Executive Director

Who is KAIROS:
Formed in 2001 by bringing together over 10 previous inter-church coalitions, our justice commitments reach back over 40 years.

KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives is an ecumenical movement for ecological justice and human rights. Through KAIROS, ordinary Canadians of faith and conscience work together for extraordinary change. KAIROS is committed to truth, healing, and reconciliation for the past and Indigenous justice for the present. We support an active process of decolonization - with ourselves, our communities, our churches, and our country, building just and respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. We support the recognition of Indigenous peoples as distinct peoples and nations, with rights to land and self-determination.

We are a charitable joint venture of ten church denominations and religious organizations currently administered through the United Church of Canada, and in process of becoming an independent nonprofit.

What is in it For You:
As a values-driven workplace, KAIROS offers employees the opportunity to work on impactful initiatives that address ecological justice and human rights. KAIROS fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, where diverse perspectives are valued, and personal growth is encouraged.

With a strong commitment to work-life balance and a resourceful community, KAIROS provides a fulfilling and meaningful career opportunity for individuals who are looking to make a difference. If you are passionate about social justice and creating a positive change in the world, this opportunity is right for you!

Job Summary:
The Executive Director of KAIROS is accountable for the overall leadership and strategic direction of the organization. While working collaboratively with the Executive Officer, Finances of the United Church of Canada, management team, Steering Committee, and future Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for driving KAIROS' mission forward, ensuring financial sustainability, and maintaining a strong presence among churches, social movements, and the broader public.

Key Accountabilities:

Leadership & Vision

• Provides visionary leadership and oversight of KAIROS operations, consistent with the organization's mission, vision and strategic priorities.
• Articulates and implements a vision which energizes staff and enables them to achieve program objectives.
• Leads organizational efforts with integrity, accountability and transparency.
• Fosters an inclusive and respectful workplace culture.

Operational Efficiency & Organizational Development

• Develops and implements a respectful and participatory organizational environment, with committed staff who are meeting program goals.
• Leads a structure that encourages and facilitates ongoing organizational learning and improvement.
• Ensures the organization is working actively towards anti-racism, anti-oppression, equity and diversity within, and across its breadth.
• Develops ongoing planning, processes and operational structure that provides clear direction, objectives and accountability for the organization and its programming.
• Guides and supports the successful execution of all KAIROS program areas.
• Ensures the organization operates effectively, ethically and in alignment with KAIROS mission, vision and values.

External Relations & Advocacy

• Acts as the public face and primary spokesperson of KAIROS in media relations and public advocacy opportunities.
• Builds and strengthens relationships among churches, Indigenous partners and global partners that encourage engagement with KAIROS.
• Identifies opportunities for KAIROS to contribute to justice in the areas of Indigenous sovereignty, ecological justice and human rights.

Governance

• Equips the Steering Committee with the information and resources necessary to make informed decisions.
• Develops and implements organizational policies and governance frameworks in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Upholds governance standards and ensure compliance with legal guidelines.

Fundraising & Development

• Develops and implements fundraising strategies aligned with KAIROS’s mission, vision and values and oversees engagement initiatives.
• Expands the organization's network of supporters and identify and lead new funding opportunities.
• Oversees the budget & financial management of funding partners.
• Cultivates relationships with prospective donors and funding partners.

All KAIROS staff will exhibit practices that recognize and uphold principles of diversity, equity, inclusion (DEI), anti-colonialism, anti-racism, and anti-oppression (ARAO), exemplifying these principles in their day-to-day interactions with colleagues, partners, hosts, members, donors, supporters, and the public, and contribute to the organization’s DEI and ARAO development at the individual, team, and organizational levels.

Job Requirements

Core Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• A fundamental understanding of current issues and challenges facing individuals from under-served communities and historically underrepresented groups, with a particular focus on issues relating to racial, gender, climate, migrant justice and Indigenous justice.
• Demonstrated ability to build, manage and mentor high-performance teams.
• Demonstrated ability to build strong interpersonal relationships at all levels of an organization as well as with external partners.
• Ability to inspire, support and encourage others to work cohesively toward common goals.
• Excellent communication and public relations skills with a strong ability to engage in public speaking and advocacy.
• Strong visionary leadership with the ability to inspire and unite teams.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of anti-racism, equity and diversity and the capacity to work from a feminist, intersectional framework.
• Strong knowledge of Indigenous issues and experience working with Indigenous peoples—First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
• Ability to work with a Steering Committee in a shared leadership model.
• In-depth knowledge of fundraising practices, and demonstrated success in fundraising.
• Familiarity with Canadian denominational structures and ability to work effectively in an ecumenical organization.
• Demonstrated experience promoting social development, advocating for social and economic issues policies at national and international political levels, and influencing national and international public and private institutions.
• Familiarity with national and international civil society and ecumenical networks.
• Demonstrated skills in strategic and operational planning.

Education:

• Post-secondary education in a related field such as public policy, social justice, non-profit management, international development, gender or Indigenous studies, theology or equivalent work and lived experience.

Experience:

• 7 - 10 years of experience in a senior leadership role in a related field.
• Strong experience in public relations, marketing, and fundraising.
• Financial management experience, including budget preparation and financial reporting.
• Experience in change management and managing complex organizational transitions.
• Lived experience is highly valued.

Other Requirements:

• Passion for social justice, and commitment to the overall goals and mission of KAIROS.
• The ability to speak French, Spanish or an Indigenous language would be an asset.
• Experience managing in a unionized setting is preferred.
• Must be available to travel occasionally, as required, both nationally and internationally.

Physical and/or Cognitive Demands:

• A hybrid work model that includes in-office working days in the Toronto office.
• Sitting and viewing a computer screen for long periods, keyboarding/using voice recognition software, intermittent physical activity including sitting, standing and being on the phone for long periods of time.
• Long hours, including evenings and weekends may be required.

This job description is intended to summarize the general nature and level of work performed by the incumbent and is not an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and requirements.

In accordance with Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, and KAIROS’ Equity and Inclusion policy, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.

TO APPLY
This position will remain open until filled. However, we will begin reviewing applications on March 31, 2025. Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining how your skills, knowledge and experience make you a good candidate as soon as possible to ensure consideration.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. KAIROS Canada is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.