Jobs

French for the Future is looking for a

Interim Executive Director (bilingual)

 

About French for the Future

French for the Future empowers and connects youth ages 12-18 across Canada through inspiring events and transformative experiences that fuel self-confidence, leadership, and a passion for French and Francophone cultures. French for the Future envisions a Canada where young people appreciate their francophonie and Francophone cultures, express themselves confidently in French, cultivate a sense of belonging, and contribute to the rapprochement and development of diverse linguistic communities.

French for the Future is based in Ottawa, with a network of regional coordinators across the country. The national office in Ottawa is staffed by a small but highly effective team of 8 people. For more information, please visit our website: www.francais-avenir.org.

About the position

The French for the Future Board of Directors is seeking a dynamic, organized and creative individual with strong interpersonal skills to fill the position of Interim Executive Director for a period of 5 months. Reporting to the Board of Directors of French for the Future, the Interim Executive Director is responsible for the direction and management of the organization according to the strategic direction established by the Board of Directors.

 

Main duties and responsibilities

Leadership

-      Collaborate with the Board of Directors to implement FFTF’s vision and strategic plan

-      Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organization

-      Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Director on all aspects of the organization's activities

-      Foster effective team work between the Board and the Executive Director and between the Executive Director and staff

-      In addition to the Chair of the Board, act as a spokesperson for the organization

-      Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate and jointly with the Board when appropriate

-      Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization's community profile

 

Operational planning and management

-       Implement an operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization

-       Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization

-       Provide support to the Board by preparing meeting agenda and supporting materials

-       In the form of a regular report, provide updates to the Board of Directors on issues concerning human resources, administrative, and operational matters

 

Program planning and management

• Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization's programs
• Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs to maintain or improve quality
• Oversee the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of special projects or events
• Travel to some of our events to consolidate relationships with our partners, monitor event quality, and promote the organization.

Human resources planning and management

-       Manage existing human resources to ensure the smooth running of the organization.

-       Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations

-       Ensure regular monitoring of staff performance to ensure the effectiveness of the organization's activities.

-       Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance

-       Discipline staff when necessary, using appropriate techniques; release staff when necessary, using appropriate and legally defensible procedures

-       Inform the Board of Directors of any significant human resources issues

 

Financial planning and management

-       Secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization, through fundraising, grant applications and revenue diversification

-       Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board

-       Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed

-       Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization

-       Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organization

-       Ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments

Community relations/advocacy

-       Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization

-       Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization

 

Risk management

-       Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage

-       Ensure that the Board and staff understand the terms, conditions and limitations of the insurance coverage

-       Provide the Board of Directors with information on external activities and factors that might positively or negatively impact the Organization’s performance.

 

Qualifications and experience required

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field (business administration in nonprofit management, education, public administration, political science)
• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience, including a minimum of 2 years in a key management role
• A passion for the French language and Francophone cultures, as well as in-depth knowledge of French-language education issues in Canada
• Experience in applying for funding, program budgeting, fundraising, managing large budgets and strategic planning
• Excellent public speaking and strong communication skills: fluency in written and spoken English and French essential
• Experience in initiating, planning, implementing and evaluating programs
• Proven ability to cultivate partnerships with an organization's key stakeholders
• Knowledge of the Office suite (Word, Excel, Power Point) and a CRM environment
• Use and knowledge of social networks (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram) in a professional context is an asset.

 

Working conditions

• 5-month maternity leave replacement contract, from December 9, 2024 to May 9, 2025;
• Competitive salary depending on experience;
• 35 hours per week;
• Hybrid mode: 2 days a week at the French for the Future office in Ottawa and 3 days a week telecommuting;
• Occasional availability on evenings, dinners and weekends to represent the organization, attend board meetings or for business development and activity and event management.

 

How to apply

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and résumé, in complete confidence, to the Hiring Committee at edsearch@francais-avenir.org by November 1, 2024 at noon (Eastern Time). Only short-listed candidates will be considered for an interview.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, as soon as they are received by the Hiring Committee.

The French for the Future Board of Directors is made up of individuals from across Canada. For this reason, interviews will take place online. Interviews will take place in October-November 2024, with an anticipated start date of December 9, 2024.

 

We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. French for the Future respects employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates.