Executive Director, Canadian Race Relations Foundation

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation is Canada's leading organization dedicated to the elimination of racism and the promotion of harmonious race relations.

The work of the Foundation is premised on the desire to create and nurture an inclusive society based on equity, social harmony, mutual respect and human dignity. Its underlying principle in addressing racism and racial discrimination emphasizes positive race relations and the promotion of shared Canadian values of human rights and democratic institutions. It strives to coordinate and cooperate with all sectors of society, and develop partnerships with relevant agencies and organizations at the local, provincial and national levels.

The Foundation was created in 1996 in accordance with the Japanese Canadian Redress Agreement. The Government of Canada provided the Foundation with a one-time endowment fund of $24 million. The Foundation operates on income generated by investing the endowment fund and donations. The Canadian Race Relations Foundation is accountable for its activities to Parliament through the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Executive Director, who is the Chief Executive Officer and an ex-officio non-voting member of the Board of Directors, will be accountable to implement the Canadian Race Relations Foundation’s new Strategic Plan for 2020-2023. This will require program and communication oversight, partnership and community relationship building and liaison, policy development and implementation, financial and human resource management, and media relations. Through leadership and management, to planning and execution, the Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Foundation and is accountable to the Board for the efficient operation of the Foundation in accordance with the priorities established by the Board.

Diversity and Official Languages

The Government of Canada will consider bilingual proficiency and diversity in assessing applicants. You are therefore encouraged to include in your online profile your ability to speak and understand your second official language. Preference may be given to applicants who are members of one or more of the following groups: women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of a visible minority group.

Education and Experience

• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and/or experience;


• A degree in social sciences or public administration would be considered an asset;


• Corporate leadership experience at the senior executive level, including managing human and financial resources, or experience as a chief executive officer;


• Corporate leadership experience at the Chief Executive Officer or senior executive level in a complex field of endeavour with proactive, proven experience in handling sensitive issues;


• Experience serving as a member of a board of directors for a public or private sector organization or as a senior executive answerable to stakeholders in the public or private sectors;


• Experience in outreach initiatives and establishing collaborative relationships; and


• Experience in fundraising activities and developing self-generated revenues would be considered an asset.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the mandate and activities of the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and the legislative framework within which it operates;


• Knowledge of the principles and practices of sound governance and management;


• Knowledge in one or more of the following areas:
  
  
  
  • race relations, youth engagement, multiculturalism, social cohesion and/or Canadian identity;
  
  
  • issues of racialized groups or communities;
  
  
  • results-oriented management, business management, and/or team-building.
  
  
  
  


• Knowledge of the transformation to digital culture would be considered an asset;


• Ability to provide leadership in support of the corporate vision and strategic direction as established by the Board to ensure the Foundation is able to carry out its mandate and achieve its objectives;


• Ability to identify, analyze and define work priorities and strategies, and to spearhead national outreach initiatives and actively market and promote the Foundation’s brand to audiences across Canada;


• Ability to develop effective working relationships with the Board of Directors, the Deputy Minister of Canadian Heritage, and the Foundation’s key stakeholders and partners;


• Ability to assist and support the Chairperson in maintaining effective working relationships with the Minister of Canadian Heritage and his office; and


• Superior communication skills, both written and oral, and an ability to manage the Foundation’s communications with a wide range of stakeholders.

Language Requirements

Proficiency in both official languages would be preferred.

• Innovative and strategic leader


• Superior analytical skills


• High ethical standards and integrity


• Sound judgment, tact and diplomacy


• Superior interpersonal and leadership skills


• Collegiality

Eligibility Factors and Conditions of Employment

• Appointees must comply with the Ethical and Political Activity Guidelines for Public Office Holders throughout their appointment as a term and condition of employment. The guidelines are available on the Governor in Council Appointments website under the Forms and reference material.


• All appointees are subject to the Conflicts of Interest Act. Public office holders appointed on a full-time basis must also submit to the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics within 60 days of appointment, a confidential report in which they disclose all of their assets, liabilities and outside activities. For more information, please visit the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner's website.


• Appointees must uphold the highest standards of probity and are expected to demonstrate behaviours in the workplace that afford respect, equality and dignity, to everyone they interact with at work at all times. The Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector outlines the values and expected behaviours for public servants, including valuing diversity and creating workplaces free from harassment and discrimination. Governor in Council appointees are expected to uphold and respect these values and principles in a positive and active manner.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must reside in or be willing to relocate to Toronto or to a location within reasonable commuting distance.


• If you are appointed to this position, you must willing to travel across Canada.

A link to this notice will be placed in the Canada Gazette to assist the Governor in Council in identifying qualified candidates. It is not, however, intended to be the sole means of recruitment.

A list of qualified candidates may be established and may be used for similar opportunities.

How to Apply

Review of applications will begin on May 22, 2020. Candidates must apply online via the Governor in Council Appointments website. Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit their applications by this date. After this date, your application will be retained and may be considered up until an appointment to the position is made. Your cover letter should be addressed to the Deputy Director of Selection Processes, Senior Personnel Secretariat, Privy Council Office, and should be sent only through the online application.

Instructions on how to apply for an appointment opportunity can be found on the Governor in Council Appointments website.