Full job description
Executive Director – Stride
You can work. We can help.
Are you a bold, compassionate leader passionate about mental health, addictions, and employment? Do you thrive on strategy, innovation, and building partnerships that create lasting impact? Stride is seeking our next Executive Director — a visionary who will guide our organization into its next chapter.
Stride Employment Services is a specialized mental health and addiction agency serving Halton, Peel and surrounding areas. We provide a comprehensive range of employment support options, which are responsive to individual needs. Stride is committed to person-centered support that empowers individuals to build confidence, achieve their goals, and gain and maintain meaningful work. We believe everyone living with mental health or addiction challenges has the right to participate fully in life’s most valued aspects — including meaningful employment that contributes to overall well-being.
What You’ll Do
Strategic Leadership & Vision
● Shape Stride’s future by guiding strategic direction and ensuring programs remain innovative, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of individuals with mental health and addictions challenges.
● Partner with the Board of Directors to advance mission, vision, and governance excellence.
● Position Stride as a sector leader by serving as spokesperson and advocating for inclusive MHA employment practices.
Team Leadership & Organizational Culture
● Inspire and mentor a dedicated team of 30+ staff, fostering professional growth and aligning efforts with Stride’s mission.
● Cultivate a culture of trust, collaboration, equity, and continuous improvement.
● Lead with accountability by implementing performance management processes and creating a positive, supportive work environment.
Community & Partnerships
● Strengthen and expand relationships with funders, employers, and community leaders to enhance collaboration and employment opportunities for individuals with mental health and addictions challenges.
● Foster cross-sector partnerships with mental health, addictions, employment, and social service organizations to advance shared goals.
● Position Stride as a trusted partner by engaging stakeholders, listening to community needs, and co-creating solutions that improve access and impact.
Program & Financial Stewardship
● Play a pivotal role in identifying, cultivating, and securing new funding opportunities to support strategic growth and long-term sustainability.
● Oversee a $2M+ annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility, sustainability, and compliance.
● Manage and optimize employment support programs, monitor delivery, evaluate outcomes, and drive continuous improvement.
● Identify funding opportunities, write proposals, and secure resources to expand Stride’s impact.
● Support Board governance activities and manage organizational risk, ensuring proper insurance and accountability structures.
Who You Are
Essential Foundation
● Senior leadership experience (7+ years) in mental health, addictions, employment, or related fields, with a strong track record in strategy, governance, and leading high-performing teams.
● Deep understanding of employment services, workforce development, and the mental health and addictions landscape.
● Proven ability to build and sustain partnerships with funders, employers, and community stakeholders.
● Commitment to equity, inclusion, and community impact, fostering an innovative and collaborative organizational culture.
● Comfortable leveraging technology and innovative approaches to improve outcomes and drive organizational growth.
Beneficial Assets
● Experience with Boards of Directors, governance, fundraising, or government relations.
● Lived experience or deep understanding of the communities served.
● Knowledge of non-profit financial management, risk oversight, and compliance.
● Advanced credentials (e.g., MBA, MSW, PMP) or specialized leadership training.
● Bilingualism or proficiency in additional languages.
What Sets You Apart
● Visionary thinking: You anticipate trends and see opportunities others miss.
● Innovation drive: You are excited about leveraging technology and creative approaches for securing funding opportunities to support strategic growth.
● Authentic leadership: You inspire teams and build trust across all levels.
● Results focus: You set ambitious goals and find creative ways to achieve them.
● Growth mindset: You embrace learning and help others develop.
Don’t check every box? We are looking for the right person who is eager to grow with us!
Why Join Stride?
● Flexible Work Arrangements: Stride offers flexible work hours with a focus on work-life balance, including the ability to work both remotely and in person.
● Time Off & Wellness Supports: Paid vacation and sick time entitlements, group health benefits plan, and Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
● Professional Growth: Continuous training and professional development opportunities, including a dedicated development budget, conference participation, mentorship, and autonomy to pilot innovative programs.
● Organizational Values: Stride is committed to Psychological Health and Safety, as well as Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
● Meaningful Impact: Lead an organization that changes lives every day through mental health and addictions-focused employment services.
Ready to Lead the Future?
Join us in shaping the future of employment services for individuals living with mental health and addiction challenges. If you are excited to lead a mission-driven organization that empowers people to achieve meaningful work and thrive in their communities, we want to hear from you.
To Apply: Submit your resume, cover letter about your vision for the future of MHA-focused employment services to Fatima Ul-Haq, Chair, Stride Board of Directors
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits:
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- How many years have you worked in the mental health and addictions or social service field? (Minimum 7 years required)
- Do you have experience with employment services in the mental health and addiction sector?
- How many years of senior leadership experience do you have? (Minimum 7 years required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Milton, ON L9T 2M3