Executive Director

North Okanagan Friendship Center Society; Vernon; On-site; CAD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in Vernon, British Columbia, seeks a full-time Executive Director to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight. This role involves advancing the mission of the North Okanagan Friendship Center, ensuring effective program delivery, securing funding, and fostering a culture of inclusivity. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership experience, profound understanding of Indigenous communities, and excellent financial management skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience in the non-profit sector.
• Strong commitment to Indigenous self-determination and social justice.
• Experience in budget development and financial planning.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction, organizational leadership, and operational oversight.
• Oversee program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Lead fundraising and resource development activities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Financial acumen

Relationship building

Culturally competent

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

About the opportunity:

The North Okanagan Friendship Centre Society is looking for a full-time Executive Director based in Vernon, British Columbia to take the organization into the next phase of its life.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will play a pivotal role in providing strategic direction, organizational leadership, and operational oversight to advance the mission and goals of our organization.Working collaboratively with the Board of Directors, staff, and community stakeholders, the Executive Director will be responsible for ensuring the effective delivery of programs and services, securing funding and resources, executing critical human resources functions, and fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and inclusivity.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to advance the mission, goals, and values of the organization.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, including program development, implementation, and evaluation, financial management, human resources, and administration.
• Supervise a small administrative team composed of: Executive Assistant, Receptionist, Finance Specialist, Community Engagement Coordinator.
• Foster a positive organizational culture that values teamwork, collaboration, anti-racism, cultural safety, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and promote professional development opportunities for staff and volunteers.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of programs and services, utilizing data and feedback to inform continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.
• Develop and manage the organization’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability
• Lead fundraising and resource development activities, including grant writing, donor cultivation, and stewardship, to secure funding for existing programs and future growth.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements, as well as adherence to ethical and best practice standards.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with Indigenous communities, organizations, government agencies, funders, and other stakeholders to support programmatic initiatives, partnerships, and advocacy efforts.
• Represent the organization in public forums, media interviews, conferences, and community events to raise awareness of our mission, impact, and achievements.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and implement organizational policies, procedures, and strategic plans to achieve long-term sustainability and impact.
• Prepare and present regular reports to the Board of Directors, funders, and other stakeholders on the organization's activities, financial performance, and outcomes

Qualifications and Experience:

• Strong commitment to the values and principles of Indigenous self-determination, cultural revitalization, and social justice, with a deep understanding of the strengths, challenges, and opportunities facing urban Indigenous communities
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Indigenous studies, social work, public administration, non-profit management, commerce) required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience in the non-profit sector, with a proven track record of success in organizational management, program development, fundraising, and community engagement.
• Minimum of 5 years of senior leadership experience, managing large service teams across multiple sites.
• Demonstrated leadership ability, with excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate staff, volunteers, and strategic thinker with the ability to develop and implement innovative solutions to complex issues, while effectively managing resources and mitigating risks.
• Strong financial acumen, with extensive experience in budget development, financial planning, contract and grant management and reporting, as well as knowledge of relevant accounting and reporting principles and procedures.
• Experience working collaboratively with a Governance Board of Directors.

Core Competencies:

• Culturally Competent Leadership– Deep respect for Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and ways of knowing.
• Strategic Thinker– Ability to create and implement long-term plans that benefit the community.
• Strong Relationship Builder– Works effectively with funders, government agencies, and community organizations.
• Effective Communicator– Ability to speak publicly, advocate, and engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Resilient & Adaptable– Capable of navigating challenges while maintaining a strong commitment to the organization’s mission

How to Apply:

NOFCS is committed to creating a culturally safe and inclusive work environment. Preference may be given to those who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and/or Métis), with the required combination of education and experience.

Candidates are invited to submit a resume, cover letter, and references [e-mail]

In your cover letter, please demonstrate how your background aligns with the mission and values of the North Okanagan Friendship Center, with a focus on your experience in non-profit and community social services work and engagement with Indigenous communities.

A Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check and reference checks will be conducted for short-listed candidates and must be cleared to the satisfaction of the organization. Salary starting at $85,000 -$95,000 plus benefits based on experience.