Executive Director

Social Venture Partners Waterloo Region; Cambridge; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in the Waterloo Region is seeking an Executive Director to drive social impact and lead strategic initiatives. This role involves guiding vision, managing resources, and fostering relationships with community partners and funders. The ideal candidate will have extensive leadership experience in the not for profit sector and a commitment to equity-centered practices. This position offers a salary range of $120,000-140,000 CND, a hybrid work environment, and opportunities for community impact.

Benefits

4 week’s vacation

Flexible benefits package

Hybrid work environment

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience with proven organizational growth.
• Strong background in the not for profit sector, preferably in venture philanthropy.

Responsibilities

• Lead organizational strategy and community engagement.
• Manage financial sustainability and diverse revenue streams.
• Build and maintain partnerships within the community.

Skills

Leadership

Equity-centered practices

Community engagement

Relationship-building

Education

Senior leadership experience

Experience in venture philanthropy

Job description

Are you a purpose-driven leader ready to amplify social impact and drive systems-level change?

We are seeking an inspiring and strategic Executive Director to lead our organization into its next chapter of growth and community impact. In this pivotal role, you will guide our vision, steward our resources, and elevate our presence within the not for profit and philanthropic ecosystem.

As Executive Director, you will shape and execute organizational strategy and foster meaningful relationships with changemakers, community partners, and funders. This is a rare opportunity to collaborate with bold philanthropists, champion innovative social impact initiatives, and play a key role in advancing the future of venture philanthropy in our region.

If you are passionate about equity, community-driven solutions, and transformative leadership, we invite you to bring your vision and experience to our mission

About SVP Waterloo Region

Social Venture Partners WR is an affiliate of a global network of engaged philanthropists, operating in over 40 cities across 8 countries. Through our innovative venture philanthropy model, we combine our Partners' financial resources, professional expertise, and dedicated volunteer engagement to strengthen not for profit (CDN term) organizations and create lasting social impact in our community. We connect and empower people in the Waterloo Region to make a greater impact together than they could alone.

SVPWR drives impact through multi-year, unrestricted funding for carefully selected not for profit Investees, complemented by strategic capacity-building, mentorship, and skills-based volunteering from our accomplished Partners. We also offer educational events and workshops for both Partners and not for profits, and run innovative initiatives like Perfect Pitch that accelerate not for profit growth and amplify their work in the community.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Governance

• Serve as an organizational spokesperson and community advocate.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and execute organizational strategy
• Ensure effective decision-making through timely communication and reporting
• Drive innovation in program development, including cohort-based learning initiatives

Financial Management & Development

• Manage multiple revenue streams including Partner contributions, grants, foundations, and events
• Oversee organizational budget and ensure financial sustainability through funding models for program growth
• Lead fundraising initiatives and diversify revenue streams
• Develop corporate partnerships, co-funding and sponsorship opportunities

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain a robust partner network
• Optimize partner expertise within the not for profit community
• Identify and recruit engaged community members wanting to make a collective impact in Waterloo Region as Partners
• Nurture partner relationships to ensure continued engagement

Program Oversight & Impact

• Direct the expansion and enhancement of SVP programs
• Implement comprehensive impact measurement frameworks
• Ensure continuous program improvement through regular assessment
• Optimize partner expertise utilization within the not for profit community

Community Engagement & Communications

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies
• Strengthen SVP's digital presence and brand awareness
• Build strategic relationships with civic, private, and not for profit organizations

Organizational Leadership

• Manage daily operations and administrative processes
• Recruit, develop, and retain professional staff
• Champion and implement equity-centered practices across the organization
• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance

Required Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience with a proven ability to manage and grow an organization effectively.
• Demonstrated success in leading organizational growth and transformation, including strategic planning, operational improvements, and change management.
• Experience collaborating with boards of directors and advisory committees, ensuring effective governance, strategic alignment, and informed decision-making.
• Proven ability to engage stakeholders, lead fundraising initiatives, and drive community outreach efforts, resulting in increased financial support and stronger partnerships.
• Strong background in the not for profit sector, with preference for experience in venture philanthropy or strategic philanthropy.
• Commitment to equity-centered leadership, demonstrated through past initiatives, policies, or programming that promote diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to foster trust and collaboration across diverse communities, sectors, and cultural backgrounds

What We Offer

• Salary range of $120,000-140,000 CND
• 4 week’s vacation
• Flexible benefits package designed to suit unique individual needs
• Hybrid work environment with opportunity to work from home as well as from Catalyst Commons in Kitchener, ON
• Flexible working hours
• Opportunity to lead a dynamic organization with significant community impact
• Collaborative work environment with engaged partners and Board
• Platform to shape the future of social innovation in our region

Please note that the final salary will be determined based on the selected candidate’s experience

This role may be required to work outside of regular business hours to attend events or accommodate partner availability, on occasion.

How to Apply

Qualified candidates should submit:

• Detailed resume highlighting relevant experience
• Compelling cover letter expressing interest and alignment with SVP's mission

Please email the above to Taylor Walker at [e-mail].

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SVP is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from equity-deserving groups. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.