Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB POSTING

JOHN HOWARD SOCIETY OF HAMILTON, BURLINGTON & AREA

The Opportunity

We are recruiting an Executive Director to provide strategic direction and leadership for John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area. In this role you will have the opportunity to build on a solid foundation and positively impact the lives of our clients who are some of the most vulnerable in our society; those involved in the criminal justice system.

You will be responsible for the achievement of strategic and operational objectives, the continuing development of a positive organizational culture, agency growth, government & funder relations, ensuring financial sustainability and the development and implementation of youth and adult based programs.

Your leadership style is consistent with a culture based on values, diversity, equity and inclusion and a work environment that promotes respect and commitment.

You will provide guidance to 35 dedicated staff and report to a Policy Board giving you the support and autonomy to build on an excellent foundation based on solid finances, an annual budget of $5MM, productive stakeholder relations, good community partners and a network of peers throughout the province.

The Successful Candidate

We are seeking an Executive Director with strategic agility, strong financial acumen, a growth mindset, leadership experience building organizational cultures with high levels of trust; service development and delivery expertise; as well as excellent communication, collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills. Revenue generation expertise and experience is essential.

The preferred candidate will have a Master's Degree in Social Work or a related discipline and five years in a leadership role or a Bachelor's Degree with progressive leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector.

JHSHBA embraces diversity and equal opportunity and is committed to building a staff team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills that allows us to better understand and meet the needs of our staff and the communities we serve.

Title: Executive Director

Compensation $98,000 - $120,000.

Employer: John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area.

Location: 654 Barton St. East, Hamilton, On. (Hybrid work model)

To apply: Email a cover letter and resume to

Closing February 5, 2026.

If you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.

While we appreciate all applications received, initially only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Position Title: Executive Director

Position Summary:

• The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for providing executive leadership for John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area (JHSHBA) and is accountable to the Board of Directors. The ED is responsible for the co-creation of the strategic plan, achievement of strategic & operational objectives, agency growth, the financial sustainability of the organization, leadership for program development and delivery, operations and the development and performance of staff. These responsibilities are undertaken consistent with our vision, mission, values and operating principles.

• The ED is authorized to establish all operational policies and procedures, make all decisions, and take all necessary actions required to carry out their key duties and responsibilities and to implement the Strategic Plan in a manner that reflects the values and overall objectives of JHSHBA through anti-oppression and anti-racism lens.

Key Responsibilities:

Board of Directors and Operational Oversight:

• Partner and work effectively with the Board, supporting it in fulfilling its governance and oversight responsibilities.

• Support the development and achievement of the vision and key goals of the Board, through the co-development of a Vision, Strategic Plan and detailed Operational Plan.

• Responsibility for the implementation of the JHSHBA Strategic Plan.

• Preparation for and participation in all meetings of the Board, assuming Board Secretary responsibilities, as required.

• Preparation for and participation in all Committees of the Board, as required.

• Provide regular and timely reports to the Board on the achievement of strategic and operational objectives, finances and material operational matters.

• Maintain the corporate and charitable status of the JHSHBA.

Leadership:

• Lead JHSHBA's senior leadership team in the spirit of consultation, collaboration and open respectful communication and through a lens of anti-oppression and anti-racism.

• Establish a positive, healthy, inclusive, diverse and safe work environment in accordance with JHSHBA's values, relevant legislation, internal policies and best-practices.

• Ensure effective delivery of programs and services to the community which reflect the mission and priorities of the Board as well as best practices.

• Ensure that the operations of JHSHBA meet the expectations of the Board, funders, and clients.

• Engage and communicate with the public, media, community stakeholders, clientele and organizational networks to keep them informed of the work, purposes and positions of JHSHBA and to identify the benefits of JHSHBA's services.

Financial:

• Ensure sound and ethical financial management practices, strong internal financial controls, consistent and accurate financial reporting and the administration of JHSHBA funds in accordance with the Board approved annual budget.

• Ensure financial accountability and transparency, viability and growth through effective financial systems and controls.

• Develop an annual budget that is aligned with strategic and operational priorities for Board approval in a timely manner.

• Provide regular and timely reports to the Board such as budget status reports, statement of cash flow, statement of operations and variance reports.

• Develop budgets for new services in keeping with strategic and operational objectives.

• Effectively manage and protect JHSHBA assets and finances.

• Ensure that adequate liability and other insurances are in effect to protect the assets of the organization.

• Create a financial revenue stream by working closely with government stakeholders and provide leadership for grant applications from committed foundations

Human Resources:

• Lead, motivate and build trusting relationships that support staff and provide clear expectations and accountability related to strategic and operational objectives.

• Utilize an anti-oppression and anti-racism framework to guide and inform effective Human Resource practices.

• Develop and support management teams that are responsible for the development, direction and management of programs and services within the region.

• Ensure the fair and equitable treatment of staff.

• Develop and communicate all policies and procedures to staff.

• Recruit, orient, lead, mentor, motivate, and evaluate staff.

• Carry out the termination of staff, if necessary, in a manner consistent with personnel policies and best practices, considering legal advice.

• Facilitate the provision of all relevant and legislated training including but not limited to Ontario Health and Safety Act, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, wellness and safety training, equity, diversity and inclusion, team building and professional development for staff.

• Ensure compliance with all workplace legislation and regulations.

• Facilitate the resolution of workplace conflicts.

• Maintain current knowledge of relevant Government legislation and policies.

Community Relations and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Work collaboratively with community partners to understand and build on opportunities within the region, keeping informed of funding shifts and opportunities within all levels of government.

• Represent JHSHBA in a positive manner in the community, at public functions, conferences, boards and committees, as required.

• Strategically build a competitive advantage in the community.

• Effectively deliver or facilitate delivery of Public Education in the JHSHBA region.

• Actively participate in external Government and other relevant community committees.

• Promote a transparent and professional image for JHSHBA within the community and within the province.

• Engage effectively with local media, as appropriate.

Service Development and Delivery:

• Identify desirable new services and funding sources.

• Develop proposals for new services in keeping with strategic and operational objectives.

• Negotiate contracts for new and ongoing services.

• Implement new service programs.

• Maintain direct service activity.

• Ensure that existing and new programs operate in such a manner that the objectives of the programs are met efficiently and effectively and are responsive to the changing and emerging needs of JHSHBA's diverse communities.

John Howard Society of Ontario:

• Liaise with John Howard Society of Ontario and provide copies of minutes, financial statements, reports and documents, as required.

• Promote capacity building among John Howard Societies in Ontario.

• Promote, reinforce and build the John Howard Society brand in keeping with the JHSHBA mission, vision and values.

• Facilitate positive and collaborative working relationships with the JHS Local Offices across Ontario.

• Actively participate in the Ontario Executive Directors' Committee meetings and initiatives.

General:

• Other duties as assigned from time-to-time by the Board of Directors.

Formal Education:

• A Graduate degree, minimum Master level in a related field: Social Sciences; Social Work, Sociology or Criminal Justice is preferred; however, candidates with a Bachelor's Degree and progressive leadership experience will be deemed qualified.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Relationship skills leveraged to contribute to Board effectiveness. The ability to leverage competencies to communicate complex issues clearly and influence appropriately.
• Leadership including sharing knowledge and insights to support staff to achieve strategic and operational objectives. Manage people and processes consistent with JHSHBA values, vision and mission.
• Create an organizational culture built on trust where ethical implications are considered, acting in an ethical manner is promoted, and the environment is anti-oppressive.
• Strategic agility with strong analytical skills to identify information requirements and leverage that information to create opportunities and solve challenges.
• Strong financial acumen including a comprehensive knowledge of budget development, monitoring and reporting processes and the ability to analyze, interpret and present financial reports.
• Establish strong working relationships with existing and potential stakeholders, such as: the JHSO Network of Executive Directors, funders, community partners, and government representatives.
• Demonstrated high level of knowledge and skills in human resource management including best practices.
• Superior proactive problem-solving skills to anticipate challenges and facilitate resolution.
• Sound and thorough knowledge of all relevant Federal and Provincial legislation, regulations and standards.
• Ability to develop and communicate successful program, grant and funding proposals.
• Ability to develop and implement specific programs to serve diverse populations.

Employment Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years in a senior executive and leadership role in the not-for-profit or public sector, ideally with specific experience providing services in social and/or criminal justice fields.

Language Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Fluency in the English language
• Ability to speak more than one (1) language is an asset

Reports to:

• Board of Directors of the John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area

Direct Reports:

• Management Staff

Relationships:

• JHSHBA Board and related Board Committees
• JHSHBA staff and volunteers
• Relevant Municipal, Provincial and Federal Ministries and government agencies including but not limited to current funders
• Other funding sources including but not limited to foundations and donors
• Local media agencies including social media, print, television, radio
• Relevant community social and criminal justice organizations and service providers
• Insurers
• Relevant professional associations
• Community at large
• John Howard Society of Ontario Executive Director and staff team members
• Executive Directors from the local John Howard Society Offices throughout Ontario

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid work environment
• Fast-paced office environment
• Travel throughout region with some Ontario-wide travel
• Frequent calls and emails
• Frequent meetings
• Some evening and weekend meetings and events

Salary Range:

• $98,000-$120,000

Updates of Position Description:

January 2026