The Canadian Mental Health Association BC Division (CMHA BC) is the leading charitable organization dedicated to promoting mental health for all.  CMHA BC develops and delivers innovative mental health initiatives while providing strategic leadership and support to our network of 13 local branches. 

CMHA BC provides advocacy and resources that help to prevent mental health problems and illnesses, support recovery and resilience, and enable all British Columbians to flourish and thrive.  Through workplace programs, direct support programs for youth and families, training and workshops, and advocacy and mental health promotion work, we always focus on our three strategic priorities to reach, uplift, and advance mental health for all.  We also play a crucial role in system transformation through policy development, research, and government relations that drive mental health reform across BC.  

CMHA BC is now recruiting an Executive Director, Programs, a newly created senior role to hold strategic oversight, direction, and accountability for implementing CMHA BC Division's program and service portfolio.

The ED is the senior executive responsible for program execution, ensuring operational excellence and innovation across mental health and substance use initiatives throughout British Columbia. This position maintains executive-level accountability for program implementation, evaluation, quality assurance, and sustainable growth of CMHA BC's distinctive and diverse provincial programs. 

The ED will have significant budget responsibilities for the majority of our $61 million budget and will lead a team of ~100 engaged and passionate staff.

Reporting directly to the CEO, Jonny Morris, the ED will provide expert program guidance to the CEO and executive team on programmatic priorities and direction, ensuring all initiatives align with CMHA BC's established strategic plan and organizational vision. 

This is a tremendous new leadership opportunity for an experienced executive leader to:

• Lead the execution and implementation of CMHA BC's mental health programs; 
• Be a thought partner and creative contributor to a thriving and dynamic leadership team;
• Provide high-level guidance and support to an exceptional team of program staff and leaders;
• Develop and implement processes and procedures to ensure best-in-class accountability and impact reporting to our funders, clients, and partners;
• Bring a strategic lens to developing synergies and cohesive approaches to contrasting yet complementary programs and services;
• Develop and expand on innovative approaches to transforming community-based mental health care. 

As the senior executive responsible for program execution, the ED ensures operational excellence and innovation across mental health and substance use initiatives throughout British Columbia. This position maintains executive-level accountability for program implementation, evaluation, quality assurance, and sustainable growth of CMHA BC's distinctive and diverse provincial programs.

Competencies & Traits 

The ideal ED will bring:

• A passion for the CMHA BC mission and goals, and a keen desire to support mental health.
• A big-picture perspective and a strategic and connective mind to grasp trends and themes.
• Accountability and transparency rooted in open communications, attuned to multi-directional communications and iterative feedback mechanisms.
• Flexible and adaptive manner and style; comfort with ambiguity, yet a desire to create clear structures and order.
• Supportive, available, and warm leadership style. Exceptionally strong change management and leadership abilities; a champion for a strong working culture and performance management skills.
• A profound understanding and commitment to psychological health and safety for staff working directly with clients and people in need.
• Reflection and self-awareness, the ability to own mistakes and work on themselves as a leader. A learning orientation with strong ethics and clear values.
• Assertiveness and self-sufficiency, with the patience and persistence to move activities forward.
• Collaboration and curiosity. 

Knowledge & Skills:

• Executive-level understanding of mental health and substance use systems, recovery principles, and the social determinants of health.
• Sophisticated knowledge of the BC mental health and addiction system, relevant legislation, health policy, and complex funding mechanisms.
• Advanced financial leadership abilities, including experience developing and managing multi-million dollar program budgets and complex funding arrangements.
• Distinguished leadership capabilities with demonstrated success directing large, diverse teams and developing senior management talent.
• Superior communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting to boards of directors, government ministers, and at high-profile conferences.
• Executive-level relationship-building expertise, with proven ability to develop strategic partnerships with government officials, healthcare executives, and C-suite stakeholders.
• Expert knowledge of program evaluation methodologies, outcome measurement frameworks, and quality improvement systems.
• Visionary strategic thinking, with demonstrated ability to translate complex organizational vision into executable strategies and measurable outcomes.
• Advanced understanding of cultural safety, cultural humility and commitment to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.
• Sophisticated understanding of peer support models and the strategic value of lived and living experience in program development, delivery, and system transformation. 

Compensation & Benefits

The ED’s salary range is currently going through the formal approval process, and we envision a hiring range of $160,000 – 175,000. Generous benefits include extended health and dental coverage, a health savings account, membership in the Municipal Pension Plan, holidays and compensatory days off, and, in keeping with our commitment to mental health, unlimited mental health benefits. 

This is a full-time permanent position, offering the flexibility of at least three days in the office. The ED can be based in either of our two offices (downtown Vancouver or Victoria), with a strong preference for the Vancouver office. 

Application Timing & Selection Process

All submissions should be received by September 10, 2025. Please apply with a cover letter/expression of interest and resume/CV in the same document. 

Early submissions and enquiries are encouraged and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. 

After applying, candidates will have the chance to share their experience and ask questions throughout the process. 

Read the full Candidate Brief Here: https://thediscoverygroup.ca/portfolio/canadian-mental-health-association-bc/