Are you OCTEVAW’s next Executive Director?

The Ottawa Coalition to End Violence Against Women (OCTEVAW) is seeking an Executive Director to fulfill its mission to unite organizations and individuals on Algonquin, Anishnaabe territory (Ottawa) who are working to end gender-based violence (GBV). This is a hybrid role with flexibility to work from home and from OCTEVAW’s office located at 250 City Centre Avenue. OCTEVAW’s office is in an accessible building with elevators and parking, and is close to the vibrant Hintonburg community, the LRT, transitway, and bike/walking paths. 

We know that tackling the root causes of GBV and VAW is only possible if it is led and informed by people with relevant expertise and lived experience, including survivors of violence, women, trans and gender-diverse people, and others who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+, Indigenous, Black, people with disabilities, and racialized people. If you are a member of one or more of these groups, we would love to hear from you. See details below. 

• Location: Ottawa
• Term: Permanent, full-time (4- or 5-day work week, some weekend and evening availability required)  
• Salary: $85,000.00 plus employee benefits plan 
• Start Date: June 1, 2023  
• Reports to: Board of directors, through the Chair 
• Leave: 15 vacation days, 15 sick days, 5 personal days, organization-wide winter break (2 weeks) 
• Phone and Internet access support: $100 per month
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in Canada 

About OCTEVAW  

OCTEVAW aims to end gender-based violence through prevention, awareness building, and by amplifying the voices of those on the frontline. OCTEVAW works collaboratively with members, partner organizations, community members, and institutions in line with feminist, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, decolonial, 2SLGBTIAQ+ positive and pro-choice principles.  

We have recently finalized our strategic plan which focuses on centering the needs of Indigenous, Black and racialized survivors and communities. We are seeking an individual that is connected to grassroots activism in Ottawa, has an interest in non-carceral and community accountability frameworks, and systems change.

Position and Profile 

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director oversees OCTEVAW’s strategic direction. The Executive Director is responsible for managing OCTEVAW’s day-to-day operations, engaging members and community, and delivering on its mission to end gender-based violence. 

This role is well suited for: 

• An intersectional feminist who is passionate about ending violence and movement building. 
• An action-oriented person that wants to make things happen – you have an activist heart and want to contribute to creating systemic change.  
• Someone with previous policy, frontline, and/or non-profit management experience that centers relationships and puts community first in all they do. 
• Someone able to engage in the working languages of OCTEVAW – English and French. 
• Someone motivated to work collaboratively and strategically to develop OCTEVAW’s organizational capacity. 

Areas of Responsibility 

1. Administration and Operations 

• Assists the Coalition in defining its strategic direction, in planning and executing programs and services, and in measuring impact in line with strategic priorities.  
• Plans, organizes, and attends meetings of the Standing Committees (Front Line Support and Public Engagement) and supports them in carrying out their work.
• Supports the Chair of the Board of Directors in scheduling, planning, and carrying out Board meetings and obligations - and engages board members in their respective portfolios. 
• Leads staff and volunteer recruitment, selection, and training. 
• Supports and motivates staff to deliver on OCTEVAW’s mission and develops a workplace culture aligned with OCTEVAW’s values. 
• Works collaboratively with the OCTEVAW Black and Racialized Caucus and engages members meaningfully in direction-setting and program decisions.  
• Ensures the administrative efficiency and continuity of the organization. 

2. Membership and Community Engagement 

• Engages regularly with member and non-member organizations and ensures their expertise informs OCTEVAW’s work, programs, and advocacy. 
• Builds meaningful relationships with grassroots networks, survivors, and other community members so that OCTEVAW understands and can be responsive to community needs. 
• Amplifies the voices of members, partner organizations, and grassroots networks to shape policy and program decisions.   

• Co-leads community events and engagement activities to raise awareness of GBV among residents and community members, with a focus on prevention.  
• Convenes member organizations, City officials, policy makers, and partners to address emerging issues related to GBV at the municipal level.  

3. Financial management and fund development 

• Ensures the sound financial health and management of the Coalition, including the preparation of annual budgets and regular financial reports to the Board of Directors. 

• Oversees operating and program budgets as well as annual financial audit. 
• Works collaboratively with the Fundraising Committee to develop and implement a fundraising strategy with diverse revenue streams.  
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with funders and donors.  
• Manages and fulfills grant requirements, including financial and narrative reporting.  

 4. Advocacy and Communications 

• Builds and sustains meaningful relationships and external partnerships to achieve the Coalition’s goals and objectives. 
• Represents OCTEVAW as a spokesperson and point of contact in instances of community, legal, and policy relevance. 
• Identifies and pursues opportunities to increase awareness of GBV in the community and to demonstrate OCTEVAW’s leadership in public education and advocacy. 
• Oversees the design and dissemination of campaigns and Coalition materials to the public, including via social media.
• Facilitates internal communication and the flow of information between Board members, staff, Committees, and other key partners.  

 5. Research, Policy, and Programs 

• Maintains and develops OCTEVAW’s capacity to provide research and policy recommendations that are trauma-informed, evidence-based, and survivor-centred. 
• Ensures up-to-date research and engagement with City officials on GBV prevention, community accountability, and non-carceral responses.
• Advances projects with the City of Ottawa Community Safety and Wellbeing Plan where VAW/GBV is a priority and the Women and Gender Equity Strategy.  
• Defines and builds on OCTEVAW’s role when it comes to prevention programming, including with key programs such as Engaging Men and Tech Without Violence. 
• Works in collaboration with the Board director for Community Accountability to co-develop a community accountability framework rooted in transformative justice.

If you have any accessibility needs, please contact us at careers@octevaw-cocvff.ca and we will do our best to meet them and support you in applying for this role. Do you have questions? Contact us at