President & Chief Executive Officer

About the Ottawa Network for Education

The Ottawa Network for Education respectfully acknowledges that the land on which we gather is the traditional, unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin People. ONFE take this time to show our gratitude and respect to all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples for their past and present contributions to this land and recognize our collective responsibilities to the land and the water. This acknowledgement should not function as closure, resignation, or acceptance of the past or present but should inspire and support learning about the true history of this country and provoke thought, reflection and positive change.

The Ottawa Network for Education (ONFE) is a charitable organization dedicated to improving student success and well‑being across Ottawa. As a trusted connector and catalyst for student success, ONFE works in partnership with all publicly funded school boards in Ottawa to deliver equitable and innovative programs that support students at every stage of their educational journey. As the only community organization with the reach and capacity to deliver programs directly within schools on a broad scale, ONFE supports thousands of students through initiatives such as the School Breakfast Program, volunteer tutoring and mentoring services, and career and post‑secondary readiness programs. These initiatives help address barriers to learning, strengthen student well‑being, and equip young people with the skills and confidence needed for future success. By bringing together partners across the education, business, community, and public sectors, ONFE helps remove barriers and create opportunities for brighter futures for Ottawa’s youth.

The mandate

The President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO) works closely with the Board of Directors and senior leadership team to advance ONFE’s mission, vision, and values through the development and execution of the organization’s strategic priorities. Reporting to the Board through the Board Chair, the President & CEO provides overall leadership for ONFE’s operations, finances, fundraising, programs, partnerships, communications, human resources, government relations, and organizational performance. The President & CEO fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement while ensuring the organization remains responsive to the evolving needs of students and the community.

As ONFE’s chief ambassador, the President & CEO builds and maintains strong relationships with education, government, community, philanthropic, and business leaders to strengthen partnerships, expand the organization’s impact and support long‑term sustainability. The President & CEO works with the Board to ensure effective governance and responsible stewardship of resources, leads fundraising and revenue development efforts, supports a high‑performing and inclusive organizational culture, and ensures compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory, charitable, health and safety requirements. Through strategic leadership and community engagement, the President & CEO advances ONFE’s vision of helping all students thrive and succeed.

Ideal profile

The ideal candidate is a collaborative and purpose‑driven leader with a passion for student success and community impact. They bring significant leadership experience gained in complex environments and a proven ability to build partnerships, mobilize resources, and guide organizational growth. Experience in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, governance, and strategic planning will be important, as will an understanding of Ontario’s education and community ecosystems. A graduate degree in a relevant field is preferred, although an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Fluency in both English and French is required.

The successful candidate will lead with integrity, sound judgment, and a commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and accountability. They will be a strategic thinker and relationship builder who can bring people together around a common purpose, work effectively with a Board of Directors and diverse stakeholders, and serve as a credible ambassador for ONFE. Strong communication skills, business acumen, fundraising experience, and the ability to lead and inspire high‑performing teams are essential. The ideal candidate will also demonstrate resilience, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a genuine commitment to advancing equitable opportunities and positive outcomes for students and communities.

While the Committee acknowledges that no single individual will embody all the desired qualifications equally, it has established a set of criteria that clearly outlines the ideal candidate’s background, experience, and personal attributes. Equivalent combination of education, skills and experiences, including lived experience, will be considered.

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