Executive Director

Families First Society is a charitable organization serving individuals, children, youth and families in Fort Saskatchewan and Sturgeon Region. When our community – our village – works together, we improve the lives of families. We create a safe environment to nurture strong healthy future generations.

SUMMARY:

The Fort Saskatchewan Families First Society’s Executive Director reports to the Families First Board of Directors and is responsible for the overall consistent achievement of the organization’s mission, fostering the Society’s values and fulfilling its financial objectives. The Executive Director must work within the values, policies and mission of Families First, and will be responsible and held accountable for all aspects of leading the effective operation of the Families First programs and services in Fort Saskatchewan and Sturgeon Region.

The Board of Directors is seeking an individual with high integrity who exhibits strong, balanced leadership qualities necessary to lead Families First. The successful candidate will do this by utilizing positive interpersonal relationship practices, effective written and verbal communication skills, exhibiting confidence and creativity, demonstrating a desire to support families and advocate on their behalf, and employing strategic, “big-picture” thinking and problem-solving skills. The ideal Executive Director will be compassionate, accepting, knowledgeable and dedicated while working positively with staff, families, children, youth, community, funders and other interested parties.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Preferred: (Equivalencies considered, particularly combinations of educational credentials and related experience)

• University degree in a related human services field (e.g. psychology, child and youth studies, family studies, human ecology, education, community development, sociology, social work)

• Three or more years of progressive managerial or leadership experience supervising staff;

• Knowledge and experience with leadership management principles in non-profit social service organizations;
• Knowledge and understanding of, and experience with, challenges and opportunities relating to addressing the complexity of issues and diverse needs of children, youth, families, and community in partnership with other serving agencies, particularly those in vulnerable circumstances;
• Knowledge of and demonstrated skills in systems thinking, community relationship building, human resources, occupational health and safety, and financial management;
• Experience with accessing and writing grants, managing government/funder contracts and relationships, as well as promoting and reporting about the organization to partners, funders, and donors.
• Knowledge and experience with data collection, program evaluation, and collective impact principles;
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and decolonization
• Authentic engagement with Truth and Reconciliation and Indigenous ways of knowing and being;

Desirable:

• Training, experience and/or knowledge of research, programs and strength-based best practice, responsive strategies, and theories of support including: trauma-informed practice; prevention of intimate partner violence; Indigenous ways of knowing and being; bereavement and loss; the Government of Alberta’s Well-being and Resiliency Framework; attachment, resiliency, Traditional Indigenous Parenting; the role of gender and gender diversity; child and youth development; child-led learning through play; positive mental health and well-being strategies; parenting across cultures and family-centred care and preservation.
• Understanding and experience with the continuum of services and supports ranging from prevention, early intervention, and intervention, particularly within the Children’s Services system.
• Computer competency (Microsoft Office) and knowledge of social media;
• Knowledge of Fort Saskatchewan and Sturgeon Region resources for children, youth, families, and community.

Required:

• 3 references who can attest to your suitability to this position (to provide at the interview).
• Current child welfare and criminal records check (to be provided on offer of employment).
• Valid driver’s license and reliable car (at commencement of employment).

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Executive Director’s responsibilities within the following areas include:

Leadership

• Participate with the Board of Directors in determining strength-based, responsive strategies to guide the organization in setting priorities, identifying organizational values and guiding principles, accomplishing set goals, creating and implementing action plans, and evaluating operational processes and organizational results;

• Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external opportunities, challenges, and risks that affect the organization’s ability to achieve the vision and mission;
• Establish and nurture positive working relationships with others, both internally with staff and Board of Directors, and externally with community partners and stakeholders, to achieve the goals while upholding and promoting the values and principles of Families First Society;
• In addition to the Chair of the Board, act as a spokesperson for the organization;
• Represent the organization with integrity at community activities to enhance the organization’s community profile and to advocate for the needs of children, youth, families, and community;
• Keep apprised of trends and research in effective strength-based, responsive practice to address the various factors that impact on the well-being of children, youth, families, and community, particularly those impacted by oppressive systems;
• Supervise, coach, empower and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance and foster a strong and healthy team;
• Encourage staff and volunteer development and education and assist staff in fulfilling their individual roles and responsibilities to the community, families, youth and children we serve, as well as in relationship to each other and the community.

Financial Planning and Management

• Assist in preparing, monitoring and reporting on the organization’s budget;
• Ensure that the organization operates within budget guidelines, and allocates and uses its funds effectively and with appropriate fiscal stewardship;
• Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work, which includes providing advice to the Board of Directors related to potential donors and grants;
• Actively pursue funding opportunities such as responding to requests for proposals, completing grant applications, and meeting with potential and current funders and donors to share the value of and promote the aims of Families First.

Operations

• Ensure that statistical and anecdotal data related to projects, programs, services, and clientele is collected and maintained to be used to share the successes and challenges from our work with children, youth, families, and community;
• Prepare and present government and other reports in writing and verbally to interested parties;
• Oversee and conduct the evaluation and development of programs, projects, and services;
• Ensure that sound human resource practices are established and maintained with integrity;
• Maintain records of successes, as well as where the organization fell short in meeting targets, in order to foster a culture of continuous improvement in provision of programs, supports and services;
• Work in collaboration and effectively with others internally and externally to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance our ability to meet the needs of those we serve;
• Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of the people we serve in order to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.

Community Relations and Advocacy

• Use effective and positive community networking and public relations strategies, including social and traditional media;
• Liaise with community agencies and services to ensure a comprehensive continuum of resources to address the various, complexities of needs of children, youth, families, and community within our mandate;
• Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends within the field of child, youth and family services and non-profit organizations;
• Represent the programs, and the values and beliefs of Families First to other agencies, organizations, the community and the general public;
• Assist with publicizing and promoting the activities, programs and goals of the organization, through effective written and oral presentations to funders, the public and various levels of government officials;
• Participate on relevant boards and/or committees and enter into partnerships to further the work within the field of serving children, youth, families, and community.

For more information about Families First, pleasevisit ourwebsite at

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a maximum 2-page philosophical statement about:

your beliefs and actions in providing responsive leadership within a social service agency addressing the diverse needs of children, youth and their families

FamiliesFirst@shaw.ca

In your email subject line, please write: Executive Director search

Closing date: 4:00 pm Monday, May 13, 2024

This is intended to convey information essential to understand the scope of this position and not as an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

We thank all those who apply, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Families First is an equal opportunity employer.

We welcome diversity and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.