Job Description

Job Overview

The Executive Director provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the Fort Erie Friendship Centre, ensuring the delivery of culturally grounded, community-driven programs and services. Acting as the key liaison between the Board of Directors, staff, community members, partners, and funders, the Executive Director is responsible for the organization's day-to-day management, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.

Position Summary

The Executive Director provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the Fort Erie Friendship Centre, ensuring the delivery of culturally grounded, community-driven programs and services. Acting as the key liaison between the Board of Directors, staff, community members, partners, and funders, the Executive Director is responsible for the organization's day-to-day management, operational excellence, and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership and Governance

Provide strategic leadership and direction consistent with the Board of Directors' vision, mission, and strategic plan.

Serve as the direct supervisor to all staff, ensuring a clear supervision structure aligned with personnel policies and procedures.

Advise and inform the Board of Directors on ongoing priorities, emerging community issues, and organizational performance, enabling evidence-based decision-making.

Develop annual and multi-year operational plans to advance the strategic goals of the Centre.

Lead the development, review, and implementation of policies, procedures, and job descriptions, presenting recommended updates to the Board annually.

2. Program and Service Delivery

Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of all programs and services to ensure alignment with the Centre's mission, vision, and community needs.

Monitor program outcomes and make adjustments based on community feedback, emerging needs, and performance data.

Ensure compliance with funder requirements, agreements, and reporting obligations.

3. Community Relations and Advocacy

Act as the public spokesperson for the Fort Erie Friendship Centre, increasing awareness of its mission, services, and impact.

Build and sustain strong relationships with community members, funders, partners, and all levels of government to support the Friendship Centre's goals.

Represent the Centre on committees, networks, and collaborative initiatives to strengthen the urban Indigenous service sector.

Advocate on behalf of the Friendship Centre and the broader Friendship Centre movement to ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities for the urban Indigenous community.

4. Human Resource Management

Ensure proper recruitment, hiring, onboarding, training, and performance management for all staff.

Foster a supportive, safe, and culturally respectful workplace for employees, students, and volunteers.

Lead, motivate, and develop staff to achieve organizational goals and deliver high-quality programs and services.

Work with the Board to set salaries and compensation policies consistent with budget and funding agreements.

5. Financial Administration

Oversee all financial operations, including preparing and managing the annual budget for Board approval.

Maintain fiscal integrity by ensuring compliance with financial policies, controls, and reporting standards.

Partner with the Board to develop funding strategies and secure resources for ongoing and new initiatives.

Provide timely financial and operational reports to the Board of Directors, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Qualifications & Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field (e.g., public administration, Indigenous studies, social services, or non-profit management).

A Master's degree is considered an asset.

Experience

Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in managing a non-profit, community-based organization, preferably within an Indigenous context.

Demonstrated success in staff management, program development, and funding/resource development.

Experience with government relations and advocacy, particularly on issues affecting urban Indigenous communities.

Knowledge and Competencies

Strong awareness of Indigenous culture, traditional knowledge, and community-based approaches.

In-depth understanding of urban Indigenous community needs, trends, and gaps.

Proven ability to strategically plan, implement, and evaluate programs and services.

Strong financial management skills and experience with operational budgets and forecasts.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with a track record of motivating staff and engaging volunteers.

Ability to manage multiple priorities, work flexible hours, and respond to community needs effectively.

Core Attributes

Strategic Thinker: Able to anticipate trends and position the Centre for long-term success.

Relationship Builder: Builds trust and partnerships across diverse stakeholders.

Culturally Grounded Leader: Embeds Indigenous values, practices, and knowledge into organizational operations.

Problem Solver: Identifies challenges and implements solutions to strengthen services and operations.

Team-Oriented: Encourages collaboration within the organization and with external partners.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume in one PDF document to: secretary@fenfc.org, Attention: Kimberley Schutt by December 4, 2025.

In your application please describe your experience in non-profit leadership, program development and working with Indigenous communities.

Preference will be given to Indigenous applicants.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

Casual dress Dental care Extended health care Paid time off Vision care
Education:

Bachelor's Degree (required)
Experience:

Non-profit Organization Leadership: 5 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person