Executive Director

We are seeking a passionate Executive Director familiar with Oxford County to lead our organization and drive our mission through the implementation of our new strategic plan.  The successful applicant will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Social Planning Council Oxford’s (SPCO) management, administration and day to day operations including supervising staff, fiscal stewardship, research, community engagement and facilitation.

Mission: Social Planning Council Oxford advocates and facilitates collaborative action to address systemic barriers to thriving and belonging.

Vision: An equitable community where people thrive and experience a sense of belonging.

We fulfill this mission by bringing people together to find creative ways to address social issues in Oxford County (like poverty, homelessness, youth outcomes etc.).  As intentional facilitators, researchers and advocates, we listen and act with empathy, helping to develop the capacity of others, multiplying our impact in removing systemic barriers.

We are committed to:

• Justice and Equity -We honour/affirm the dignity and worth of each member of our community, while acknowledging and working to combat the structural forces (such as racism) that have harmed some groups while benefiting others.
• Collaboration and Community-We collaborate and build community through meaningful engagement and relationships founded on inclusion, integrity and trust.
• Empathy- We listen to, recognize and respect the perspectives, feelings and lived experiences of others.
• Commitment to Process-We believe that process matters and we act with intention and excellence.
• Growth and Learning-We build spaces for reflection and developing competencies central to our work.  We approach work with open mindedness and continually ask questions and search for better ways of doing things.

(For more information on our Vision, Mission and areas of focus, please visit our website at spcoxford.ca)  

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Fosters an effective working relationship with the Board of Directors and ensures that the objectives set out in the Strategic Plan are being operationalized.
• Provides reports to the Board of Directors and identifies, assesses, and informs the Board of Directors of both internal and external issues that affect the organization.
• Represents the organization in community activities to enhance the organization’s community profile and acts as a spokesperson for the organization.
• Responsible for the overall financial, operational and human resource management of the organization.
• Researches funding sources, oversees the development of fundraising plans, writes funding proposals to increase the funds of the organization and makes presentations to potential funders.
• Oversees the planning, implementation and evaluation of SPCO’s programs and services and special projects and monitors and implements the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services offered by the organization to maintain and improve quality.
• Researches, analyzes and reports on the communities within Oxford County utilizing community-based and participatory action research methods.
• Works alongside staff and community members to build their capacity to participate in social change and make improvements in their own community.
• Establishes good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization and provides facilitation of various committees.
• Clarifies and clearly articulates the position of SPCO on local social issues in line with our strategy and values and makes public presentations and statements on behalf of SPCO to share these positions.
• Develops and uses public relations and marketing tools effectively including social media platforms and SPCO’s website to implement the organization’s communications strategy.

Education, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Experience

Master’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree with relevant experience in social sciences, humanities, community development, social planning, social work or a related field.  3 years management and supervision preferred and knowledge of leadership and project management principles as they relate to non-profit organizations.

• Willingness to embrace continuous learning and growth

• Strong ability to build relationships and demonstrate effective communication skills

• Experience fundraising/fund development including grant writing will be considered an asset

• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to work independently, to be innovative and self motivated

General 

Job Type: This is a one year contract position of 35 hours per week that will last until October 2025 with a possible extension.  The schedule can be designed/determined collaboratively based on the position requirements and the employee’s availability. Hours may include evenings/weekends and will require some flexibility in scheduling of hours.  Work from home is permitted but there is an expectation that in person meetings will occur in the community setting.  Driver’s licence is required.