Founded in 1982, Skills for Change (SfC) is a leading national non-profit organization committed to advancing the economic and social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, and underserved communities across Canada. For over four decades, SfC has been known for pioneering programs that anticipate and respond to shifting labour market and societal trends. Each year, SfC delivers 20+ programs and services to over 20,000 people, including newcomers, immigrants, refugees, women, seniors, youth, Black Canadians, and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Our offerings span settlement, language training, employment, career development, mental health, leadership, mentorship, sustainability, climate action, and beyond. Guided by a social justice lens, our work is anchored in equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Skills for Change continues to be a trusted partner and thought leader, shaping innovative solutions that strengthen communities and contribute to Canada’s prosperity.
SfC is an $8 million organization with over 130 staff across five locations. It is a nationally recognized, award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the success of immigrants, refugees, and equity-deserving communities across Canada. With over 40 years of impact, an annual budget of $10 million, we are poised for our next phase of national growth and innovation. SfC is known for pioneering programs in settlement, workforce development/employment, entrepreneurship, climate resilience, leadership, and mental health. Our organizational culture is collaborative, mission-driven, and equity-focused, with a commitment to professional growth, innovation, and sector leadership.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to Skills for Change, advancing its mission to support newcomers, refugees, women, youth, and other equity-deserving communities in building successful lives in Canada.
The CEO is accountable for: strategic leadership, culture, and organizational performance; partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and sector leadership; financial stewardship and operational excellence; people, culture, and talent development; board governance and strategic & annual planning.
EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
- Minimum 10 years of senior leadership experience, ideally within the nonprofit, public, or adjacent sector. Demonstrates the capacity to lead at a senior organizational level, applying sound judgment and accountability across multiple functions such as strategy, operations, finance, people leadership, and external engagement.
- Brings experience in the nonprofit or broader social impact sector strongly preferred; candidates from aligned organizations (e.g., workforce development, settlement services, or similar) will be highly regarded.
- Applies strong financial stewardship, using budgeting, forecasting, and monitoring practices to support sustainability and informed decision-making in environments where funding may fluctuate.
- Leads with a balance of strategic thinking and operational execution, translating organizational priorities into clear plans, systems, and measurable outcomes.
- Builds trust and maintains stability during periods of change or transition, supporting staff morale, clarifying priorities, and fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration.
- Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and attract funding. Stakeholder management is a key strength.
- Engages effectively with government and public sector partners, demonstrating an understanding of public funding environments and regulatory contexts.
- Exceptional Board governance experience. Works effectively with governing bodies, contributing to strong governance practices through clear communication, sound advice, and respect for governance roles and responsibilities.
- Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion; lived experience as a newcomer or within an equity-deserving community is valued.
- Embraces calculated growth and welcomes opportunity.
- Navigates unionized environments with professionalism and respect, supporting constructive labour relations and collaborative problem-solving.
- Contributes to revenue generation and resource development efforts, including fundraising and relationship stewardship, appropriate to organizational context.
- Oversees complex initiatives or projects, coordinating people, timelines, and resources to achieve defined outcomes, including projects involving facilities or infrastructure when applicable.
- Education: Master’s Degree preferred (Business Administration, Non-Profit Management, or other relevant disciplines)
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- An annual salary in the range of $165,000 to $215,000, commensurate with experience and candidate profile
- Employer matched RRSP contributions
- Employee Assistance Plan
- 100% employer paid comprehensive health, dental & wellness benefit; general paid sick days; health spending account
- Professional advancement allowance
- Hybrid working environment with occasional travel (25%) required for stakeholder meetings and events
As part of our commitment to diversity & inclusion, racial justice, and reconciliation, Skills for Change encourages applications from those who identify as Black, Indigenous, 2SLGBTQ+, Racialized, and other under-represented communities. Skills for Change offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in each stage of the hiring process. If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please advise if you need accommodation.
APPLICATION PROCESS
This search is being conducted by crawfordconnect, a search firm specializing in recruiting leaders for Canada’s non-profit sector.
Qualified applicants are invited to submit their application (consisting of a cover letter and a resume) to Nancy Lismer, Senior Search Consultant, nancy@crawfordconnect.com.
Email your resume and letter of interest immediately to nancy@crawfordconnect.com.
Although the deadline for applications is July 6, 2026, early applications are encouraged.
We thank all applicants for applying; however, only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
This is an existing vacancy. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not used in the candidate assessment or selection process.
