Description
Development and Peace – Caritas Canada is seeking for an Executive Director to fill a full-time permanent position.
The successful candidate will ensure organizational stability while guiding the organization's evolution and growth in a manner consistent with its mission.
This is a unique opportunity to lead a national democratic movement and a professional international solidarity organization at a pivotal moment in its history.
Term: 5 years, renewable once
Start date: February 2027
Work location: Montreal or another major Canadian region
The organization’s headquarters is in Montreal.
We welcome applications from people living in other major regions of Canada, provided they can travel regularly to Montreal as well as within the areas served by the organization, depending on the needs of the position.
For the posting, please check the attached document or the following link: Executive Director | Development and Peace
Interested candidates are asked to submit their cover letter along with a resume no later thanOctober 30, 2026, to rh.hr@devp.org.
Reporting to the National Council and working closely with the President, the Executive Director provides strategic, operational and relational leadership for the organization.
The incumbent ensures the fulfillment of the mission, the achievement of strategic plan objectives, and the sound management of human, financial and organizational resources.
The Executive Director embodies and promotes the organization’s mission, vision, values and approaches of the organization.
They serve as an ambassador and exercise leadership that is synodal, participatory, unifying and empowering, fostering engagement, collective discernment and shared responsibility.
In addition, the Executive Director ensures rigorous operational management grounded in planning, accountability, risk management and results achievement, while supporting the development of the organization, its partnerships and its movement to ensure long-term sustainability.
Key responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Governance
Advise the National Council and implement approved orientations and decisions while respecting the distinct roles of governance and management.
Work with the President to identify matters requiring consideration by the National Council or Executive Committee and support the effective preparation, participation and follow-up of governance meetings.
Translate the orientations adopted by the Orientation Assembly into strategic priorities and ensure their implementation within a sustainable development framework.
Ensure comprehensive accountability to the National Council and the organization's various governing bodies.
Oversee enterprise risk management, legal and regulatory compliance, and the protection of people, personal information, assets and the organization’s reputation.
Organizational Leadership
Guide and support the leadership team in achieving organizational objectives and ensuring operational effectiveness.
Foster a healthy, inclusive, motivating, safe and respectful workplace that supports collaboration, professional development and employee engagement.
Ensure sound management of human resources and labour relations in accordance with the collective agreement and organizational policies.
Encourage cross-functional collaboration, accountability, succession planning and leadership development within the organization.
Organizational and Financial Management
Ensure the effective and responsible management of the organization’s financial, material and information resources.
Support the organization's long-term financial sustainability through revenue growth, revenue diversification and strategic partnerships.
Promote philanthropy as a shared organizational responsibility by strengthening fundraising campaigns and donor relationships.
Partnerships, International Solidarity and Advocacy
Develop and maintain lasting, trust-based relationships with Global South partners, the Caritas Internationalis network, national and international networks, and other stakeholders.
Ensure that the realities, needs and priorities expressed by partners and local communities guide programming, advocacy and mobilization initiatives.
Support the implementation of development and humanitarian assistance programs in accordance with organizational commitments and the standards of networks and institutions to which the organization belongs, including Caritas Internationalis.
Guide and support the organization’s advocacy activities with governments, institutions and relevant networks.
Maintain strategic and constructive dialogue with funders, governments, networks and allied organizations in support of the mission.
Movement, Church and Representation
Promote the organization’s values, vision and positions in spaces of dialogue and influence, from a perspective informed by social justice, solidarity and Catholic Social Teaching.
Maintain collaborative and trust-based relationships with members, diocesan councils, local communities, bishops, the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and other Church stakeholders in a spirit of dialogue, listening and synodality.
Support the development, renewal and mobilization of the movement, including the participation of youth and diverse communities.
Serve as the organization’s principal spokesperson and ensure clear, prophetic, consistent and inspiring communications internally and externally.
Competency Profile
Commitment to the organization's mission, vision, values, approaches and Catholic identity; Strategic vision and ability to execute; Synodal, mobilizing, unifying and empowering leadership; Sound judgment, discernment and managerial courage; Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; Ability to build partnerships and develop influential networks; Integrity, transparency and credibility; Ability to manage complexity, change and sensitive situations; Political acumen; Collaborative mindset and strong teamwork skills.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (administration, management, international development, social sciences or a related discipline); Other relevant graduate-level education; master’s degree will be considered an asset; Other relevant professional formations.
Languages
Fluency in spoken and written English and French is a must; Knowledge of Spanish or another third language (asset).
Experience and Knowledge
5 to 10 years of management experience in a similar Experience working with a board of directors
Relevant experience in international development, humanitarian assistance, advocacy, citizen engagement or the non-profit sector; Knowledge of Catholic Social Teaching and an understanding of the realities of the Catholic Church in Canada; Knowledge of issues related to social justice, international solidarity and humanitarian assistance; Knowledge of best practices in governance, strategic planning, risk management, human resources and financial management; Knowledge of Caritas Internationalis and related ecclesial, community and international networks.
Experience in a unionized environment and collaborative labour relations (asset); Experience in philanthropy, fundraising or revenue diversification (asset);
Position Requirements
Availability for regular travel within Canada and internationally; Availability for occasional evening and weekend work.