Executive Director

Guelph Wellington Seniors Association; Guelph; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA) is seeking an Executive Director to lead strategy, programs, finances, and staff. You will ensure alignment with the mission and negotiate partnerships with city and community groups.

Lead fundraising efforts, manage budgets, and oversee program development for a growing membership of seniors. This role requires a proven not-for-profit leader with a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, and the ability to travel within the region as

Qualifications

• Minimum of five years of leadership experience in not-for-profit settings.
• Proven success in fundraising and grant writing.
• Experience working with older adults and vulnerable seniors.
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and activities.
• Financial, material, and human resources management experience.
• Proficiency with digital tools and social media.
• Willingness to complete required safety trainings and checks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage overall operations of the GWSA.
• Oversee staff, programs, finances, partnerships, and development.
• Grow revenue through donations, fundraising, sponsorships and bequests.
• Represent the organization with professionalism and ethical conduct.
• Ensure compliance with laws, policies, and agreements with the City of Guelph.
• Build relationships with community groups, funders, and partners.
• Provide regular reports to the Board.

Skills

Leadership

Fundraising

Grant writing

Communication

Equity & inclusion

Strategic planning

Financial management

Technology literacy

First Aid CPR

Job description

Executive Director – Guelph Wellington Seniors Association (GWSA)

Position Type:

Full-time, Management/Executive, Community Outreach

Reports to:

Chair, Board of Directors

About the GWSA

The Guelph Wellington Seniors Association is one of Canada's largest and most active non-profit seniors' organizations, serving more than 2,400 members through a wide range of programs, activities, and services. We operate primarily from the Evergreen Seniors Community Centre, with additional programming offered at the West End Community Centre. Membership is open to everyone, and residency in Guelph-Wellington is not required.

We are seeking a forward-thinking, motivational Executive Director who is committed to excellence in seniors’ programming, community engagement, and organizational leadership.

Position Summary

The Executive Director provides strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for the GWSA. This role oversees staff, programs, finances, partnerships, and organizational development while ensuring alignment with the GWSA’s mission and the Community Benefit Agreement with the City of Guelph.

Key Highlights of the Role

• Provide effective operational oversight of staffing, programs, resources, and finances.
• Grow and diversify revenue streams through donations, fundraising, sponsorships, and philanthropy/bequests.
• Modernize and expand the GWSA’s digital and social media presence, including website improvements.
• Ensure full compliance with all laws, regulations, codes of practice, and GWSA By-Laws and Policies.

Compensation

• Annual salary of $70,000–$75,000, commensurate with education and experience.
• Allowance in lieu of benefits available.
• Three-year employment agreement with a six-month probationary review.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the overall operations of the GWSA.
• Ensure the Community Benefit Agreement with the City of Guelph continues to achieve shared strategic and operational goals.
• Identify and pursue grants from municipal, provincial, federal, and private funders to support programs and equipment needs.
• Grow the membership base through outreach, partnerships, and collaborative programming with local agencies and service providers.
• Provide clear, meaningful reports (monthly or as ewquired) on staffing, programs, resources, and finances to the Board.
• Assess community needs and trends related to seniors’ programs, including demographic changes, equity and diversity considerations, and opportunities to broaden participation.
• Work collaboratively with Board committees to develop, implement, and evaluate policies and procedures.
• Oversee fundraising events, sponsorship development, and philanthropic bequests.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community groups, agencies, funders, and partners to support on-site programming and services.
• Engage leaders in business and government to explore strategic initiatives and long-term partnerships.
• Ensure organizational compliance with all legal, regulatory, and policy requirements.
• Represent the organization with professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated leader with the skills and experience to support the continued growth and evolution of the GWSA, including:

• Minimum of five years of relevant leadership experience.
• Proven leadership in not-for-profit organizations with exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated success in fundraising and grant writing.
• Experience working with older adults, including vulnerable seniors.
• Strong personal commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and activities.
• Background in managing financial, material, and human resources.
• Proficiency with technology, including computers, digital tools, and social media.
• Willingness to complete required training, including Standard First Aid and CPR-C.
• Successful completion of a Police Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Ability to travel occasionally within and outside Guelph.

Application Details

Application Deadline: November 13, 2026

Anticipated Start Date: December 7, 2026

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest in the GWSA.