Executive Director, Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living

Jewish Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 145,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

The Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living in Toronto, Ontario, is seeking an Executive Director to lead strategy, operations and resources. This full-time, in-person role reports to the Board of Directors and guides a not-for-profit serving adults 55+ with engaging programs and outreach.

Key focus areas include financial stewardship, fundraising, staff development, and building strong community partnerships while ensuring accessible programming and operational excellence within the Centre’s

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience with accountability for operations, people, budgets and results.
• Strong strategic planning, financial stewardship, and superb communication skills.
• Proven success working with a not-for-profit board and in publicly funded environments."

Responsibilities

• Lead strategy development with the Board and translate priorities into programs and operations.
• Oversee staff, volunteers, and a respectful, high-performing workplace.
• Direct financial stewardship including budgeting, cash flow and reporting to the Board.
• Lead fundraising and revenue development, donor relations, and grant funding.
• Ensure accessible, responsive programs for older adults and strong community partnerships.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, risk management, and compliance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Strategic planning

Financial management

Governance & board liaison

Fundraising & donor relations

Staff development & culture

Community relations

Communication & interpersonal skills

Education

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Executive Director, Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living

The Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living | Toronto, Ontario

Employment: Full-time, permanent

Work arrangement: In-person attendance five (5) days per week

Compensation: $145,000 - $175,000 annual base salary, plus benefits

Reports to: Board of Directors

About the Centre

The Bernard Betel Centre for Creative Living is a publicly funded, not-for-profit organization empowering older adults to lead active, creative and healthy lives. Rooted in Jewish values and welcoming people of all backgrounds, the Centre serves more than 5,000 adults aged 55+ annually through multilingual educational, recreational, cultural and wellness programs.

The Opportunity

The Centre seeks a collaborative, strategic and community-minded Executive Director (ED) to lead its people, programs, operations and resources. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED will translate the Centre’s mission and Board-approved strategic directions into effective services, sound financial stewardship, and achieving meaningful community impact.

Key Leadership Accountabilities

• Strategy and governance — partner with the Board on strategy development; implement approved priorities, and provide timely, transparent reporting while maintaining clear distinctions between Board governance and operational management responsibilities.
• People and culture — lead and develop staff, support volunteers, clarify accountabilities, and foster a respectful, inclusive and high-performing workplace.
• Financial stewardship — lead budgets; monitor financial performance and cash flow.
• Fund development — lead fundraising and revenue-development activities; oversee funding obligations; strengthen grants, donor, and community funding relationships.
• Programs and community — ensure accessible, responsive programming for older adults; build and foster relationships with participants, funders, and community partners.
• Operations and risk — lead day-to-day operations, strengthen systems and internal controls, and oversee compliance, safety and organizational risk.

In collaboration with the Board, the incoming ED will establish objectives in five areas: organizational stability, financial sustainability, staff engagement, community relationships, and program effectiveness. Specific deliverables and success measures will be agreed during onboarding.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience, including significant accountability for operations, people, budgets and organizational results.
• Strong strategic planning, financial management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven success working with a Board of Directors in not-for-profit, community or publicly funded environments.
• Master’s level education in a related discipline (preferred), or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with older adults, with a strong understanding of their diverse needs, interests and barriers to participation.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain productive relationships with government officials and public-sector partners, and to advocate effectively on behalf of the organization.
• Experience serving older adults, knowledge of Jewish community organizations and traditions, and proficiency in Russian, Hebrew or Yiddish are assets.

Working Arrangement and Application

The position is full-time in-person at the Centre in North York, with some evening/weekend commitments and travel within the GTA.

Vacancy status

This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence may be used to assist in screening or assessing applicants. Hiring decisions are made by the individuals responsible for the recruitment process.

The Bernard Betel Centre is committed to an inclusive, accessible recruitment process. Accommodation is available upon request throughout recruitment and selection, in accordance with applicable accessibility and human rights requirements. Please contact [e-mail] to enquire about accommodation.