Executive Director

Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in mental health support seeks an Executive Director to lead through growth and change. This role involves managing operations, securing funding, and acting as the organizational face for stakeholders. Ideal candidates have strong leadership backgrounds, experience in the non-profit sector, and are bilingual in French and English.

Benefits

Diverse and inclusive workplace

Opportunity to impact community mental health

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in the non-profit sector or relevant domains.
• Experience managing boards, donors, and government entities.
• Bilingualism in French and English is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational management and financial oversight.
• Act as the face of the organization, representing DCOR to stakeholders.
• Ensure successful delivery of DCOR’s vital programs.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic development

Team management

Advocacy

Job description

Join to apply for the Executive Director role at Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region

5 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Executive Director role at Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region

About the Distress Centre of Ottawa

For over 50 years, the Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region (DCOR) has been a steadfast lifeline for individuals in distress, operating 24 / 7 in both English and French. Since 1969, the Crisis Responders have provided confidential, non-judgmental support, engaging in nearly 60,000 interactions annually. This vital service extends beyond immediate crisis support to include a telephone outreach program for patients recently discharged from hospital after a mental health-related admission or emergency visit.

DCOR also offers award-winning training programs, sharing expertise in conflict management, stress management, suicide prevention, and crisis intervention. These programs benefit the internal volunteers, as well as a wide array of external groups, including colleges, social service agencies, businesses, government departments, and police staff.

A pivotal moment in DCOR’s history was the launch of the national 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline in November 2023. As a proud partner in this nationwide network, DCOR answers calls from individuals across Canada who are contemplating suicide or are worried about someone they know. They are deeply committed to closing the gap in mental healthcare access, serving as a critical resource at a time when mental health discussions are encouraged but practical support can be difficult to access.

Summary of the Role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will lead DCOR through a period of growth and change. As the organizational leader, you will oversee operational management, financial oversight, and strategic development, ensuring the successful delivery of DCOR’s vital programs. A key aspect of this role is managing and supporting a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who provide critical assistance to individuals in mental health crises. Your ability to inspire, guide, and foster development within your team will be essential to achieving the organization’s mission and goals.

In addition to managing internal operations, you will act as the face of the organization, representing DCOR to key stakeholders, including funders, donors, government bodies, and community partners. Through effective advocacy and relationship-building, you will work to secure sustainable funding, enhance public awareness, and amplify DCOR’s profile within the community.

Your leadership responsibilities will also include overseeing the final year of DCOR’s current strategic plan with a focus on financial sustainability, brand communications, and community engagement. A critical component of this plan will involve managing the volunteer experience, creating a supportive environment that empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to DCOR’s mission. By fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusion, you will ensure the organization remains a trusted and effective resource for those in need.

Skills and Experiences

Leadership

Your background includes leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector or relevant domains, particularly with volunteer-driven organizations and in the mental health field.

Background

Your background in working with boards, donors, and government entities equips you to secure the resources essential for supporting DCOR’s programs and services.

Experience

With your experience in stakeholder engagement, and securing funding from diverse sources, you are adept at navigating the complexities of the non-profit landscape.

Strategist

You are someone who thrives in dynamic environments, adept at balancing the demands of managing day- to-day operations while keeping an eye on the long-term growth and sustainability of the organization.

Proven Track Record

You are an empathetic, forward-thinking leader with a proven history of managing organizations through transformational growth.

Bilingualism in French and English is an asset.

The Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region (DCOR) is committed to building an organization that is diverse and inclusive. DCOR encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including those with lived experience of mental health and racialized individuals, especially those who identify as Black or Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit), as well as people who identify as LGBTQ2S+, and persons with a disability. When you apply, we invite you to indicate, on a voluntary basis, if you belong to one of these groups.

Seniority level

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Business Development and Sales

Non-profit Organizations

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Distress Centre of Ottawa & Region by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Executive Director” roles.

Vice President, Investment Solutions (Ottawa & Eastern Ontario)

Vice President, Transportation Market Lead

Vice-President, Operations D&S Canada-EN

Director of Food & Beverage ( Full-Time)

Senior Vice President, R&D for Diagnostics Point-of-Care

Vice President, Public Affairs & Government Relations

Director, Residential Operations (Ottawa)

Senior Project Director, Transit Planning

Vice-President of Development, Qlik Platform

Vice President, Property and Asset Management

Vice President, Public Affairs & Government Relations - FleishmanHillard HighRoad

Vice President & Market Leader - BMO Private Wealth

Senior Technical Director - Transportation

Director of Care (RN)| Permanent Full- Time

Bilingual Director of Care (French & English)

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.