Executive Director

Organization Overview

The African Canadian Social Development Council (ACSDC) is a planning, policy advocacy, research & capacity building organization for Continental African Canadian communities in the Greater Toronto Area. ACSDC is currently undergoing organizational transformation. In collaboration with Council staff, student placements and volunteers, the Executive Director will ensure the successful completion of the transformation of the African Canadian Social Development Council into an innovative research, policy advocacy and capacity building organization to advance the interests of Continental African Canadian Communities of the Greater Toronto Area.

Who are we looking for?

You are a passionate and practical leader with experiential knowledge of the range of issues of relevance to continental African Canadian communities and agencies. You have experience in supporting initiatives, partnership building in all sectors of the community and have a proven track record of success. You have strong leadership skills and are familiar with the policies, procedures, and legislation governing the activities of non-profit organizations.
You have demonstrable experience in working effectively with a volunteer Board of Directors.
You will guide the implementation of ACSDC’s programs to ensure the success and viability of the African Council. Working with the Board of Directors, you will play an integral role in establishing and supporting the work towards realizing the strategic direction of the African Council.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities of the Executive Director falls into the following areas:

General:

• Act as the spokesperson for organization. Execute board-approved policies. Direct and oversee short and long term strategic plans.

Member Services and Program Development:

• Identify and design member services and programs that align with current issues in the sector and support the strategic direction of ACSDC. Promote and support successful services for members.

Member and Sector Relations:

• Participate in and support the continental African communities sector, looking for opportunities to build and strengthen partnerships that will enhance the services of the African Council. Maintain regular communications with member agencies and key sector partners using various channels including web-based tools and social media.

Governance Support:

• Support the work of the Board as they govern and plan for the strategic direction of ACSDC. Attend Board Meetings. Work with the Board of Directors on governance policy issues by providing support and by initiating approved recommendations or actions. Participate in the strategic planning process, taking steps to implement operational aspects of the plan and regularly reporting progress to the Board.

Operations:

• Ensure administrative and operational activities are completed in a timely manner and within given parameters. Ensures compliance to minimum standards in accordance with all government legislation, regulations and guidelines pertinent to the organization’s role as an employer and non-profit agency. Maintain an effective and cost efficient office environment. Submit all information, reports and records as requested or required by law to appropriate government officials or the board of directors. Develop and implement operational plans, policies, and goals that further strategic objectives.

Finance:

• Oversee the implementation of ACSDC’s financial controls and systems, ensuring compliance with necessary governing legislation and internal policies. Ensure that operating results established in the annual budget are achieved and the control of operating expenses within budget. Ensure the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all financial accounting and reporting. Ensure the preparation of the annual budget for board approval.

Human Resources:

• Oversee the work of the African Council staff, volunteers, student placements and consultants. Ensure ACSDC staff remain current to organization business and Board directives that affect their functions and areas of responsibility. Maintain a competent, diverse and effective staff.
• Provide leadership to Council staff through effective objective setting, delegation, and communication. Develop, maintain, and up-date job descriptions pertinent to the Council. Determine staff training and/or equipment needs of clerical and administrative employees, taking into account annual budget allocations. Conduct performance appraisals as required. Formulate and implement corrective action as needed.

Qualifications:

• Education -
  Post-secondary university/college education with a background in social policy research and advocacy or a related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Knowledge of non-profit/ voluntary organizations leadership and management principles
• Knowledge of legislation applicable to voluntary sector organizations including: employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, charities, etc.
• Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities relating to continental African communities
• Knowledge of human resources management, financial management and project management
• Proficiency in the use of computers for Word processing, Financial management, E-mail, Internet

Personal characteristics

The Executive Director should demonstrate competence in some or all of the following:

• Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible and versatile in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency
• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices, and ensure that own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization
• Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques
• Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities
• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness
• Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization
• Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem
• Think Strategically: Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and values of the organization.

Experience

• Five or more years of progressive management experience in a voluntary sector organization

Working Conditions

• Work in an office environment. Standard work week, but additionally will work evening, weekends to accommodate activities such as Board meetings and representing the organization at public events.

How to apply:

Applicants should send a resume and cover letter outlining how they meet the specific requirements of the position to:

Hiring Committee
African Canadian Social Development Council

E-mail: hiring@acsdc.net

Thanks to all applicants. However, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone inquiries.