President & CEO

President & CEO – Compassion Canada

This executive search is conducted by Nelson/Kraft & Associates on behalf of Compassion Canada

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Compassion is a leading international child development organization, committed to releasing children from poverty in Jesus’ name. The President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Compassion Canada is appointed by the Board of Directors to provide overall leadership, direction and accountability of the organization.

The CEO will provide visionary and strategic organizational leadership, spiritual leadership and team leadership to the Executive Leadership Team while representing the organization locally, nationally and globally to all relevant stakeholders as the corporate spokesperson and a child advocate.

WHO WE ARE

As a leading child development organization, Compassion’s mission is to release children from poverty in Jesus’ name.

Compassion was founded in 1952 when a move of compassion ignited our founder’s heart for children. Today, Compassion’s proven holistic child development program is helping nearly 2.4 million children and youth overcome poverty in every aspect of their lives. We partner with over 8,600 local churches in 29 countries around the world to deliver our programs and spark generational change in families and entire communities.

1.7 million supporters around the world—including over 90,000 Canadians—are a part of this movement, making a real and tangible difference in the fight against poverty. Our invitation is simple: move with compassion to make an impact in the lives of children and youth living in poverty.

OUR MISSION

Every child. Every Jesus follower. Every life transformed.

OUR VALUES

In everything we do, we put Christ at the centre and seek to work with integrity, discernment, dignity, stewardship and excellence.

OUR STRATEGY

Strategic Anchors:

1. Christ-centred
2. Child-focused
3. Church-driven

QUALIFICATIONS

The role of CEO requires an individual of considerable vision, character and leadership. The CEO should possess the capacity to inspire and motivate colleagues and supporters alike to create, develop and support a world-class organization and will be an individual wholly and deeply committed to the aims and objectives of Compassion Canada.

Personal Qualities

• Fully and enthusiastically committed to the Statement of Faith.
• Values the holistic well-being of themselves and others and commits to living and leading in a way that cultivates overall holism.
• Committed to excellence, integrity, dignity, stewardship and discernment.
• Committed to building a Jesus-centred culture that promotes the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Proven ability to build a relationship-focused and results-oriented environment, where individuals flourish and long-term organizational health and performance are optimized.
• High emotional health (EQ), cultural intelligence (CQ) and intellectual intelligence (IQ).
• Growth mindset, forward-thinking and committed to building a learning organization.
• Proven leadership capabilities with in-depth people management and interpersonal skills.
• Honed communication, conflict and change management skills.
• Excellent planning, operational and analytical skills.

As part of the Executive Leadership Team, this incumbent will need to sign a senior leadership attestation by which the board and ELT are held to. This senior leadership attestation will have a higher standard than the rest of the general staff, given the Christian leadership ministry responsibilities the ELT has to create a Jesus-centred ethos and organization.

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of cross-enterprise business disciplines and best practices.
• Working knowledge of the charity sector.
• Working knowledge of international development and sector realities including relief, development and advocacy.
• Working knowledge of theological issues, the global and Canadian church and Christian mission.

Skills & Abilities

• Authoritative, dynamic and inspirational leadership capability so as to lead, motivate and encourage senior staff both professionally and spiritually.
• An effective decision maker with the ability to implement key strategic initiatives and manage change successfully.
• Excellent planning skills, mental agility and well developed analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to combine focused, results-oriented leadership with sound, sensitive organizational judgment.
• Collaborative, collegial and inclusive approach to management.
• Able to mentor, coach and develop staff, and delegate skills which help stimulate staff responsibility and effectiveness.
• Ability to network with prominent Christian leaders.
• Ability to act as an effective and persuasive ambassador, negotiator and advocate for Compassion Canada on a national and international basis across a wide range of audiences and stakeholders.

Experience, Education & Travel

• More than five years’ experience in senior management in a complex, medium-sized or large organization.
• A consistent and successful track record of management of resources (finances, people, facilities) on a relevant scale.
• Experience leading in the Christian relief, development and advocacy sector.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, communications and public relations.
• Post-secondary degree in theology or Christian ministry, preferred. Post-secondary degree in business, preferred.
• This position requires a large amount of travel domestically and internationally and may include hazardous areas.

Location: Greater Toronto Area or London, ON

Application Deadline: May 6, 2025

Start Date: TBD

APPLY online at nelsonandkraft.com/jobs with your cover letter and resume. You must be eligible to work in Canada.

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.