EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
CANADIAN JOURNALISTS FOR FREE EXPRESSION (CJFE) is seeking an Executive Director to lead its organization in promoting free expression in Canada and around the world. CJFE is a Toronto-based NGO. One of its main projects is managing the International Freedom of Expression eXchange (IFEX), a freedom of expression clearing house for 72 organizations worldwide. For more information, please visit CJFE here and IFEX here.
Reporting to the CJFE Board of Directors, and maintaining a close working relationship with the IFEX Council, the Executive Director will provide strategic leadership to CJFE and IFEX. The Executive Director will lead a team including 12 full-time staff to execute the strategic plan and meet operational goals. S(he) will also develop and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders including funders, CJFE and IFEX members, government and media partners.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Vision and Strategic Leadership
1. Lead the continuing development of CJFE's strategic direction as a strong advocate of freedom of expression in Canada and around the world.
2. Lead the continuing development of IFEX's strategic direction as a growing international network of advocates of freedom of expression.
3. Ensure that CJFE's direction, plans and operation are aligned to fulfill the organisation's mandate.
4. Ensure that IFEX's direction, plans and operations are aligned with the direction set at the IFEX General Meeting.
5. Working closely with the senior management team, oversee the establishment of operational plans and the evaluation and communication of strategies.
6 Monitor and assess the effectiveness of organisational structure.
7. Ensure that the organization is fulfilling its non-profit/charitable obligations. This includes monitoring of CJFE's charitable arm, CIFET.
Human Resources Management
8. Lead, motivate and manage the senior management team consisting of the IFEX Manager, CJFE Manager and Manager of Finance and Administration, including hiring/firing, evaluation, direction and support.
9. Ensure that there is a good and healthy working environment for all staff. The Executive Director will work with the Management team to provide evaluation, support and direction for the staff. Will oversee staffing decisions including hiring/firing.
10. Ensure accountability for CJFE staff activities, foster effective communication among staff and manage relations between staff and the Board of Directors, providing guidance for the development of mutually acceptable expectations.
Financial Management
11. Working closely with the Manager of Finance and Administration oversee the planning, implementation, administration and evaluation of all financial systems and activities, including planning, budgeting, reporting, controls and auditing.
Board of Directors & IFEX Council
12. Provide timely support and advice for the strategic planning of the CJFE Board of Directors and the IFEX Council with regular reporting of results.
Communication & Relations
13. Acts as the public face of CJFE. Represents CJFE at events in Canada and abroad and where necessary articulates CJFE's positions on free expression issues to the media.
14. Represents IFEX at international events and meetings. Is able to speak authoritatively about IFEX work.
Fundraising
15. Will take an active role in building and strengthening relationships with funders for both CJFE and IFEX.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Mandatory:
- Fluent in spoken and written English
- At least 5 years of management experience or equivalent
- Superior communication skills
- Ability to support, motivate and empower staff and Board
- Capacity to provide direction for organizational development
- Strong understanding of finances of small to medium non-profit organizations
- Sound understanding of fund-raising strategies applicable to a Canadian NGO and an International network
- Diplomacy, tact and assertiveness
Highly desirable:
- Fluent in spoken French
- Computer literate
- Strong organizational skills
- Significant experience in management of a non-profit organization
- Nice-to-have:
- Fluent in a language other than English & French
- Salary is competitive and the organization has an excellent health & benefits package. Candidates should be able to travel internationally several times a year, and be eligible to work in Canada.
To apply:
Interested applicants are asked to apply online at
Careers Without Borders
by June 23, 2006. We thank all applicants, but only those who are short-listed will be contacted.
