Job Description

Are you a visionary leader passionate about empowering immigrants and refugees to thrive in their new communities? Bridges Niagara Immigrant and Refugee Services is seeking an exceptional Executive Director to lead our organization through an exciting period of growth and transformation.

About Bridges Niagara:

For over 50 years, we have been a leading settlement organization in the Niagara Region, serving 4,600+ clients annually from 128 countries. Recently re-named from Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre, we are positioned to become the premier settlement services provider across the 12 municipalities of Niagara. Our comprehensive programs include settlement services, employment support, language training, community connections, wellness support, and specialized programs for vulnerable populations.

The Opportunity:

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of settlement services in Niagara. With annual revenues exceeding $6.3M and a diverse team of dedicated professionals, you'll have the resources and support needed to drive meaningful impact.

What You'll Do:

Strategic Leadership:

Develop and implement our next Strategic Plan with Board engagement. Lead organizational transformation while maintaining our 55+ year legacy of excellence. Position Bridges as the regional leader in settlement services innovation. Build strategic partnerships with municipal partners and community stakeholders.

Settlement Sector Excellence:

Oversee comprehensive programming serving newcomers, refugees, immigrants, and temporary residents. Drive innovation in trauma-informed care, anti-oppressive practices, and cultural competency. Lead sector coordination activities and collaborative service delivery initiatives.

Operational Leadership:

Oversee annual budgets and diversified revenue streams. Lead a multicultural team of 90+ (direct and indirect reports) across multiple locations. Foster positive relationships with government, community and ethnocultural clubs.

What You Bring:

Education & Experience:

Post-secondary degree in Human Services, Social Work, Immigration Studies, Business Administration, or related field. Minimum 5 years progressive management experience in settlement services or related nonprofit sector. Deep understanding of Canadian immigration system and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) funding requirements. Experience supervising multicultural teams, including staff from newcomer backgrounds (asset).

Skillset Includes:

Exceptional leadership qualities with proven ability to create and manage organizational change. Bilingual/multilingual abilities (asset). Advanced communication, strategic planning, and relationship-building skills. Authentic, compassionate approach with deep respect for EDI and cultural humility. Experience with government contribution agreements and compliance requirements.

Leadership Qualities

Adaptability: Flexibility and versatility in changing work environments. Ethical Behavior: Consistent ethical standards aligned with organizational values. Relationship Building: Positive working relationships internally and externally. Effective Communication: Clear, thorough, and timely communication. Creativity/Innovation/Entrepreneurial Spirit: New and unique ways to improve operations and create opportunities. Client Focus: Anticipates and responds to internal and external client needs. Teamwork: Cooperative and effective collaboration to achieve organizational goals. Leadership: Positive influence to achieve results in organization's best interests. Decision Making: Clear, timely decisions in organization's best interests. Organization: Priority setting, scheduling, and progress monitoring. Planning: Strategic thinking to move organization forward. Problem Solving: Systematic approach to identifying and resolving challenges.

What We Offer:

Competitive salary commensurate with experience and organizational budget. Comprehensive benefits package including health coverage, vacation, computer and mobile devices, statutory holidays, life insurance and professional growth opportunities. In office position with an opportunity to work from home. Opportunity to lead transformational change in a well-established, respected organization. Collaborative work environment with a passionate, dedicated team.

A Day in the Life of... Bridges Niagara Executive Director

Strategic Leadership & Governance Periodic strategic planning with Board Chair, rebranding discussions, regional presentations, budget reviews and Board preparation. Team Management & Development Regular team huddles with department managers, one-on-one meetings with staff, overseeing anti-oppression training sessions and fostering psychologically safe workspaces. Government & Partner Relations Regular communication with funders, meetings with mayors, councilors and community partners about service delivery, and collaborating with partner organizations like Niagara Health, United Way and Niagara College for expanded services. Direct Client Impact & Site Visits Hands-on involvement with newcomer families, witnessing client successes, and celebrating client achievements like a Syrian refugee returning to engineering work. Program Innovation & Expansion Developing and pitching new initiatives for potential program expansion and trauma-informed care partnerships. Community Engagement & Celebration Attending community events like Pride gatherings with 2SLGBTQIA+ program participants, balancing office work with meaningful community presence.

Ready to Build Bridges?

Join us in creating equitable, respectful, and welcoming communities for immigrants and newcomers in Niagara. Your leadership will impact thousands of lives while positioning us as a model for settlement excellence.

Application Deadline:

The Hiring Committee will begin reviewing applications on November 7, 2025. This posting will remain open until 11:59 p.m., December 31, 2025 or until a suitable candidate is selected.



Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis throughout the posting period.

To Apply:

Submit cover letter, resume, three professional references (including at least one Board Chair or equivalent), salary expectations and availability to begin the role. Email your application package to edhiring@bridgesniagara.ca.

Contact

: Questions could be directed to Chair of Hiring Committee, Abdul Rahimi at edhiring@bridgesniagara.ca

We thank all applicants for their time and interest in our organization; however, only those selected for an interview will be notified.



Bridges Niagara embraces diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified persons. Our goal is to attract and engage highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences, perspectives and skill sets. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided at any point throughout the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.

About Bridges Niagara:

Bridges Niagara (Formerly The Niagara Folk Arts Multicultural Centre) is a charitable, not-for-profit organization incorporated as the Folk Arts Council of St. Catharines in 1970. Its mandate is to support and assist the ethnocultural and newcomer community in Niagara through a broad range of programs and services.