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Opportunities

Executive Director

Civida Housing Foundation

Status: Open Location: Edmonton, AB

The Organization

The Civida Housing Foundation (CHF) is the charitable arm of Civida, the largest provider of community (social) and affordable housing in Northern Alberta, housing more than 23,000 people in 5,300 homes across the City of Edmonton.

Established in 2000, and driven by a board of passionate volunteers, CHF is a registered charity that enables innovative opportunities to progress Civida’s housing initiatives. The Foundation raises funds, builds relationships, initiates community well-being programs, hosts community events, and more – all in efforts to support Civida’s crucial services.

The Foundation is at an inflection point. Since 2022, management and the Board have activated the Foundation by establishing pillars of governance and operation; developed a robust fund development plan; engaged dedicated fund development resources; and repurposed assets to higher levels of contribution.  Meaningful partnerships and sponsors have been engaged to facilitate achievement of planned initiatives. All this has been accomplished through executive leadership provided from existing resources within the Civida “parent” organization, on a pro-rata basis.

We are now ready to enter an era of accelerated execution of our well-laid plans.  Engaging the right competencies and skill sets of a full-time, senior leader is a critical milestone.  

To learn more about the Civida Housing Foundation, please visit their website.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director reports dually to the CHF Board of Directors and to the CEO of Civida. This structure reflects the special nature of the Civida-CHF corporate structure and is intended to enable the ED’s success in achieving the Foundation’s strategy and business plan by ensuring:

  • Day-to-day support
  • Cohesive teaming
  • Tight alignment to Civida’s strategy and business plan
  • Development opportunities and mentorship
Reports to:Board of Directors and CEO of Civida
Location:Edmonton, AB

Mandate

We’re searching for someone with the vision to be boldly curious and intentionally courageous in the areas of affordable housing philanthropy. If you are an engaging leader with an affinity for influencing and a passion to create positive change in the affordable housing sector, you will find success and fulfillment in this role.

The Executive Director is charged with advancing the mission of CHF by providing strategic and operational leadership of all aspects of the Foundation, while implementing and executing the Board-approved strategic and business plans. This is a key role for an energetic and empathetic leader to advance a start-up charitable organization into the era of execution and performance, and exponentially grow the Foundation.

Key Accountabilities

The Executive Director carries accountability for fundraising, fund management, building relationships with potential funders, peer foundations, businesses, levels of government and associations that will serve the priorities of the Foundation.    

Leadership:

  • Ensure accountability and effective stewardship of the Foundation’s resources.
  • Engage with Civida, and the CHF Board, in annual and long-term strategic planning. Execute activities to achieve approved Foundation objectives.
  • Create and lead through strong teams.
    • Demonstrate and encourage a diverse, inclusive environment, and
    • Encourage an entrepreneurial culture to support a robust fund development strategy.
  • Establish priorities and allocate resources accordingly based on:
    • alignment with priorities of Civida, and
    • consultation and approval by the CHF Board.
  • Proactively communicate plans, progress, expectations and results.
  • Make recommendations to the Board regarding governance policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Implement approved policies and procedures.

Fund and Resource Development  

  • Lead the development and execution of fundraising strategies and goals.
  • Grow the Foundation – Advance funding amounts and sources annually.
  • Identify, initiate and engage with partners in the development and delivery of campaigns and programs targeted at enhancing affordable housing supply and tenant success.
  • Develop an engaged volunteer base to support the implementation of CHF priorities and programs.

Engagement & Advocacy  

  • Build, sustain and steward trust-based relationships with key stakeholders, including but not limited to Civida executive and staff; CHF board members; donors, volunteers and partners; and other non-profit organizations and associations to support the Foundation’s mission and priorities. 
  • Propose and influence policies and initiatives that advance tenants’ well-being and success, vibrant communities, and development of affordable housing models.
  • Elevate and strengthen the Foundation’s reputation and profile. Act as the primary public spokesperson and representative for the Foundation.
  • Communicate and build understanding of the brand, vision, mission, key goals and achievements among employees, stakeholders, and the community at large.

First-Year Deliverables / Measures of Success

Success in the first year will be determined by the candidate’s ability to:

  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the nature of the Foundation in relation to its parent, Civida;  and the system in which it works, ranging from daily operations to fund raising to distribution of funds, to the complex stakeholder environment.
  • Develop authentic and positive relationships with key stakeholders including Civida management, CHF board, donors, beneficiaries and community partners by opening and expanding the systems of communication and engagement.
  • Leverage available resources to create and deploy a high-performing operational team.
  • Increase awareness of the Foundation, its mission, the number of donors, partners, community participants and Foundation initiatives.
  • Execute strategies and evidence growth in the value of funds, as set out in the Foundation’s fund development plan.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education:

  • A Bachelor’s Degree in a related field is preferred. Equivalencies will be considered.
  • Certified Fund Raising Executive (CRFE) designation is an asset.

Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years of experience in non-profit, affordable housing, or the social services sector.
  • Proven success in fundraising, donor relations, and financial oversight.
  • Business acumen (strategic and business planning, budget, KPI setting and reporting, financial performance, people practices).
  • Fundraising and donor stewardship.
  • Familiarity with regulatory/legal frameworks relevant to charitable organizations.
  • Experience with matrixed organizations (e.g.: parent-subsidiary; reporting lines; service agreements).
  • Distinction between operations and governance (experience working with a governance board).

Competencies and Attributes:

  • Builds and leverages trust-based networks and relationships that advance positive outcomes.
  • Recruits, develops and leads high-performing team members.
  • Leverages influence to engage support from leaders, peers and direct reports.
  • Promotes the organization and mission through compelling communication.
  • Exercises innovative and diverse tactics to achieve challenging fundraising goals (including large capital campaigns).

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Civida Housing Foundation is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse team benefits and is essential to service excellence. The Civida Housing Foundation welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.

Application Instructions

If this opportunity excites you, please send and application including a resume and cover letter to connect@mullenleadership.com with the organization name and position title in the subject line of your email.

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