Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO) Executive Director

Boyden; Canada; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a visionary Executive Director to lead a transformative initiative in youth mental health services. This full-time role involves strategic planning, collaboration with diverse stakeholders, and championing youth engagement to enhance service delivery across Ontario. The successful candidate will have a robust background in health and community services, with a strong commitment to equity and social justice. Join a dynamic team dedicated to improving the lives of young people and fostering innovative practices in mental health care. Your leadership will drive meaningful change and empower youth voices in shaping their futures.

Qualifications

• 7-10 years of senior management experience in health or community services.
• Experience in youth services and mental health with a focus on equity.

Responsibilities

• Lead youth-centered initiatives and engage families in service development.
• Oversee daily operations and ensure efficient service delivery.

Skills

Leadership

Youth Engagement

Public Relations

Strategic Planning

Community Services Knowledge

Bilingualism

Education

Master's degree in Public Health

Master's degree in Social Work

Master's degree in Healthcare Administration

Master's degree in Business Administration

Job description

Youth Wellness Hubs Ontario (YWHO, www.youthhubs.ca) is a network of 32 integrated youth services networks operating youth hubs in over 40 communities. These hubs provide accessible, youth-centered, community-based mental health and wellness services for young people aged 12 to 25. YWHO actively involves youth, families, service providers, and partners through co-creation to ensure services are relevant, acceptable, and youth-friendly. The hubs are consistent in core features across Ontario but are locally led and adapted to connect a range of evidence-based services, including mental health care, substance use services, primary care, education, employment, housing, peer support, family support, and care navigation—delivered in youth-friendly spaces. Our commitment to health equity and social justice motivates us to confront disparities and address social determinants of health affecting youth facing the greatest barriers.

As a Learning Health System, YWHO rigorously evaluates outcomes to refine and implement best practices aimed at improving mental health, substance use health, and overall wellness. We value collaboration, working cooperatively across a provincial network of staff, youth, families, and service providers to identify gaps, share knowledge, and enhance our collective efforts. Transparency, responsible resource use, and consistent delivery of the YWHO model guide our actions. We are committed to innovation and transforming Ontario’s youth mental health and substance use system.

The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) is Canada's largest mental health teaching hospital and a leading research center globally. Fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, CAMH employs over 5,000 staff members and serves more than 38,000 patients annually. The organization conducts pioneering research, provides expert training, develops health promotion strategies, and advocates for public policy changes. Through its Foundation, CAMH raises funds to support new programs, research, and service expansion.

Position Overview :

We seek a visionary and dynamic leader for the role of Executive Director at CAMH. This full-time, permanent position is based at CAMH. The successful candidate will uphold our youth-centered approach, ensuring meaningful youth participation in shaping services and initiatives. The Executive Director will oversee provincial office support for local program delivery, operational efficiency, strategic planning, partnerships, and staff development. This role involves close collaboration with CAMH senior leadership, YWHO’s chief scientific officer, provincial office leaders, youth, families, and key partners to advance this vital initiative.

Key Responsibilities :

• Champion YWHO's youth-centered vision through robust engagement practices, facilitating collaboration with youth and families to co-develop inclusive strategies and services.
• Lead the implementation of innovative, evidence-based practices aligned with health equity and social justice principles.
• Manage and motivate the provincial backbone team supporting youth services across Ontario.
• Support 32 YWHO networks in over 40 communities to implement the YWHO model and deliver integrated youth services.
• Collaborate with government and partners to ensure effective, equitable youth services and system-wide transformation.
• Partner with the Chief Scientific Officer to support YWHO’s implementation, evaluation, and research as a Learning Health System.
• Engage youth and families in governance to co-develop strategies and services.
• Develop strategic partnerships to advance integrated youth and mental health service systems.
• Articulate and implement the long-term vision and strategic direction for YWHO, ensuring alignment with its mission, values, and commitments.
• Assess community needs for program expansion and support community readiness.
• Foster strong partnerships with service providers, provincial organizations, and government to address service gaps and promote collaboration.
• Share knowledge and best practices with other jurisdictions and the Pan-Canadian Collaboration Centre.
• Oversee daily provincial office operations, ensuring efficient service delivery, resource management, and accountability to funders.
• Manage contracts and service agreements related to YWHO operations.
• Ensure transparency and integrity in the use of provincial funding for YWHO networks and initiatives.

Qualifications :

The successful candidate will have :

• A Master's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Public Health, Social Work, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration).
• 7-10 years of senior management experience with a proven leadership record in health, social, or community services sectors.
• Experience in youth services and/or mental health and substance use health, with a strong commitment to health equity and social justice.
• A clinical or health service planning/administration background with relevant systems expertise.
• Experience working collaboratively with government, philanthropy, community partners, youth, and families, embodying YWHO’s values.
• Proven success in implementing and scaling performance- and outcomes-based initiatives, with examples of strategic development and operationalization.
• Extensive knowledge of youth engagement best practices, with at least five years of co-designing and implementing youth and family initiatives.
• Experience engaging marginalized communities, including those with lived experiences of racism and oppression, in mental health and substance use contexts.
• Deep understanding of Indigenous engagement principles, including knowledge of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and a commitment to TRC and OCAP principles.
• Strong public relations skills for fundraising and building relationships with diverse partners.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging varied audiences and teams.
• Experience working with executive leaders and boards, with the ability to cultivate strategic relationships.
• A commitment to learning health systems, continuous quality improvement, and data-driven evaluation.
• Excellent organizational management skills, including coaching, team development, strategic planning, and budget management.
• Bilingualism (English/French/Indigenous language) is an asset, as is fluency in additional languages.

To apply, submit your application and materials to Pamela Colquhoun and Jim Stonehouse via Kathy Luu at [e-mail].

CAMH values diversity and encourages applications from visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ individuals, and others contributing to diversity. CAMH is a tobacco-free organization, affiliated with the University of Toronto, and committed to equity and inclusion. We seek candidates from all backgrounds and appreciate your interest. Only selected candidates will be contacted. Please inform us if accommodations are needed during the interview process.