Executive Director – Wayfinder Developments

This executive search is conducted by Nelson/Kraft & Associates on behalf of Wayfinder Developments

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Wayfinder Developments is building something that sits at the intersection of mission, market, and meaningful impact.

Established to help faith-based organizations unlock the potential of underutilized land for affordable housing and community benefit, Wayfinder operates in a complex space where trust, expertise, and credibility matter just as much as vision. Churches and faith organizations often carry significant assets but lack the development expertise, confidence, or partners required to move from aspiration to execution. Wayfinder exists to bridge that gap.

The organization is now entering its next phase and seeking its first Executive Director—a role designed for a proven leader who thrives in early-stage environments and wants to build something of consequence. This opportunity will resonate strongly with nonprofit executives or marketplace leaders who have operated close to the revenue line, enjoy external engagement, and are motivated by both financial sustainability and social impact. It is not a legacy organization in maintenance mode; it is a venture-mindset organization with a clear runway, a defined niche, and a mandate to grow.

The Executive Director will partner closely with the Director of Real Estate Development and the board to translate Wayfinder’s vision into a sustainable, scalable enterprise. In practical terms, this means taking ownership of business development, helping establish operating discipline, and becoming the primary external face of the organization within the faith and nonprofit sectors. Early success will be marked by visible traction—new client conversations, growing pipeline confidence, improved organizational rhythm, and a board that can begin shifting from execution to governance.

While Wayfinder’s work is deeply mission-driven, this is not a program-delivery role. The Executive Director is expected to think commercially, act entrepreneurially, and engage comfortably with multiple stakeholders—church boards, senior pastors, lenders, municipal partners, funders, and Wayfinder’s own board. The position rewards leaders who enjoy building credibility in the room, advancing complex conversations, and moving opportunities forward in settings where trust is everything.

Over the next two to three years, the Executive Director (with the aid of a generous grant from CMHC providing initial capital) will help lead Wayfinder toward financial self-sufficiency, an expanded client base, and a stronger external reputation as the trusted development advisor for faith-based organizations navigating redevelopment. As the organization grows, this leader will help shape future staffing, service offerings, and longer-term strategy—laying the foundation for a durable organization that can extend its impact beyond Vancouver.

This role is well-suited to leaders who:

• Have operated at senior levels in nonprofit, consulting, professional services, or purpose-driven marketplace environments
• Are comfortable generating revenue, cultivating relationships, and closing opportunities
• Thrive in lean settings where influence is earned and systems are still being built
• Are motivated by work that blends enterprise discipline with community impact
• Are fluent in the culture, language, and decision-making dynamics of faith-based organizations

For the right leader, this is a chance to step into a foundational executive role with meaningful autonomy, visible impact, and the opportunity to help shape both an organization and a model that matters.

OUR STORY

From church parking lot to affordable housing – the housing project and community that started it all.

In 2018 we united our development know-how and deep understanding of faith communities to build our first affordable housing project in Vancouver, Co:Here Housing, and continue to pursue our mission with integrity and dedication. Built on Grandview Church’s under-used parking lot on the corner of East 1st Avenue and Victoria Drive, the Co:Here Housing project was born out of Grandview Church’s vision to serve their neighbourhood and address the dire need for affordable housing in their community.

Through the development and construction process, many faith-based organizations reached out to us seeking help for a similar problem. They wanted help to transform their underutilized land and aging buildings into affordable housing and revitalized spaces serving their communities. And that’s how Wayfinder Developments Society (formerly Co:Here Developments Society) was formed. We’re passionate about bridging the worlds of faith and affordable housing through a genuine, visionary approach. Our specialized development consulting services help faith-based organizations get organized and guide them through the whole development process from start to finish.

OUR MISSON & VISION

We are the trusted development consultant partner for faith-based communities, providing guidance and expertise every step of the way with honesty, integrity, and creativity.

OUR BRAND PILLARS

At Wayfinder, our mission is guided by a steadfast commitment to four core values that shape everything we do.

• Hope: Illuminating a brighter future
• Guidance: Navigating a new path, together
• Expertise: Industry experts grounded in faith
• Integrity: Selfless support at every step

QUALIFICATIONS

• Proven experience in business development, sales, or marketing; ideally in a consultancy, nonprofit, or faith-based environment.

• Able to build trust quickly with leaders of faith-based organizations and not-for-profit boards.

• Deep understanding of the church and faith-based world, an asset.

• Strong strategic thinker with experience in corporate oversight, budgeting, and goal-setting.

• Entrepreneurial mindset; thrives in a fast-moving, evolving organization with big ambitions.

• Excellent communicator who is confident presenting to boards and senior leaders.

• Passionate about Wayfinder’s mission and the intersection of real estate and faith communities.

• Hands-on; doesn’t have direct reports.

Location: Vancouver, BC

Application Deadline: June 1, 2026

Start Date: TBD

Salary Range: $130,000 - $160,000

APPLY online at https://pod5.app.loxo.co/job/NDExMTItb2xuMWFpYjNlenZxOHBmcw==?t=1777941579128&source_type=nonprofits-ca

ABOUT US

Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. is an executive consulting firm that specializes in working with not-for-profits and for-profit businesses across Canada, assisting them in the placement of senior executives and directors.

Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. welcomes and encourages all interested applicants to apply for this position. Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. is committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion in its hiring practices, and will only make distinctions among interested applicants in accordance with the applicable Human Rights legislation.

Nelson/Kraft & Associates Inc. also welcomes and encourages applications from candidates with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. If you require disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact us.