Executive Director

Statement of Intention

We actively encourage submissions from Black, racialized, Indigenous Peoples, People with Disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and newcomers to Canada. As a member of an equity-deserving group, we invite you to share this information in your cover letter or resume and express your pronouns if you wish.

We collaborate closely with the P4G search team because they are dedicated to creating a safe space for you to openly discuss your experiences, preferences, and any accommodations that may support you. This partnership ensures that your information is handled with sensitivity and respect.

About FamilySOS

Family SOS is a local, non-profit, child-centred organization dedicated to building strong and healthy families. Founded in 1978 by Dr. John Anderson as an inclusive family support agency, Family SOS takes a preventative approach to assisting families by developing parent confidence and providing free programs, guidance, and tools to successfully navigate family circumstances. In addition to our highly regarded Parenting Program, we offer programs that support children and youth and a weekly Food Support program.

The organization’s services have always adapted to reflect family and community needs as they evolve. As an inclusive family support agency, Family SOS offers FREE comprehensive programs that benefit all family members.

At Family SOS, we focus on:

• Increasing parenting confidence
• Developing relationships within families
• Fostering self-awareness
• Improving confidence in children and youth
• Encouraging pro-social choices
• Strengthening communication within families
• Improving health and well-being
• Empowering self-sustainability

Vision: A community where all children and families are physically and emotionally secure.

Mission: Family SOS supports children and families by providing guidance and resources to successfully navigate their circumstances.

Values:

• Sustainability: The organization’s longevity is ensured through effectively managing its resources and adapting to the community’s changing needs.
• Accountability: Responsible to our funders and those we serve through transparency and by upholding the organization’s values and best practices.
• Family-focused: An equitable, empathetic, and inclusive approach to serving families in our community.
• Empowerment: Programs and services that offer families help today for a better tomorrow.This Moment, This Position

Since its inception, Family SOS has been focused on supporting families through confidence-building parenting programs and engaging child and youth programs. During the pandemic, we bolstered services with a food support program that now assists 120+ families and feeds 600 youth a weekly hot lunch. The needs of our diverse families continue to grow, and our community relies on us to help them navigate the demands of raising children in today’s economy and ever-changing landscape.

With a supportive Board of Directors and a skilled and motivated Family SOS team, we are ready to welcome our next Executive Director to lead us through an exciting period of growth and impact.

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who understands the importance of meeting people where they are. They are a strategic thinker with a strong commitment to community, and equity, and are skilled in building meaningful partnerships and fostering a culture of collaboration. They will bring proven expertise in operational management, financial stewardship, and program development, ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of our services. With a focus on innovation and adaptability, the Executive Director will champion Family SOS’ mission to support families, expand programs across Nova Scotia, and address critical needs like food security, parenting support, and youth development.

A strong storyteller and communicator, the new Executive Director will confidently represent Family SOS to funders, donors, and community stakeholders, ensuring the organization remains a vital and sustainable resource for families. This is an incredible opportunity to make a lasting impact on our community while leading a passionate and dedicated team.

Position Responsibilities

Leadership & Governance

• Lead, coach, mentor, develop, and retain Family SOS’ engaged staff team.
• Actively engage with Family SOS volunteers, board members, event committees, alumni, partnering organizations, and funders.
• Develop, maintain, and support a strong Board of Directors.
• Drive the organization’s vision, mission, and strategic plan to guide the organization forward.
• Ensure the board is fully informed about the organization’s condition and any crucial factors influencing it.
• Create opportunities for self-reflective thinking about the organization’s impact and role within the community.
• Deepen and refine all aspects of communications to strengthen the brand and ensure that information remains current and updated.
• Undertake and participate in activities to enhance the visibility of the organization.
• Participate in and support the organization’s programs and services as required, including the Community Market (Food Bank), Lunchbox Project, or other frontline programs and services.
• Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the organization’s goals.
• Ensure feedback systems are in place to monitor the effectiveness of Family SOS programs and services. Develop additional programs and services consistent with community needs and available funding opportunities.
• Monitor departmental and organizational performance against goals to ensure progress and take corrective action if necessary.

Human Resources

• Oversee daily organizational operations by supporting the leadership and staff team, including reviewing and implementing systems to ensure smooth operations.
• Direct the organization’s Human Resources functions to ensure legal and ethical obligations are met and that the organization is effectively structured and staffed with competent employees.
• Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery in line with budgetary requirements.
• Implement a performance management process for all staff, including ongoing performance monitoring and annual performance reviews.
• Recruit, select, onboard, and provide training opportunities for staff and volunteers in line with budgetary requirements.
• Identify and evaluate risks to the organization’s people (clients, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image, and implement measures to control risks.

Financial Management and Budgeting

• Lead the organization’s fundraising programs, including operational funds, grant writing, special events, internal fundraising initiatives, planned giving, and project funding.
• Ensure grants and associated reports are submitted in a timely fashion.
• Create and maintain a donor stewardship program.
• Guide staff and the Board of Directors in development activities; maintain strong relationships with the funding community.
• Develop an annual plan and budget for Board approval that includes all operations and revenue-generating activities. Implement that plan while controlling cash flow and expenditures, aligning with Family SOS’s strategic direction.
• Administer the organization’s funds according to the approved budget and monitor monthly cash flow.
• Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board.
• Ensure timely availability of financial reports for internal review.
• Work with accountant and auditor to produce the audit, year-end financial statements, and tax returns.
• Approve payroll and manage staff schedules.
• Ensure compliance with all legal and reporting requirements.
• Ensure that facilities, furniture, and equipment are adequate and meet the organization’s needs.

Education and Experience

• Experience working with communities experiencing social barriers and an ability to demonstrate cultural sensitivity and awareness.
• Knowledge of leadership and management practices as they relate to the nonprofit and community impact sector.
• Knowledge of current community challenges and trauma-informed practices for working with families, children, and youth.
• A university degree in management or a social science field such as social work is considered an asset.
• Experience in providing leadership or management in a non-profit setting is considered an asset.
• Proficiency with computer technology, Microsoft Office 365.

The Package

• Salary: $85,000 – $95,000
• Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
• Benefits and Perks: 3 weeks vacation + 1-week annual closure, Health and Dental Coverage, Professional development

Application Details

Click “Apply” to be redirected to our website to Apply Today!

Applications will be accepted until 12:00 pm on February 21, 2025.

Please be sure to include a cover letter that speaks to your experience, but we also want to get a glimpse of your personality.

Don’t be generic. Be yourself.

Search conducted by Placemaking 4G www.p4g.ca

What to Expect

• We closely review all applications and read each cover letter (we promise).
• If you are selected as a top candidate, expect an invitation to chat with a Lead Placemaker from P4G. This is someone who treats the recruitment process non-traditionally. We want to get to know what inspires you.
• Selected candidates will proceed to a virtual interview with the Lead P4G Placemaker and 2-3 organization representatives.
• Finalists may participate in a second-round interview or skills activity and working-style assessment.
• P4G will check employment references and assist in presenting an offer to the successful candidate.