The Organization

Since its inception 21 years ago, The Forum has been a beacon of support and a leading voice for women’s entrepreneurship in Canada, upholding a belief in the transformative power of women’s visions. Their journey began as a non-profit association in British Columbia in 2002, and evolved into a registered Canadian charity in 2016, forging ahead with a mission to equip women entrepreneurs with the necessary capital—financial, wisdom, and social—to succeed. The Forum’s rich community, composed of self-identified women at varying stages of their entrepreneurial quests, benefits approximately 1,600 entrepreneurs annually, which has created a thriving network of over 12,000 alumnae.

The Position | Chief Executive Officer

Position Mandate

The Chief Executive Officer will steer The Forum into its next chapter of growth and impact. The ideal candidate will resonate with The Forum’s core values and will be committed to expanding its reach to ensure that women entrepreneurs receive the recognition, resources, and support they deserve. The CEO will lead with vision, articulating and implementing strategies that advance The Forum’s goals, including a “Grow Nationally, Connect Locally” strategy. They will champion the organization’s efforts to build a resilient Canadian economy by leveraging the strengths of diverse women-led businesses and drive systemic change through innovation and support. As an exceptional public speaker, the CEO will use their voice to engage and activate audiences, coast to coast to coast. 

As The Forum shifts towards a self-sustaining model, the incoming CEO will possess a formidable background in fundraising and a proven track record of innovative resource development. This executive leader will be adept at crafting and executing a comprehensive funding strategy, aimed at building on existing federal funding and enhancing financial resilience through diverse revenue streams. The CEO’s expertise in these areas will be crucial to not only meet but exceed their ambitious targets, ensuring The Forum’s enduring impact and legacy.

Additionally, the new CEO will be the custodian and champion of the strategic growth of the organization, aiming to reach and empower women entrepreneurs across all provinces and territories. They will be accountable for nurturing meaningful relationships, achieving intersectional representation within the community, and maintaining exceptional program satisfaction. 

With an objective to craft a vibrant, boundless community, the CEO will oversee the development of a comprehensive entrepreneur roadmap and ignite the brand, amplifying The Forum’s position as a cornerstone of growth for women entrepreneurs.

Location

Hybrid position with location in Toronto or Vancouver with the ability to attend national events as required.

Reports to: Board of Directors

Direct Reports:

  • Director, Development and Operations
  • Director, Marketing and Communication
  • Director, Sponsorship
  • Director, Programs

Key Stakeholder Relationships:

  • Chair Emeritus
  • Donors
  • Corporate Sponsors
  • Federal and Provincial grants/programs

People Relationships, Position Contributions, and Impact

  • Strategic Leadership: Lead strategic growth for the organization, focusing on creating a robust national community, showcasing visionary leadership, and developing a resilient funding model.
  • Fundraising and Revenue Generation: Spearhead fundraising initiatives, devising and executing a capital raise strategy designed to secure increased, unrestricted and multi-year funding, while also establishing a robust reserve fund for long-term stability. This will ensure creating a sustainable revenue stream beyond government funding.
  • Stakeholder Management: Deepen relationships with existing corporate sponsors and cultivate new partnerships. Engage effectively with the Board to assess and leverage fundraising capability; manage government relations and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to represent the interests of The Forum.
  • Organizational Leadership: Ensure that The Forum maintains its strong and vibrant organizational culture and program delivery; that the team is structured to promote achievement of strategic goals and objectives.
  • Team and Cultural Leadership: Lead and inspire the Team, channeling their energies and talents to create a fulfilling and self-actualizing work environment.
  • Financial Management and Reporting: Provide financial stewardship, ensuring prudent and responsible fiscal management of The Forum’s resources, and timely delivery of insightful and informative financial reporting to the Board.
  • Performance Management: Ensure The Forum can continue to grow its voice and presence, with data and insights generated by a robust impact measurement framework.
  • Community Presence: Amplify the reach of The Forum as one of the main voices, leading bold conversations to transform and advance the development of women entrepreneurs across Canada.

First Year Goals

  • Development of a clear plan on how to increase all sources of funding.
  • Demonstrated success in increasing national visibility with The Forum and the CEO gaining recognition as a leading voice within the federal and related ecosystems.
  • Delivery of promised, ongoing programming and building on the continued success of The Forum’s operations
  • Team is highly engaged and structured to fully execute on the strategic goals of the organization. 

The Candidate Profile                                                                                

As the leader of a mission driven organization at a pivotal time in its history, the CEO is both a strategic thinker, an operational executor, and a confident, resourceful fundraiser with the creativity, commitment, and determination to guide the charity to new heights of success and impact.

Experience, Skills and Knowledge

  • Proven track record in high-level fundraising, with expertise in personal giving strategies and securing major gifts.
  • Demonstrated ability in engaging with UHNW and HNW individuals, family trusts, and family offices, with the acumen to represent the charity’s interests persuasively.
  • Experienced and knowledgeable of the government funding landscape, as well as corporate sponsorships and partnerships.
  • Demonstrated financial and business management experience, with the capability to lead an organization through strategic financial shifts and funding model transformations.
  • Excellent leadership skills, with experience managing senior teams and working with a Board of Directors in a non-profit or charity environment, preferrable.
  • Proficient in stakeholder relationship management, as a passionate, informed and vocal champion of the organization.
  • In-depth understanding of the challenges faced by women and women-identified entrepreneurs and a passion for supporting their business endeavors.

Values Alignment

  • Commitment to Women’s Empowerment: Upholding the mission to support and enhance women’s entrepreneurship, recognizing the unique challenges and contributions of women in business.
  • Empathetic Leadership: Leading with empathy and a deep understanding of the personal and professional journeys of women entrepreneurs, fostering a culture of support and self-actualization.
  • Advocacy for Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting intersectionality and inclusivity, ensuring that women entrepreneurs from all backgrounds are represented and supported.
  • Passionate Representation: Being an influential and passionate advocate for The Forum, effectively communicating its value and impact in the broader economic and social context.
  • Adaptability and Resilience: Showing flexibility and resilience to navigate the evolving landscape of non-profit management, especially during times of strategic financial shifts.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation range for this position is $175,000 – $225,000 base pay annually, with the potential for a variable component based on organizational and personal KPIs. This range is based on market location and may vary depending on related knowledge, skills and experience.

DEI and Accommodation Statement 

The Forum is deeply committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture, believing that a wide range of perspectives and experiences enriches our mission of supporting women entrepreneurs across Canada. We strive to build a team that reflects a variety of backgrounds and insights, emphasizing our dedication as an equal opportunity employer to a diverse and inclusive workspace. We encourage applications from those historically underrepresented in entrepreneurship, including Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, and members of gender and sexually diverse communities.

In line with our commitment to inclusivity, The Forum is dedicated to creating an accessible work environment, understanding that individuals may have unique needs. We are committed to accommodating these needs to the best of our ability. If you require specific accommodations during the recruitment process or in your role, we encourage you to communicate with us so that we can work closely with you to provide you with the necessary support.

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