Executive Director

Tropicana is seeking a visionary Executive Director with a proven track record of exemplary non-profit strategic and operational leadership. The successful candidate will possess a demonstrated track record of excellence in driving organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

ABOUT TROPICANA COMMUNITY SERVICES ORGANIZATION

Tropicana Community Services, a Toronto-based multi-service organization, provides youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage, and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices. Our mission is achieved through culturally appropriate programs such as counselling, childcare, educational and employment services, and youth development.

Tropicana was founded in 1980 as a non-profit community organization in Scarborough, Ontario, by Jamaican-born Robert Brown and co-founder Derrick McLennon. Their goal was to serve disadvantaged youth and their families, particularly those of Black, African, and Caribbean heritage. Each year, Tropicana’s staff, with the assistance of its dedicated volunteers, helps thousands of people in need.

The organization's first service was counselling for teenagers facing educational challenges. Over the past 40 years, additional programs and services have been added to the organization, both through internal development and external partnerships. In 1984, the organization became the first Caribbean, Black, and African community organization to become a United Way member agency.

POSITION PROFILE

Tropicana is seeking a visionary Executive Director with a proven track record of exemplary non-profit strategic and operational leadership. The successful candidate will possess a demonstrated track record of excellence in driving organizational effectiveness and efficiency. Collaborating closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will play a pivotal role in advancing Tropicana's mission of community service, ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic goals and objectives.

With extensive expertise in operational management, the ideal candidate will enhance Tropicana's operational performance by providing strategic leadership and overseeing daily operations across various departments. Additionally, the Executive Director will spearhead growth strategies, foster a culture of collaboration and accountability, and serve as the organization's representative to clients, funders, and partners, championing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Governance:

• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to fulfill the organization's mission and ensure adherence to approved By-Laws, guiding daily operations.
• Ensure effective communication with the Board, providing timely and accurate information for informed decision-making.

Strategic Leadership and Team Development:

• Provide visionary leadership and day-to-day management across various community service departments, shared services, and real estate holdings.
• Lead the development, communication, and implementation of growth strategies to enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency.
• Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, promoting a culture of belonging and respect across the organization.
• Motivate and lead a high-performance management team; attract, recruit, and retain key leadership team members.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to managers at all levels in their team development efforts.
• Act as the primary "client-care officer," engaging directly with clients and partners, embodying a "Servant Leader" approach to ensure team success.

Operational Excellence:

• Drive process improvement initiatives to deliver exceptional community services, optimizing opportunities for successful outcomes.
• Oversee the measurement and effectiveness of internal and external processes, delivering comprehensive reports on operational conditions.
• Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
• Collaborate with the Board and operational management team to develop and execute plans for operational infrastructure, aligning with community impact and growth objectives.

Finance and Fund Development: 

• Ensure financial sustainability through effective and ethical fiscal management; operate within an approved budget, ensure maximum resource utilization, and maintain a positive financial position.
• Research funding sources; oversee, initiate, lead fund development plans, and write funding proposals to ensure adequate funding for the operation of the Organization.
• Lead fundraising initiatives, including sponsorship outreach, donor solicitations, grant applications, and fundraising campaigns/events.
• Establish financial and administrative controls, providing direction for all aspects of the Organization’s finances, in accordance with the Organization’s policies and respective legislative requirements.
• Plan an annual budget, for input and approval by the Board, and maintain fiscal accountability in deploying and utilizing funds.
• Develop and implement a tailored fund development strategy to support existing program operations and enhance the future financial security of the organization.

Accountability and Representation:

• Cultivate a success-oriented, data-driven, and accountable environment.
• Serve as the organization's representative with clients, funders, and partners.
• Address complex client relations issues and continually seek new funding opportunities for organizational growth.
• Function as an Ambassador for the organization, promoting the mission, vision, and values of Tropicana Community Services.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

We understand that no single candidate will meet all the qualifications of the role. We have listed the essential qualifications here. Our hope is that candidates will either already possess these qualifications or be willing to develop into this role:

• A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Management, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Over 10 years of experience in senior roles in operations management.
• Demonstrated experience in non-profit leadership and recruitment, with a strong understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within the sector.
• Proven ability to build and nurture high-performing teams, foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, and make critical personnel decisions.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget management, resource optimization, and revenue diversification strategies.
• Skilled in organizational development and personnel management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, building and maintaining effective relationships with a dynamic leadership team.
• Adaptable and skilled in multitasking within ambiguous, challenging environments and proficient in providing clarity and innovative problem-solving.
• Capable of quickly adjusting and maintaining agility in tackling evolving challenges within community services, including addressing systemic and emerging obstacles faced by Tropicana Community Services clients.
• Strategic thinker with a focus on long-term vision and goal setting.
• Proficient in leveraging enabling technologies, particularly emphasizing cloud-based services that facilitate client service delivery, such as Bamboo HR, Microsoft 365, and SAGE Intacct.
• Experience working in unionized environments and collaborating with labour unions.
• Experience in the Not-for-Profit sector is preferred.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Visionary and strategic thinker who can inspire and motivate others towards a shared vision of success.
• Ethical and values-driven, committed to integrity, transparency, and accountability in all aspects of leadership.
• Passionate about social justice, community development, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.
• Commitment to Tropicana's mission and values.

What We Offer:

• Group Benefits Plan with Extended Healthcare and Dental Benefits
• Career growth and development opportunities
• A chance to play an active role in giving back to your community
• Employee Assistance Program
• Full-time, office-based position in GTA.
• Travel within and outside of Canada is required.

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported. Please let us know if you require any assistance or accommodations during the recruitment process.

Thank you to all applicants for your interest. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
 

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