Chief Executive Officer

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Centre for Newcomers (CFN) is looking for a strategic, values-driven leader to be our next Chief Executive Officer (CEO). A community builder who is passionate about providing opportunities for newcomers and refugees, the CEO will work internally to build capacity, efficiencies, and resources with our team, and externally to support services and initiatives that create conditions for newcomers’ success and foster a welcoming environment in Calgary.

Reporting to the Board of Directors and leading a skilled and committed management team that supports our over 200 staff, the new CEO will build upon past successes while ensuring the sustainability, growth, and development of our organization that serves 50,000 newcomers annually and has been serving the community for over 36 years.

An experienced non-profit leader, the new CEO will possess a service orientation and be a strong advocate for CFN’s mission and services while also creating and promoting alliances with the network of service providers for newcomers across the city of Calgary. Leveraging a strong foundation in external relations combined with excellent business acumen, the CEO will strategically build and strengthen relationships with all levels of government to support CFN’s objectives; ensure rigorous operations and administrative oversight and reporting; elevate revenue generation capacity and diversification; and lead the team towards greater innovation and success in revenue development.

Employing a collaborative and inclusive approach, the CEO will be a ‘leader of leaders’ with the ability to motivate, coach and delegate responsibility and authority to our knowledgeable and capable senior leadership team. A champion of equity and diversity, our new CEO will intentionally nurture the organization and greater community that values inclusivity in which people of all backgrounds feel safe, supported, and empowered.

The salary range for this position is $175,000 - $200,000 and a comprehensive benefits package including employer RRSP contribution.

Most CFN staff are working to support our clients five days per week in the community or on-site at 565 - 36 Street NE, Calgary. Just one block from Marlborough C-Train station.

ABOUT THE CENTRE FOR NEWCOMERS

Since 1988, the Centre for Newcomers (CFN) has been a key resource for immigrants and refugees of all nationalities in Calgary. A social profit organization, CFN views the integration of newcomers as a two-way process of experience, influence and impact between newcomers and the communities that welcome them.

The Centre for Newcomers Society of Calgary adopted the current name in 2005. CFN was initially incorporated as a Society and registered as a Charity in 1988 as the Calgary Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (CMCN) modelled after the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers (EMCN), which started in 1980.

CFN was formed specifically to respond to the need for services for refugee claimants, especially those fleeing the civil wars in Central America, and arriving overland in Calgary. The Centre was founded by the Mennonite church congregations of Calgary, with the support of Mennonite Central Committee Alberta. "Mennonite" refers to a distinct theological tradition within Christianity, and also to two ethnic and cultural traditions through which this distinctive pacifist theology has been nurtured.

Services are oversubscribed, reflecting the continuing increase in the flow of newcomers to Calgary and to CFN. While supporting new immigrants to participate in the various aspects of Canadian society, we continue to engage with government, businesses and the community-at-large to develop more inclusive processes that better support integration.

OUR VISION

Our vision is a community that values diversity, in which people of all backgrounds find and create opportunities to fulfill dreams and participate fully as citizens.

OUR MISSION

To support newcomers and the receiving community in becoming a diverse, united community, through services and initiatives that create conditions of success for newcomers and that foster a welcoming environment in Calgary.

OUR PROMISE

We believe that by welcoming newcomers, and supporting them to settle and integrate, by working collaboratively and in partnership, with a workplace culture that is founded on respect, co-operation and trust, we are making a positive difference in the lives of all Calgarians and the community.

OUR VALUES

Services at the Centre for Newcomers are influenced by and embody our values; those values are equality and respect, collaboration, communication, professionalism, caring, diversity and inclusion.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Centre for Newcomers Website

Services and Programs

Needs Assessment & Referral Services

Refugee Integration

Peer Mentorship

Financial Empowerment

Community Connections

Career & Employment Services

Children & Youth Services

Vulnerable Population Services

Workshops, Training & Events

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy, Leadership & Planning

Work with the Board of Directors to develop and/or update a multi-year Strategic Plan.
Collaborate with the senior leadership team and other staff to develop, implement and monitor the annual business plan and operating budget that is based on strategic objectives.
Model a commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Reconciliation, ensuring the CFN workplace reflects and demonstrates a commitment to these values through the work that is done internally and externally with the staff team, volunteers, clients, donors and the Calgary community.
Work with the senior leadership team to establish operating policies and build integrated systems to support compliance.
Build programs, systems, and processes that ensure that CFN operates in a manner that is consistent with its values and mission both internally and in the community.
Work with the senior leadership team to create, implement, evaluate and provide financial oversight of the organization’s programs and services.
Ensure performance outcome measures are established to monitor the organization’s performance against established goals and objectives.
Collaborate with staff and major funders to ensure funding objectives and reporting requirements are met and program outcomes are communicated in a timely manner. Identify opportunities to grow and expand funding relationships.
Oversee the development and implementation of a risk management plan and monitor progress on an ongoing basis.
Work with staff to achieve and maintain the organization’s accreditations and ensure compliance with all CRA and other regulatory requirements.

Governance

Partner with the Board to recruit, orient and support Board members.
Attend Board meetings, providing required CEO reports and other materials in a timely and accurate manner.
Coach and support the senior leadership team to increase participation at Board meetings and engagement with Board members as appropriate.
Identify, assess, inform, and suggest mitigation strategies to the Board regarding internal and external risk factors which may affect the organization's objectives and reputation.
Ensure operations and governance practices align with the By-laws and Articles of the Corporation.

Staff Leadership

Foster a culture of respect, inclusion, collaboration, teamwork and accountability.
Create a culture that supports the CEO as a ‘leader of leaders’ by motivating and coaching the senior leadership team toward successfully meeting strategic and annual operations objectives.
Collaborate with the senior leadership team to identify staff requirements for operations management and program delivery.
Build processes to ensure effective staff assessment and individual and team performance
Ensure all required HR legislation and policy requirements are met.

Program Management & Delivery

Help drive a culture of excellence focussed on client-centred service delivery and continuous quality improvement.
Work with the senior leadership team to ensure the collection of required data and the development of reports to support decision-making and funding obligations.
Monitor service-related policies and procedures to ensure ongoing relevance and adherence.
Ensure CFN’s activities and operations are carried out in compliance with government and safety regulations and related laws, ensuring a healthy and safe workplace for staff, volunteers and clients.

Government, Donor & Community Relations

Develop and expand relationships with partners and key players in government to advance organizational goals.
Provide the leadership and long-term vision required to build capacity, ensure sustainability and increase the organizations' ability to diversify and increase revenue.
Support fundraising staff by participating in fundraising activities to support goals.
Act as the primary spokesperson and represent CFN, its values and its mission with government and in the community-at-large. Attend and participate in external meetings, groups, and networks that support the CFN’s growth and profile in the sector.
Work with the staff team on strategies that will build CFN’s brand profile.

QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

Progressive senior leadership experience in the not-for-profit sector with a demonstrated passion for and connection to the newcomer-serving sector. Lived experience as a newcomer/family would be an asset.
Experience in/familiarity with the newcomer and settlement sector locally, provincially and nationally would be an asset.
Direct experience working with/or reporting to a Board of Directors.
Demonstrated commitment to building and supporting an equitable and inclusive workplace.
Proven ability to successfully create, manage, and develop relationships with diverse audiences, including clients, staff, volunteers, community partners, donors, funders, and government.
Demonstrated history of developing and implementing administrative infrastructure, including policies and systems to increase efficiency and accountability.
Excellent financial acumen with experience providing financial oversight and reporting on complex budgets while ensuring the proper controls for a department or non-profit organization.
Success building, leading, coaching, and retaining high-performing teams, including senior staff and multi-tiered organizational structures.
Proven skills in collaborative leadership with the ability to engage people to achieve outcomes.
Proven service orientation and experience building/supporting client-focused cultures.
Knowledge and experience with program and service development, delivery and evaluation.
Demonstrated results leading or supporting government relations.
Strong understanding of risk identification, assessment and mitigation, along with knowledge of health and safety management.
Demonstrated skills in relationship management and network development, interest and experience with revenue development and donor relations.
Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills with the ability to communicate with and engage a wide range of audiences.
High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability.
Innovative and creative thinker with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
Excellent negotiation, conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
A degree in a related field of human services is an asset or a relevant combination of education and experience.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

KCI Search + Talent has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of the Centre for Newcomers. For more information about this exciting opportunity, please reach out to Ellie Rusonik, Senior Vice-President/Practice Lead at CFN@kcitalent.com

To view full executive brief, please visit www.kcitalent.com

All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence. Candidates interested in being considered for the role should please send a resume and cover letter of interest to the email address above. Please note the deadline for submission is May 8, 2025.

The salary range for this role is $175,000 - $200,000 plus a comprehensive benefits package including employer RRSP contribution.

Centre for Newcomers embraces an environment aligned with our values: equality and respect, collaboration, communication, professionalism, caring, diversity and inclusion.

Centre for Newcomers is committed to equitable and inclusive hiring practices. If you require accommodation, please notify the Search Consultant and they will work with you to meet your needs.

Centre for Newcomers

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