Location: Toronto, Ontario / Hybrid
Nature: Permanent
Close Date: November 15th, 2024
ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S BOOK BANK
The Children’s Book Bank (CBB) provides free books and literacy programming to support children in high needs neighbourhoods across Toronto. We believe that equitable access to books for all children improves literacy rates and socioeconomic outcomes for children and families. Since 2008, CBB has distributed over 1.5 million books across Toronto with the support of partners and donors. Currently, CBB has three (3) physical community locations, with two (2) new locations being launched in 2025. The CBB is at a pivotal juncture in its journey and seeking engaged, creative and determined Executive Director to build on its existing success.
This is an exciting opportunity for a non-profit executive leader and fundraiser with a passion for literacy and education to:
Work entrepreneurially to lead, voice and shape the CBB’s next chapter;
Leverage the reputation and partnerships of the CBB to propel a financially sustainable future;
Lead a passionate, committed and vibrant team of staff and volunteers; and
Engage with donors, Canadian corporations, community partners (educators, authors, community groups etc.) and all levels government in an exciting and important movement to ensure books and literacy programming are accessible to all children.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Executive Director (ED) is the leader of the CBB. Working closely with and reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED will be the primary fundraiser and spokesperson for the CBB and continue to strengthen the CBB’s business and operational capabilities. The Executive Director is responsible for overseeing the fundraising, operations, programming and strategic plan of the organization. In partnership with staff, volunteers and community partners the ED will oversee the delivery of programming that advances literacy in high needs communities across Toronto, and advocate persuasively and confidently for the mission of the CBB, while ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all.
The ED has a broad range of knowledge, experience and comfort with all aspects of non-profit management, especially strategic planning, financial systems management, fundraising, human resources and culture, governance, programming, and marketing and communications. The ED should be comfortable engaging with existing and potential donors, partners and stakeholders. The ED should be confident and able to express the CBB’s mission, while furthering the organization’s brand. With community at the centre of the CBB’s mission and vision, the ED must be able to build relationships across a wide spectrum of stakeholders. The ED will support staff at the CBB by motivating and encouraging growth and innovation within the team. A significant and demonstrated track record in non-profit leadership and fundraising is critical to this role.
The Executive Director will:
Lead the CBB’s long- and short-term strategies, including the development of a strategic plan.
Demonstrate visionary leadership while fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, innovation and accountability.
Oversee the day-to-day operations of five CBB locations across Toronto, while ensuring relevant and innovative program delivery, monitoring and evaluation.
Fundraise by managing prospects (identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship) and partnership proposals.
Build the fundraising pipeline through prospect management and execution of a fundraising strategy.
Set a standard of high touch donor stewardship and recognition, building relationships, and ensuring the conditions for increased philanthropic support with key constituents.
Develop, oversee and implement a resourcing plan, including the hiring, training, performance and oversight of all staff while fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture
Oversee the financial management of the organization, including budgeting, reporting and auditing.
Prepare the annual operating budget and operating plan along with any other additional financial reporting as required by the Board.
Monitor and report risks and performance outcomes to the Board.
Articulate the CBB brand identity and key corporate messaging to a diverse base of potential corporate donors, ensuring that all plans and activities align with the CBB brand, strategy, and values.
Act as the CBB’s spokesperson; prepare and support speaking and media engagements as needed.
Serve as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and staff to facilitate effective and transparent communication through reporting, that provides all necessary information to make informed and strategic decisions.
Plan and execute board meetings. Support board members in their roles through the continued strengthening of the CBB’s governance structure.
Develop and implement of policies that align with the strategic plan goals and metrics.
Ensure the organization adheres to all legal and regulatory requirements and ethical standards.
Ensure that risk management practices and strategies are in place to protect the CBB’s assets and reputation.
Build relationships within the communities that CBB operates and beyond, to further the CBB’s mission and impact. Actively advocate for the CBB’s mission and programs to grow community awareness and support.
IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ED will be an authentic, collaborative, transparent leader who brings a combination of vision, passion, commitment and discipline to the CBB.
A demonstrated and successful track record of fundraising, cause marketing, and operational experience, including fiscal responsibility and budget preparation.
The proven ability to cultivate relationships and raise significant funds.
Highly self-motivated, self-managed, and able to work independently.
Authenticity and transparency in all relationships, and is a proactive communicator.
Demonstrated sophisticated relationship building skills and be a compelling communicator with strong interpersonal skills to inspire investment in children’s literacy.
An adaptable and versatile style, able to navigate between and across different internal (i.e., clients, staff, volunteers) and external (i.e., funders, authors, educators) cultures and personalities.
A commitment to equity, and the unique needs of underserved communities in Toronto.
A deep understanding of current trends in corporate giving, sponsorship acquisition, cause marketing, and corporate community investment.
A track record as an entrepreneurial leader who has significantly contributed to the success of an organization and delivered positive, sustained performance and growth through a data-driven and impact focused approach.
Demonstrated experience in Board relations and the ability to excel in an environment within complex accountability frameworks.
Exceptional negotiation skills, and the ability to lead with influence.
A strategic and thoughtful posture, paired with a strong desire to execute and “do”
QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES
A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in a leadership role within the non-profit and charitable sector in Canada.
A university degree in education, business or public administration, social work and/or equivalent education and experience.
Significant demonstrated experience in fundraising, in particular corporate giving, major gift fundraising, grant writing or some combination thereof.
Demonstrated success engaging and soliciting, corporations and establishing mutually beneficial partnerships.
Demonstrated a broad range of knowledge, experience and comfortability with all aspects of non-profit management.
Proficiency in analysing operational gaps and developing the appropriate strategies.
A respectful and inclusive approach to community partnerships.
Emotionally intelligent, excellent communication skills (verbal and written), interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated superior organizational, flexibility, and multi-tasking skills within a team environment.
High degree of initiative and organization and the ability to complete assigned tasks on time, with a high degree of quality and accuracy.
Experience working in a non-profit organization that has a literacy or youth focus is highly preferred.
INFORMATION FOR CANDIDATES
Compensation & Benefits:
The ED position is a full-time and permanent position. The CBB provides a basic health and dental benefit package, phone allowance, four-weeks of vacation and flexible hybrid-work environment. All interested candidates should enquire for the salary.
Workplace Location:
The ED will work in a hybrid work environment, with their office based out of our Regent Park location located at: 585 Dundas St. E, Toronto, Ontario M5A 2B7. The ED must have the ability to travel to all five (5) Toronto CBB locations and periodically meet with donors and community partners.
Diversity and Accessibility Statement:
The Children’s Book Bank is committed to an inclusive, accessible and welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants.
We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our mission.
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