Brief Description:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found. Apply as soon as possible if you are interested in the role by e-mailing resume, cover letter, and professional portfolio (if available) to hr@studentsofferingsupport.org

OVERVIEW
If you have leadership experience in the social impact sector, and a passion for education, equality, and cross-cultural exchange, then this position could be for you.

As a registered charity, our mission is to build connections among students and lifelong learners of diverse cultures and communities to exchange knowledge, shift perspectives, and ignite changemakers. In the position of Executive Director of Students Offering Support (SOS), you will play a multi-faceted role to shape and support our vision, strategy, and day-to-day operations. This is a multi-faceted role that demands an entrepreneurial mindset, a commitment to ongoing learning and innovation, as well as attention to detail to meet the organization’s financial and operational requirements.

Our core programs include:
• Guatemala Groundswell, which empowers youth in rural communities of Guatemala to stay in school and become leaders for sustainable development in their communities. Since March 2020, we’ve supported over 425 students, and +3500 communities members!

• Culture Connect, which builds global friendships between youth in Canada and Latin America while working together on collaborative projects advancing sustainable development, utilizing both virtual and in-person exchange formats. Over 1700 youth have participated in SOS’ culture connect programs.

• Exam Aids, which provide fun, safe, and engaging learning spaces, organized by student volunteers at Canadian-based post-secondary institutes, to help their peers excel academically and feel supported by their campus communities. We engage over 500 student volunteers per year, supporting +5000 Exam Aid attendees annually! Through Exam Aids we are able to fundraise and engage Canadian campus communities to support our global programs

Our team is small but mighty. As Executive Director you must have a willingness to “roll up your sleeves” to help achieve objectives. Each day and week brings a new challenge and adventure. In general, you will be responsible for supervising all aspects of ongoing operations, including program development, finance, marketing, human resources, IT, and fundraising. You’ll work closely with a small team of staff, and a large community of volunteers, to support the implementation of current programs and develop new initiatives.

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Your duties as Executive Director will include:
• Overseeing the ongoing implementation, evaluation and continuous improvement of SOS’ existing programs
• Acting as a spokesperson on behalf of the organization, and supporting the development and implementation of communications strategies to expand our reach and impact
• Recruiting, training, and supervising staff team to deliver on organizational objectives
• Leading the development and implementation of new programming
• Facilitating strategic planning processes, and leading/overseeing special projects
• Support grant writing, grants’ management, fundraising, and partnership development
• Ensuring compliance with internal organizational policies and procedures, and external regulatory, legislative and contractual requirements, including maintaining SOS’ status as a registered charity
• Oversee all financial management activities, including annual budgeting/cashflow, day-to-day accounting, payroll management, completion of audit, HST filings, etc)
• Working closely with SOS’ staff to support maintenance of SOS’ Information Technology and web systems, financial systems, HR systems, communications strategies, and more
• Coordinating and communicating with the Board of Directors to support organizational governance

A typical week might include the following:
• Supporting curriculum development for a virtual exchange session about ‘cross cultural competencies’ supporting youth from Canada and Guatemala
• Working with SOS’s Campus Volunteer Coordinator to brainstorm and implement volunteer engagement strategies.
• Working with SOS’ accountant to prepare for an end-of-year financial audit
• Writing a grant proposal for a new funding opportunity
• Reviewing a monthly content calendar with SOS’ Communications Manager
• Working with SOS’ Web Manager to evaluate options for a new web plug-in, supporting improvements with our e-commerce functionality supporting Exam Aids
• Submitting payroll information
• If this ‘typical day’ is near the end of the school year, you might find yourself standing onstage at a student gala, thanking hundreds of volunteers for the time and dedication they’ve put into the organization throughout the year.

Other things to know about the role:
• You will manage a team of 3-5 full-time staff (SOS’ team structure fluctuates based on organizational needs)
• You report to a Board of Directors to provide updates and receive strategic direction, but you have to be an entrepreneur who can take charge and tackle new problems on a daily basis in innovative ways.
• Travel both within Canada and internally will be required, up to 10% of your time. Within Canada, you will visit SOS’ Chapters. Internationally, you may participate in visits to partnering communities in Latin America.
• A vulnerable sector screening check and proof of full vaccination against Covid-19 will be required by all candidates, due to the requirements of the role

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS
• Experience managing and supporting a team of staff
• Excellent time management and project management skills.
• Strong communications skills and ability to work with various stakeholders, across cultures and generations
• A track record of relevant professional experience (generally we are looking for folks with about five years of relevant experience, but will consider exceptional candidates from diverse backgrounds)
• Knowledge of the current post-secondary climate in Canada, including an understanding of college/university focus on global learning and educational needs.
• Understanding of global citizenship programming and international cooperation
• Ability to set a vision and lead the organization through strategic planning process to deliver the vision
• Solid understanding of not-for-profit management, including trends in the sector, legal requirements, and knowledge of grant management
• Financial literacy, including familiarity with cashflow planning, budget management, and basic accounting
The following will also be considered additional assets:
o Fundraising experience
o Familiarity with Global Affairs Canada’s Results-based Management (RBM) approach
o Fluency in Spanish
o Prior experience with SOS or other similar youth-oriented organizations

ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Location: This is primarily a work-from-home position but periodic travel to Southern Ontario, across Canada, and internationally will be required up to 10% of your time.

Hours & Scheduling: While we are seeking an individual for permanent, full-time employment, we are also open to considering part-time arrangements for exceptional candidates. Note: While the role may primarily be completed during regular business hours, some evenings and weekend commitments may be required, with advance notice.

Compensation: Commensurate with background and skills.

Application Timeline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a suitable candidate is found. Apply as soon as possible if you are interested in the role by emailing to hr@studentsofferingsupport.org

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