Regional Director

Description:

The Regional Director – Ontario provides leadership and direction to our teams and programs in the province, in accordance with the mission, values, strategic/operational plans, practice standards and policies. This position is part of a team of three Regional Directors who oversee literacy initiatives across every province and territory of Canada. In this upper management role, the Regional Director embodies the strategic directions and vision of the organization across every aspect of our work in Ontario.

Your main responsibilities and major duties

The Regional Director stewards the regional program portfolio and supervises Regional Managers in their goal to maximise program impact; works with Regional Managers to identify and pursue opportunities for growth and program development; and advocates for regional needs and priorities with the Executive. The ideal candidate will bring an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit to operations in their regional portfolio.

Within the region the Director is a trusted and well-respected leader of a team of Regional Managers, Regional Coordinators, Community/Instructor Coordinators, Camp Coordinators, Camp Counsellors, Catalysts, Interns and Volunteers. The position will directly manage between three to five direct reports, dependent on active projects. The Regional Director reports to the VP, Programs & Impact.

Priority consideration will be given to applications of candidates residing in Toronto, where the highest concentrations of our regional staff, programs and volunteers are located. Regular travel within the province will be required, particularly to visit regional teams.

1) Impact and Performance (50%)

• Provide supervision, coaching and mentorship to Regional Managers, supporting them in achieving strong results for learners. Oversee the effective implementation and evaluation of regional programs, including volunteer management, quality standards and risk compliance.
• Develop and manage annual regional program plans and operational budget. Monitor results and variances and take corrective action when required.
• Build and lead effective regional teams through clear expectations, regular feedback, professional development and performance management.
• Translate organizational goals and strategic priorities into clear regional objectives that produce results for learners, partners and other stakeholders.

2) Stakeholder Influence and Strategic Development (50%)

• Lead and support the development of new regional literacy initiatives that deliver on United for Literacy’s 2025-2029 Strategic Plan.
• Work closely with Regional Managers, Executive and Fundraising team to pursue regional strategies to sustain and/or expand operations by generating new public and private revenue opportunities.
• Build and sustain external relationships necessary to support organizational goals, liaising effectively with partners, participants, volunteers, donors and governments.
• Attend and contribute at community, provincial and/or national meetings, and effectively and accurately represent the needs and interests of the organization.

Skills, Attributes and Requirements

• Key required skills include strategic and entrepreneurial thinking;
• influencing and mentorship;
• networking and relationship building;
• organizational and sector/issue awareness;
• risk management.

Further requirements include:

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive management and leadership experience
• Experience working in the non-profit sector
• Knowledge and understanding of key socio-economic issues, environment and stakeholders as they relate to literacy in Canada
• Proven experience in government, corporate and media relations
• Experience and comfort with managing budgets
• High proficiency using Office365 and able to work effectively in a digital environment, including coordinating multi-stakeholder meetings online
• University degree in a related field

Additional Assets (Preferred) Post-Graduate degree in Social Studies

• Lived or working experience with First Nation, Metis & Inuit communities
• Experience travelling to remote locations