Child Development Institute
Director of Development and Communications

Child Development Institute (CDI) acknowledges that the land on which they work is the traditional territory of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, the Wendat and the Métis peoples. They also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit. This land continues to be home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. CDI is committed to working in partnership with Indigenous peoples to make measurable progress toward Truth and Reconciliation. CDI affirms this commitment in deep gratitude for the opportunity to live and work on this land.

The Child Development Institute (CDI) is a Canadian charity that has built brighter futures for at-risk children and their families since 1909. CDI provides direct services to communities in Toronto and has scaled the delivery of its signature evidence-based programs across Canada and internationally through a growing network of affiliates. Built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families, CDI is an accredited mental health agency and child care provider.

At the heart of their approach lies a deep focus on families, prioritizing the well-being of all clients as well as tailoring services to their unique strengths, needs, and challenges. CDI’s mission is to empower clients by recognizing their abilities, equipping them with the necessary tools to thrive, and providing unwavering support in overcoming obstacles. It is within this context that the CDI invites nominations and applications for the role of Director of Development and Communications, a position that will have an indelible impact on the future of the organization.

The Director of Development and Communications will assume the pivotal role of formulating and executing an all-encompassing fundraising strategy, meticulously designed to secure the necessary financial resources for bolstering programs and services. With a key focus on nurturing and sustaining robust connections with individual donors, foundations, and corporate collaborators, the Director will actively promote their engagement and investment in furthering CDI’s mission. This role holds significant importance in driving the organization’s ongoing expansion and its ability to furnish essential mental health services to children, youth, and their families. Furthermore, the Director will provide invaluable guidance and leadership in steering external communications and strengthening the CDI brand while building the organization’s Marketing and Communications team.

Qualifications

Among the qualifications being sought in candidates, the incoming leaders must understand and believe—intrinsically—in the importance of leading with curiosity and welcoming ideas that can later be synthesized and turned into possibilities. While all interested individuals are encouraged to apply and, in so doing, share how they see themselves adding value to the CDI environment, the following credentials and/or experiences are seen as possible markers of the candidates most likely to realize success: A) several years of experience in progressively senior roles related to social services, mental health, or related sectors; B) team management experience and the ability to navigate complexity and provide compelling solutions to challenges that arise; C) a history of delivering excellent work in a range of environments and circumstances and a reputation for being recognized as a leader who adds tremendous value to both their teams, customers, and companies; D) a deep and abiding commitment to advancing CDI’s anti-racism, equity, diversity and inclusion efforts, and; E) deep technical abilities in fund development.

How To Apply

CDI is an Equal Opportunity Employer valuing inclusivity & diversity in the workplace. They actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity. CDI is partnering with BIPOC Executive Search to ensure an applicant list that is diverse and is as intersectional as possible.

In accordance with the AODA Act, for applicants living with a disability accommodation will be provided throughout the search process. Should accommodations be required, please make Helen Mekonen aware by using the below address.

We thank everyone for their expression of interest—and are truly appreciative of the time individuals put into applying—but with the limitations of time only those selected for an interview will be contacted.