Chief Executive Officer

Potentia Human Resources is thrilled to partner with the Central Okanagan Foundation (COF) to recruit their next Chief Executive Officer; a collaborative, optimistic leader who empowers people and builds strong, engaged teams.

COF is entering an exciting period: the Board is aligned and engaged, the staff team is dedicated, and the organization has a strong platform of resources and relationships. COF is poised to accelerate its impact and seeks a leader who can elevate culture, strengthen teamwork, and unlock the Foundation's full potential.

For more than four decades, the Central Okanagan Foundation has served as a philanthropic leader dedicated to strengthening the region through community investment, partnership, and responsible stewardship. COF fuels bold philanthropy, stronger communities, and lasting change. They believe philanthropy isn't just about funding programs, it's about dismantling systemic barriers, investing in lasting solutions, and ensuring resources reach those leading real impact.

Why Join COF?

A Foundation Positioned for Acceleration

COF is intentionally elevating the CEO role and is ready to empower a leader who can drive strategic expansion, greater visibility, and deeper community impact.

All the Right Pieces Are in Place

With an experienced team, a committed Board, solid infrastructure, and a clear vision, COF offers an exceptional platform for a leader ready to guide the organization into its next chapter.

Major Opportunities for Growth

From major gift development and campaign planning to raising COF's profile, the CEO will shape initiatives that expand the Foundation's ability to support local charities.

A Lifestyle Advantage

Located in beautiful Kelowna, BC, the role combines meaningful leadership with an outstanding quality of life.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will lead strategies to grow assets, cultivate strong donor relationships, and expand COF's ability to support local charities at a time when community needs continue to rise. With strategic priorities focused on building a strong foundation, enhancing communication and connection and growing community impact, the incoming CEO will have the following key responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership, Governance & Strategic Direction:

• Provide human centered leadership that empowers staff and strengthens team alignment
  
• Foster a supportive, connected, and collaborative organizational culture.
  
• Lead strategic planning and execution with a mindset of possibility and long-term impact.
  
• Leverage the Community Foundations of Canada network for best practices and innovative ideas.
  
• Report regularly to the Board on progress toward strategic goals and advise on organizational affairs.
  
• Represent COF with professionalism, authenticity, and optimism across the community.
  

 Organizational & Operational Management:

• Oversee daily operations to ensure efficient program delivery and excellent donor and community service.
  
• Strengthen internal systems, reducing bottlenecks and distributing responsibilities appropriately across the team.
  
• Ensure strong compliance and lead ongoing policy development.
  

People & Culture Leadership:

• Build and sustain a collaborative, high-performing workplace culture.
  
• Coach, develop, and evaluate staff, ensuring clear expectations and meaningful support.
  
• Foster social innovation, a mindset of possibility, accountability, and shared success.
  

Financial Stewardship & Risk Management:

• Lead the development and management of the organizational budget.
  
• Monitor the performance of the investment portfolio to ensure prudent stewardship of endowed funds and other assets.
  
• Identify and assess risks, opportunities, and emerging issues affecting the organization.
  

Fund Development & Community Engagement:

• Lead fund development strategies that increase COF's assets and long-term sustainability.
  
• Build authentic relationships with donors, prospective donors, financial advisors, and community partners.
  
• Brings an entrepreneurial approach to identifying, securing, and delivering project-based revenue opportunities.
  
• Develop and implement fundraising campaigns, major gift strategies, fund management processes, and donor stewardship plans.
  
• Lead signature events and guide media relations, digital engagement, and public messaging.
  
• Ensure grantmaking is strategic, responsive, and aligned with community needs.
  
• Strengthen systems for evaluating and communicating the impact of COF's investments.
  

Requirements

Core Competencies:

• Experienced leader and people manager who builds trust and empowers teams.
  
• Fund development expertise.
  
• Strong relationship-building skills.
  
• Warm, optimistic, and approachable communication style.
  
• Constructive, practical, and confident in bringing forward challenges to the Board.
  
• Strategic thinker with a growth mindset.
  
• Strong financial and administrative skills.
  
• Experience working with Boards and policy governance.
  

The successful candidate will be based in beautiful Kelowna, British Columbia. This role offers a competitive and comprehensive total compensation package with a starting salary range of $138,00 to $150,000 per year (commensurate with recent and relevant experience), four weeks of vacation, extended health and dental, RRSP matching and meaningful community-focused work.  If you are passionate about strengthening community and energized by leading a dedicated team, please submit your current CV/resume along with a cover letter by January 15, 2026 detailing how your background and achievements uniquely prepare you to lead the COF to new heights.

Recruitment Process:

• Video Interview with Potentia HR;
  
• Panel Interview with the Hiring Committee (Potentia HR, Chair, Vice Chair, Director-at-Large);
  
• Final Interview & Presentation to the Board on a pre-determined topic that will be shared with you in advance;
  
• Informal Meet & Greet with COF staff;
  
• Reference & Background Checks;
  
• Offer of Employment;
  
• Anticipated approximate start date: March 2026 (dependent upon the needs of the successful candidate). 
  

The Central Okanagan Foundation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. They welcome applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds, including those who have experienced barriers to equity, and value the perspectives they bring to their community-focused work. COF is committed to a barrier-free recruitment process and they will provide accommodations as needed. Please contact for accessibility requests.

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