Executive Director

About this position

INTRODUCTION

Ausome Ottawa is an organization that enriches the lives of families living with autism through sport and recreation. We are working toward our vision of a world where everyone can enjoy the benefits of play and physical activity, free of barriers. We do this by:

1. Providing supported sports programs like soccer, basketball and gymnastics. 

2. Teaching physical literacy skills they need to run, jump and throw with other kids in the community, and

3. Training leaders who support individuals with autism in sport and recreation, like coaches, instructors, caregivers and educators. 

JOB SUMMARY

Ausome Ottawa is looking for a dynamic, energetic and passionate Executive Director (ED) to manage, guide and develop the leadership team at Ausome while representing the organization both within the autism community and in the community at large - enabling it to maintain and grow its presence among participants, partners, supporters and other stakeholders. 

In partnership with the Board, the ED provides the strategic leadership and direction of the organization. The ED works to ensure the highest degree of service possible given the resources available. As Executive Director, you will:

• Incorporate principles of inclusion in every facet of Ausome’s operations;

• Develop and administer all program activities of the organization in accordance with its stated purpose and within the general policies as formulated by the Board of Directors;

• Provide strategic leadership in securing financial resources for organizational sustainability and growth;

• Grow awareness of and engagement with the organization across the community;

• Provide information and consultation to the Board to facilitate the effective and efficient operation as a governing body, including its articulation of a strategic vision, organizational values and perspective;

• Execute programs within the boundaries of ethics and prudence established in Board policies and to accomplish the greatest good and/or maximum benefit of the participants and the community;

• Be responsible for overall direction, leadership and coordination of activities; build and maintain a positive work environment.

The Executive Director must be an excellent communicator, a strategic leader and a visionary who wants to take Ausome Ottawa to the next level as it enters its eighth year as the only local non-profit that offers free recreational sports programs to children & youth with autism.

Role and Responsibilities: 

Program Planning, Management and Delivery 

• Work with the Board and staff to develop and execute the organization’s strategic plan;

• Develop and implement an operational plan that helps the organization work towards its strategic direction and achieve its goals and objectives  

• Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization’s programs and services, and ensure that it meets the expectations and requirements of its clients, Board and funders  

• Monitor the efficient day-to-day operation of the organization to maintain or improve quality 

• Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare implementation procedures; review and revise existing policies and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate.  

• Remain alert for opportunities for experimentation and innovation. Ensure processes are in place to facilitate effective program design and delivery. Initiate and develop proposals for new projects and programs aligned with the mandate of the organization and its strategic direction.

• Represent the organization on community planning committees, as required, and consult with other Directors to establish needs for services to develop collaborative programs.

• Advise the Board on community needs, changing economic and political  contexts, staffing and administrative constraints for the development of strategic and operational plans to ensure relevant and responsive program development.

Human Resources 

• Act as the face, heart and soul of the organization by effectively communicating the mission and vision, and by living the organization’s values.

• Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all relevant legislation and regulations  

• Ensure the proper implementation of human resources policies, procedures and practices in the organization and recommend appropriate changes/updates to the Board  

• Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery  

• Supervise, recruit, train & develop, support, and evaluate staff as appropriate, either directly or through defined delegation to managers

Budgeting, Financial Management and Control  

• Research and develop new funding sources, including the preparation of new funding proposals, to increase and diversify the revenues of the organization (includes grants, earned income, social enterprise, and corporate and individual donations)

• Maintain and grow existing revenue streams

• Propose and collaborate with the Board to organize fundraising activities as deemed appropriate Identify annual funding priorities through a yearly budget submission for consideration by the Board. Prepare draft budgets in consultation with the management team in accordance with standard practices for non-profit organizations.

• Manage the funds of the organization according to approved budget and monitor monthly cash flow to maintain financial health.

• Ensure proper accounting procedures are followed that the organization complies with all legislation on taxation and charitable organization  

Institutional Advancement, Advocacy and Community Relations   

• Ensure that Ausome is well known in the autism and physical activity communities and work to enhance the organization’s community profile  

• Act as primary spokesperson for the organization and represent the organization on appropriate committees, networks and joint projects 

• Develop cooperative relationships and liaise with a broad range of stakeholders including: all levels of government, funders, media, and other community organizations and service providers  

• Oversee the development of all marketing/promotion strategies and communications materials 

Board Governance Reporting & Development  

• Attend all Board and Executive meetings as a non-voting, ex-officio member and report regularly on the status of the implementation of Board-approved strategic plans, budgets, policies and procedures.

• Prepare reports and information for discussion including a monthly ED report, quarterly financial report, annual report, proposed annual budget, and annual fundraising plan. 

• Participate and contribute to strong governance with the Board of Directors in developing and implementing a clear vision, and establishing strategic objectives

• Foster effective teamwork between the Board and the ED and between the ED and staff  

• Identify, assess and inform the Board of internal and external issues that affect the organization and provide recommendations on all aspects of the organization’s activities 

• Work with existing Board Members to attract and recruit new members. Steward relationships with Board Members, volunteers, leaders to ensure a pipeline of future leaders.

Essential Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse individuals verbally and in writing

• Excellent time management skills and ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines

• A pleasant, outgoing personality and ability to build rapport

• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills

• Working knowledge of databases, Google Drive  and MS Office

• Understanding of maintaining confidential data

• Proven management and leadership experience

• Post-secondary degree or diploma or equivalent

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years work experience 

• Bilingual (French and English)

• Experience working or volunteering with programs related to sports or children or autism or with non-profit/registered charity organizations

• Experience in a senior leadership role within an organization 

• Experience as a spokesperson and/or public speaking

• Experience in professional fundraising and/or grant-writing