Executive Director Position (APJ Canada)

About APJ Canada:
Artists for Peace and Justice (APJ) is a not-for-profit organization that supports access to
education for impoverished Haitian youth to create a pathway to meaningful employment and
a sustainable future.
Our immediate efforts serve the poorest communities in Haiti with programs in education and
training in creative industries. We empower Haitians to work with other Haitians. We believe
in empowering local communities through direct partnership, knowing that solutions are found
among those closest to the problem. Our focus is on running the Academy for Peace and
Justice in Port-au-Prince, Haiti that offers secondary education to over youth who would
otherwise not had the opportunity. In addition, we are developing programs that will create a
path of opportunity for our Academy students and graduates to continue their studies abroad.

Purpose of Position:
The Executive Director guides the vision and direction of the organization as established by the Board. The position reports directly to the Chairperson of the Canadian Board of Directors and the President of the US Board of Directors and is ultimately responsible for the success of
fundraising activities, day-to-day operations and governance activities for APJ.
Duties include supporting the Chairperson/President and the Board in executing year-round
programs, coordinating Board Meetings, liaising with partners on behalf of the Board,
developing partnerships and maintaining the calendar of activities. The Executive Director
works within the framework of planning and policies approved by the Board of Directors to
ensure the organization consistently fulfills its mandate and purpose. This is a full time role and may occasionally require evenings and weekends.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Support the Chairperson/President and the Board in developing a comprehensive fundraising strategy of year-round income-generating activities, drawing on knowledge of fundraising best practices, including clear and measurable targets


• Oversee and directing general fundraising activities and grant applications


• Research, identify, bring forward and evaluate existing and new annual donors and support the Chairperson and the Board in making donor requests in person and cultivate major donor relationships


• Lead planning and coordination of fundraising events including the APJ Gala in Toronto, retail partnerships, and other initiatives as determined by the Board including research, identify, bring forward and evaluate new sponsors


• Manage everyday operations (administrative, IT, website, social media, newsletters) and act as a resource for members on the board


• Support the Treasurer and Accountant in developing the annual budget (revenue  and expense) in consultation with and approval from the Board of Directors


• Make recommendations with respect to disbursement of funds raised, according to approved budget and financial management policies


• Work with Accountant on providing regular reports and forecasts on the revenues and expenditures; Ensure sound internal financial control, bookkeeping, and  accounting procedures are followed


• Liaise with APJ’s contacts in Haiti for updates, contract renewal and negotiation, reporting


• Attend Board and Committee Meetings and provide counsel on Board governance best practices


• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board


• Oversee the APJ Canada website content and digital and social strategy

Skills and Experience:

• 8-10 years of experience working with nonprofits in a fundraising capacity


• Proven experience developing and executing successful fundraising strategies raising 1M+


• Skilled at cultivating and managing relationships with donors


• Experience managing projects, budgets and overseeing finances


• Knowledge of not-for-profit management and sound Board governance practices


• Ability to work independently and find solutions, a be a resourceful team player


• Practices a high level of professionalism and diplomacy, ability to communicate to a diverse audience and influence without authority


• Strong verbal, written, and listening communication skills


• Grant research and application experience (nice to have)


• Social media/ Marketing strategy experience (nice to have)