Description:
Islamic Relief Canada is seeking a dynamic and experienced Managing Director of Inspire to lead and enhance our Inspire portfolio. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Managing Director will oversee all aspects of the program and drive the strategic vision, growth, and impact of Inspire in the years ahead.
As a member of Islamic Relief Canada’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT), the Managing Director will also contribute to organizational strategy and key decision-making across the organization. In partnership with the SLT, this role will provide strategic leadership for the Inspire Department while supporting special initiatives and business development opportunities that advance IR Canada’s broader objectives.
The ideal candidate combines strategic vision with a demonstrated ability to execute, holds a deep understanding of IR Canada’s values, and a passion for humanitarian work. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of Inspire and amplify its impact in support of Islamic Relief Canada’s mission.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership of Inspire Program
- Oversee the strategy and execution of all Inspire project activities
- Translate organizational strategy into actionable goals and measurable outcomes for the Inspire department
- Ensure budget management, compliance adherence, and regulatory oversight of Inspire program
- Represent the Inspire team and operations in SLT discussions and cross-functional planning
- Contribute to organization-wide strategy discussions with a volunteer and programming lens, providing data to support recommendations
Process Improvement
- Help establish the overall vision for the Inspire program for the short- and long-term
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement to enhance Inspire’s operations
- Seek continuous feedback and identify, recommend, and implement improvements to the Inspire program to enhance impact and reach
Team Management and Cross-Team Collaboration
- Collaborate with other departments, including fundraising, programs, and operations, to develop strategies, align on goals, and support organizational objectives
- Participate in cross-functional initiatives, contributing to strategic planning and decision-making
- Foster a collaborative and high-performance culture within the Inspire team, promoting effective communication, teamwork, and accountability
- Ensure alignment between Inspire team and the organization’s mission and strategic goals
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and development opportunities to the Inspire team
- Set performance objectives, provide regular feedback, and support professional growth
Stakeholder Management
- Create and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including volunteers, donors, international field offices, and community partners
- Represent Islamic Relief Canada and the Inspire program at conferences, community events, partner meetings, and other external engagements
- Provide oversight of stakeholder engagement, ensuring alignment on Inspire’s strategic objectives, outcomes, and long-term direction while proactively addressing emerging opportunities and challenges
Risk Management & Safeguarding
- Primary accountability for Inspire’s risk management, including providing oversight of Inspire’s risk register and ensuring risks are identified, assessed, mitigated, and monitored across all program activities
- Establish and maintain robust volunteer safeguarding policies, protocols, and training to promote the safety, well-being, and security of participants throughout the volunteer lifecycle
- Monitor emerging geopolitical, security, health, and operational risks that may affect program delivery and make recommendations to senior leadership regarding program adaptations or continuity plan
Qualifications And Competencies
Education and Experience
- Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive senior leadership experience, with responsibility for strategy development, program delivery, and team leadership
- Experience within the charitable, nonprofit, humanitarian, or international development sector is considered a strong asset
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams, managing complex stakeholder relationships, and driving organizational change
- Proven track record of overseeing international programs, volunteer engagement initiatives, or large-scale community-based programming
- Experience supporting executive leadership and contributing to organization-wide strategic planning and decision-making
- Post-secondary education in International Affairs, International Development, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field