Job Description

Executive Director

S.E.E.D.S. Childcare | Leadership, Alignment, and Resilience

Based at S.E.E.D.S. Head Office, Barrie, ON (51 King St, Unit 6, Barrie, ON L4N 6B5)

Full-Time, Permanent

Competitive, commensurate with experience and organizational scope (to be determined by the Board)

Lead the Legacy. Chart the Future of S.E.E.D.S.

S.E.E.D.S. Childcare stands at a generational threshold, moving through a critical leadership transition that honors the legacy of its founding leadership. We are seeking an Executive Director (ED) to be the primary strategic leader of our organization, ensuring long-term resilience and sustained growth.

This is a high-impact leadership role that requires the intentional alignment of our refined Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV) with organizational systems and strategic priorities. The new ED will transition into a culture which is rooted in

connection, belonging, and care

--a culture that is ready to evolve and modernize without losing its essential human-centered identity.

About S.E.E.D.S.:

S.E.E.D.S. Childcare is a not-for-profit organization proudly serving families across Barrie and surrounding communities, operating four licensed childcare centres and five school-age programs. We are recognized leaders in the early years sector, known for strong community roots, steady advocacy, and a culture of Growth Mindset and Collaboration that supports both employee and families.

About the Role: Executive Director

The Executive Director is the chief organizational leader, reporting directly to the

Board of Directors

. This role is responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and financial health of S.E.E.D.S., serving as the essential link between strategic governance and operational execution.

In This Role, You Will:

Strategic Leadership & Visionary Strategy

Lead the refinement and endorsement of the organization's MVV and strategic priorities, specifically aligning with S.E.E.D.S. Program Statement. Lead and execute the Annual Strategic Planning Cycle to define the organization's growth plan. Translate organizational strategy into clear, measurable objectives across the organization, programs, and sites. Drive planning for future program changes, policy development, and sustainable organizational growth.

Governance & Fiduciary Leadership

Serve as a strategic counsel and liaison to the Board of Directors, ensuring timely flow of information (e.g., Board Agendas, minutes, and Form 1 updates). Mitigate Corporate Risk by overseeing organizational compliance, including insurance, leases, and legal counsel. Provide high-level financial oversight, including budget creation, financial reporting (County Reports, EHT, WSIB), and aligning financial decisions with the S.E.E.D.S. Vision. Maintain final approval on all financial transactions and invoice verifications.

People & Culture Resilience

Act as a Culture Leader by maintaining a deep, high-touch connection with employee and educators. Lead, mentor, and conduct performance reviews for the Management Team (Program Manager, Operations Co-ordinator, Accounts Manager, and Pedagogy & Professional Learning). Handle and resolve all escalated discipline/final termination decisions (child/employee) in consultation with the Board of Directors. Approve all final hiring decisions and champion employee wellbeing initiatives, delegating the operational management of payroll and benefits to the Management Team.

External Advocacy & Relations

Serve as the primary advocate to ensure organizational alignment with external parties. Represent S.E.E.D.S. as a community leader, maintaining and building key relationships with School Boards, County/Municipal Stakeholders, and External Media. Oversee and deliver key announcements and the strategic changes to employee, families, and funders, honouring the organization's past while clearly signalling its future direction.

The Ideal Candidate:

The successful candidate will be a compassionate, confident, and highly strategic leader who views their role as one of Leadership for a mission-driven organization.

Core Competencies:

Significant progressive leadership experience, with proven expertise in strategic governance, not-for-profit financial management, and human resources/people & culture.

Leadership Style:

A visionary, high-integrity leader with proven political acumen. A relationship-first leader who is adept at delegating operational control while maintaining high-touch cultural connection.

Strategic Capacity:

Ability to think systemically, translate vision into measurable action objectives, and navigate external systems (e.g., CWELCC, CCEYA, County, School Boards).

Required Skills:

Strong financial literacy, proficiency in management review and evaluation, and excellent communication skills.

You Must Have:

Strong computer literacy skills Standard First Aid and CPR - Level C, current and in good standing Proof of childhood immunizations, and compliance with all required immunizations as per Simcoe County guidelines (or approved supporting documentation) Clear Criminal and Vulnerable Sector Check, issued within the past six (6) months Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE), in good standing with the College of Early Childhood Educators of Ontario Demonstrated senior leadership within a not-for-profit childcare setting (minimum 5 years) Valid Ontario Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle

Your Impact in the First 90 Days:

Your initial integration will be supported by a comprehensive onboarding plan, designed in partnership with the Management Team and supported by the Board of Directors, focusing on:

Alignment:

Deep orientation on S.E.E.D.S.' MVV, refined strategy, and new objectives.

Relationship Building:

Facilitation of leadership integration workshops, focused meet-and-greets with families, community partners, and the full Board.

Stability:

Overseeing the smooth handover from the outgoing ED to ensure seamless organizational continuity.

What We Offer:

S.E.E.D.S. offers a comprehensive, top-quartile total rewards package designed for a high-impact, strategic leader.

Financial and Benefits

Salary Range:

$75,000 to $95,000 CAD ($36.06 - $45.67/hour)

Hours of Work:

40 Hours/Week

Vacation and PTO:

Starting at three (6%) to four weeks (8%) (15-20 days) of paid annual vacation time, plus paid sick days, prioritizing work-life balance and executive well-being.

Retirement:

Employer-Matching RRSP/Pension Contribution up to 4%.

Benefits:

Comprehensive health, dental, and life insurance coverage (co-pay plan).

Mileage:

Business travel mileage reimbursement provided at the standard non-taxable rate for all necessary site visits and external meetings with proof of work insurance.

Strategic and Cultural Value

Impactful Leadership:

The opportunity to shape the future of a highly respected, values-aligned, and community-rooted organization.

Professional Development:

Dedicated budget and time allocation for executive education, personal development, and sector-specific training.

Dedicated Transition Support:

A proactive partnership throughout your first year, including executive coaching and strategic advisory support from the Board.

Stable Culture:

Join a stable, mission-driven organization with a strong management team and a culture that prioritizes employee wellbeing and professional growth.

Ready to Lead Our Next Chapter

Applications due by January 23, 2026

Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing why you believe your leadership style aligns with S.E.E.D.S.' focus on Leadership, Alignment, and Resilience during this generational transition.

Please use the link to apply to this position. Any questions about this posting please contact

Dawn Brown

dbrown@seedschildcare.ca

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $36.06-$45.67 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance Mileage reimbursement On-site parking Paid time off RRSP match
Ability to commute/relocate:

Barrie, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:

AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (required)
Experience:

leadership in a licensed childcare setting: 5 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECE) (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2026-01-23
Expected start date: 2026-03-02