Executive Director

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN) is seeking an Executive Director (ED) to provide leadership and operational management for the organization according to the strategic direction set by its Board of Directors. The ED will lead the implementation of the strategic plan and policies, guide the development and financial sustainability of the organization and provide operational leadership in alignment with EMCN’s core values of Social Justice, Diversity, Compassion, and Responsibility.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, with an annual operating budget of $20M, the Executive Director will work closely and collaboratively with government funding agencies, partner organizations, funders, staff, and other stakeholders that serve newcomers. The ED will work independently and with partners to advocate for policies and programs that strengthen the immigrant service sector’s capacity to respond to the needs of newcomers to Canada.

A highly engaged and committed leader, the successful candidate will demonstrate clear commitment to the EMCN’s mission to enhance the quality of life for Newcomers and all Canadians. The ability to build authentic relationships, advocate courageously, and articulate the importance of the EMCN’s mandate with various audiences will be critical to success in this role. We are looking for an experienced leader with the ability to build trust and understand the unique challenges within an intercultural organization, supporting the growth and development of a highly diverse staff, many of which are Newcomers themselves. The ideal candidate thrives in complex and changing environments, where ambiguity is seen as an opportunity to impact positive change and organizational growth, and creates a culture that inspires high performance and service delivery excellence.

THE ORGANIZATION

The vision of the EMCN is to see a future where many citizens walk with newcomers to bridge their transition into the community. To achieve this vision, the EMCN serves as a key catalyst and leading collaborator in positively shaping the attitudes, behaviours and practices of organizations and individuals to value the diversity that newcomers bring to the community.

EMCN works with up to 17,000 newcomers each year, from all parts of the world, out of five locations and various community locations. We currently have a staff of 230 that together, speak over 50 languages. EMCN provides community, language, settlement, and employment programs and services which embrace key principles such as, community-based, team-based, client-centered and client-driven approaches to sustainable support for successful settlement outcomes.

STRATEGIC DELIVERABLES (2020-2023):

1. Operationalize the 2020-2023 strategic plan with key performance indicators and measures for success;
2. Implement organizational design changes to support growth and sustainability;
3. Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including staff, board, government agencies, community partners, and funders;
4. Establish fiscal goals and maintain financial sustainability of the organization; and
5. Develop a fund diversification strategy.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Strategic Leadership:

• Support the Board of Directors in articulating a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization
• Operationalize and execute the strategic plan by providing clear priorities and clarifying roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations
• Coach and mentor leadership team to develop leadership and operational management competency and capacity
• As a trusted and credible leader, gain the confidence of and manage relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, internal and external

Governance

• Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Director on all aspects of the organization's activities
• Ensure adequate compliance with regulatory, statutory and any other external requirements.
• Provide regular reporting to the Board on the operational plan, financial performance and risk management
• Lead Board-level governance initiatives and policy recommendations and development
• Ensure governance continuity through effective onboarding of new Chairs and Board members

Culture & Change Champion

• Provide leadership to foster a healthy organizational culture that encourages discussion, creativity, diversity, and critical thinking and ensures the work and ethos reflects the EMCN’s founding values
• Inspire and lead staff and the Board in organizational revitalization and renewal
• Build effective relationships with employees by communicating regularly, engaging staff in decision-making processes, recognizing contributions and accomplishments, and treating others with respect and dignity
• Foster a climate to develop employees’ capacity to anticipate, respond to, and successfully implement positive change processes
• Accountable for the performance management of all staff which includes the ongoing monitoring of performance and an annual review process

Organizational Effectiveness & Operations

• Develop and implement an operational plan to align resources, services, and education/advocacy efforts with the mission and values, using clear performance metrics to evaluate and report on success
• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operations of the organization
• Ensure the operations and the programs and services offered contribute to the EMCN's mission, values, and reflect the priorities of the Board
• Manage organizational risk and implement appropriate controls

Fund Development & Financial Management

• Lead the development of a fund diversification strategy to ensure program sustainability and enhancement, as well as achievement of the strategic plan
• Accountable for preparation of the annual budget and monthly financial statements for Board approval
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting on financial performance and risk management and compliance with legislation

Community Relations & Advocacy

• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for EMCN to ensure its mission, programs, and services are consistently presented in a positive manner
• Ensure representation of the EMCN at community events to enhance the organization's community profile
• Establish and sustain strong working relationships and collaborative partnerships with agencies, linked services, and community stakeholders to further the goals of the EMCN
• Ensure strong relationships with government (municipal, provincial, federal), balancing trusted advisor and advocacy roles
• Oversee the implementation of an annual communications plan and coordination of marketing strategies with other partner organizations to promote EMCN’s programs and services.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Education & Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior leadership role
• Strategy development and implementation experience in a complex organization
• Fundraising and donor stewardship experience is desirable
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Masters degree considered an asset
• Prior media relations, government relations and advocacy experience considered an asset
• Previous experience in a front-line human-services role (professionally or as volunteer) considered an asset

Knowledge & Skills

• A sound knowledge of board governance principles
• Strong business and financial acumen (including knowledge of fiscal and risk management)
• General knowledge of federal and provincial legislation, as well as human resource management practices, applicable to voluntary sector organizations
• An in-depth awareness of the current challenges and opportunities related to supporting Newcomers
• Demonstrated success in the areas of program, community and fund development
• Strong public speaking, presentation, and written communication skills

Competencies

• High integrity and genuine commitment to the mission and founding values of the EMCN
• An emotionally intelligent leader with demonstrated ability to foster collaborative relationships and build credibility and trust
• The ability to think strategically and effectively plan and implement within a complex environment
• Flexible and innovative approach to creating new opportunities for growth and ensuring sustainability of the organization
• Strong leadership presence and communication skills with the ability to translate vision into action and drive results
• Courageous leadership, with the ability to navigate adversity within a changing social and political environment
• Political acumen, with the ability to appropriately present complex issues clearly to various audiences (media, community members, staff, existing and potential funders/supporters) and influence to achieve results