamics’ mission and impact through outreach, networking, and sector advocacy.
- Identify opportunities to showcase programs and expand collaborations that support family well-being and organizational growth.
Qualifications:
- Post-Secondary Education in Social Services, Community Development, Public Administration, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 5+ years of senior leadership experience in a mid-sized nonprofit or comparable public/social service environment.
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, operational management, staff leadership, and financial oversight.
- Strong knowledge of community-based family services, trauma-informed practice, and culturally safe approaches.
- Experience with fund development considered an asset.
- Experience in a unionized environment as an asset.
- Proven ability to champion DEI, reconciliation, and inclusive organizational culture.
For more information, or to submit your resume, please reach out to Matt Erhard at Summit Search Group, matt.erhard@summitsearchgroup.com
Summit Search Group has a strong commitment to Diversity, Equality and Inclusion. We strive for continuous development, modeling, inclusive behaviors and proactively managing bias throughout our process.
