Executive Director
Nova Scotia - Remote or Office
Reference #JL-7757

Survivors of Abuse Recovering (SOAR) is a non-profit charitable organization committed to providing one-on-one peer support and support groups to adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse of all genders. SOAR started upon the completion of the first Peer Support training program in December 1993. SOAR evolved from the vision of two Mental Health therapists, Rita vanVulpen and Deirdre O'Sullivan after they identified a clear need for peer support services to complement the existing services for survivors of childhood sexual abuse. They trained, inspired and supported a small group of female survivors to form SOAR. There is a current membership of 20-25 female, male and non-binary volunteer Peer Supporters. Services are currently available in Nova Scotia.

On behalf of our client, we are currently recruiting for an experienced Executive Director to join and lead their organization. This has the potential to be a remote position within the province of Nova Scotia; however, the successful candidate will be expected to travel within the province and will have the option of securing office space if preferred.

The primary focus of this position is overall leadership, operations management, and fiscal management in a manner consistent with SOAR's purpose, policies, and best interests. The Executive Director will lead the organization in its mission to expand its services provincially while ensuring sustainability and support for the existing programs. The Executive Director is responsible for stabilizing the current programming, community outreach, volunteer support, day-to-day management/administration, and securing stable ongoing funding. To succeed in this role, the Executive Director must strike an appropriate balance between day-to-day operations/administrative tasks, using a volunteer network, and expanding the program.

The Executive Director is accountable to the Board of Directors for SOAR's performance regarding its organizational objectives and mandate. The Board Chairperson oversees the Executive Director's day-to-day performance.

Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership in collaboration with the Board of Directors:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive plan to expand services provincially while maintaining the organization's core mission and values.
• Strengthen EDIRA (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Reconciliation, and Accessibility) within the current mission, values, goals, programming, and future expansion.
• Ensure alignment of programs and initiatives with the expansion plan.

2. Program Development and Management:

• Oversee the continuous development, implementation, delivery and evaluation of SOAR programming in alignment with SOAR's mission and strategic goals.
• Ensure the program is responsive to the community's needs and aligned with the organization's mission.
• Work closely with the committees to enhance peer support services and address volunteer issues.
• Ensure the appropriate structures and support are in place to sustain the delivery of the program through a healthy volunteer network.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, stakeholders, and like-minded organizations.
• Represent the organization at community events, conferences, and meetings.
• Foster collaboration and build coalitions to enhance the organization's reach and impact.

3. Fundraising and Resource Development:

• Securing stable financial support for SOAR through strong grant writing and networking with foundations, government and private inventors.
• Collaborating with the Board, develop and implement a fundraising strategy to secure financial support from various sources, including grants, donations, and sponsorships.
• Cultivate relationships with donors and funding organizations.

4. Volunteer Support and Management:

• Oversee the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers.
• Implement strategies to sustain and ensure volunteers are supported and recognized.
• Work with the contracted administrative support to ensure efficient volunteer management.

5. Administrative and Financial Management:

• Develop and implement the appropriate operational structures and processes to support the efficient and effective operation of SOAR.
• Oversee and administer the organization's day-to-day operations, including financial management and budgeting.
• Oversee and establish appropriate operating committees to ensure alignment with SOAR's mission, strategic goals, and objectives. This includes ensuring committees have Chairs, in consultation with the committee members, and providing guidance, support, and resources as needed. The Executive Director is responsible for reviewing each committee's progress, offering feedback, and facilitating communication between the committees and the Board of Directors. The following existing committees will fall under the purview of the Executive Director:
  • Peer Services Committee
  • Education Committee
  • Community Outreach & Public Relations Committee
  • Membership Committee.
• As a committee member, the Executive Director sits on the Finance/Fund Raising and Nominating Board Committees.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and funding requirements.
• Regularly update the Board of Directors on the organization's performance and progress.

Qualifications:

Mandatory:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., Nonprofit Management, Social Work, Business or Public Administration, Psychology).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Proven experience working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and building coalitions.
• Experience using online document management tools, preferably using Google Workspace.
• Excellent communication, networking, and interpersonal skills.
• Trauma-informed leadership experience or willingness to complete trauma-informed leadership education within one year.

Preferred:

• Understanding of peer support services and volunteer management.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, program development, and community outreach.
• Strong fundraising and grant writing skills.

Asset:

• Experience working with a Board of Directors.

To express interest in this opportunity please apply online: https://meridiarecruitment.ca/Career/17418977289450000008taf

If you have any questions, please contact Brittany Neaves, Consultant, at [email protected] or Jeff Lanthier, Partner, at [email protected]. If you require accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please let us know.

Meridia Recruitment Solutions connects leading organizations with top talent by building strong relationships and creating ideal matches with candidates because we are only successful when you are. We appreciate your interest in this opportunity. To learn more about Meridia Recruitment Solutions, our job opportunities, and career advice we invite you to explore our site and subscribe for career alerts.