​​​​​​​Executive Director

Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland 
St. John’s, NL

Lead the next chapter of one of the most impactful organizations serving children and youth in the St. John’s Metro Area as Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland (BBBSNL).


The Organization

For over 50 years we have been championing the health and wellbeing of youth. We work collaboratively with local, regional, and national organizations to serve more than 450 young people each year, stepping in before it’s too late, to help prevent the physical and mental effects of adverse childhood experiences. We ensure children as young as 6 are supported by caring and consistent adult mentors as they overcome these adversities, helping them to do better in life – physically, mentally, socially, emotionally and academically. Mentoring relationships change young people’s lives. With training and professional support, BBBSNL mentors form strong positive developmental relationships with their mentees that express care, challenge growth, provide support, share power, and expand possibilities.

The Role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, you will lead a dedicated team to expand and strengthen mentoring relationships across the St. John’s metro region. Working closely with schools and community partners, you will guide your team in supporting young people and in actively recruiting, screening, and training mentors who want to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
A core part of your role is outward-facing and includes presenting at events, cultivating partnerships, fostering relationships with government, donors and funders, and championing BBBS in the community. You will also work closely with the Board, leveraging their skills and connections to advance the organization’s mission.
At the same time, you understand the importance of strong internal operations. You will foster a collaborative, supportive environment for staff, serving as a mentor and leader who helps your team reach their full potential. Your comfort with budgets and financial oversight will support your active role in the financial stewardship of the organization, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.

Key Areas of Leadership and Oversight:

•    Strategy & Governance: Partner with the Board to set and execute a clear, measurable strategy; provide timely reporting; uphold strong governance; and foster a healthy, accountable organizational culture.
•    Program Excellence: Ensure high-quality mentoring programs that meet or exceed national standards; embed safety, risk management, data-informed decision-making, and continuous improvement across all services.
•    People & Culture: Recruit, coach, and retain a small, high-performing team; model inclusive leadership; establish clear goals; and align HR policies and practices with both organizational values and relevant legislation.
•    Fund Development, Communications, and Partnerships: Lead diversified fundraising (grants, corporate partnerships, major gifts, events, and individual giving); act as spokesperson; elevate brand and storytelling; and grow partnerships with schools, families, volunteers, donors, government, and community organizations. Oversee the development of a marketing and communications plan for the organization.
•    Operations, Finance & Risk: Build and manage budgets; safeguard assets; ensure timely financial reporting and CRA charitable compliance; strengthen systems (CRM, case management, Microsoft 365); and maintain privacy, safety, and operational policies.

The Ideal Candidate

You are an inspiring, community-minded leader who balances vision with disciplined execution. You thrive in relationship-rich work: listening deeply, building trust, and mobilizing volunteers, staff, donors, and partners around a shared mission. You bring strong fundraising instincts, rigorous program stewardship, and a steadfast commitment to child safety, equity, and measurable outcomes. You coach teams to do their best work, communicate with clarity and warmth, and navigate complexity with integrity and good judgment.

Qualifications and Experience:

While the Search Committee recognizes that no one candidate is likely to meet all qualifications in equal measure, those listed below are desirable and will be used to compare candidates.

•    Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Community Development, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field. Other assets may include: CFRE, CPA, CPHR, PMP, Mental Health First Aid, Indigenous cultural safety/trauma-informed practice training.
•    5–7+ years of progressive leadership in the nonprofit, social services, youth development, education, or community sector, including 3+ years managing people and budgets. Experience working with vulnerable populations is an asset. 
•    Experience with board relations and governance including strategic planning
•    Strong financial literacy and oversight experience.
•    HR, performance management and program evaluation.
•    Knowledge of mentoring models, relevant National Standards, child protection legislation and vulnerable sector practices is an asset.
•    Familiarity working with schools, families, or community partners in St. John’s 
•    Excellent written and verbal communication.
•    A record of accomplishment in fund development, major gifts, and philanthropic planning.

Skills and Attributes:

•    Strategic thinker who translates vision into clear plans, priorities, and metrics
•    Inclusive, values-based people leader who coaches for performance and wellbeing
•    Strong financial literacy 
•    Relationship builder
•    Clear, compelling storyteller and confident public spokesperson
•    Adaptable, resilient, and solutions oriented under pressure


To Apply

Application review will begin on April 9, 2026. If you are interested in this opportunity, submit your full application package by clicking the link. For further information related to this search, contact Michelle Doyle at mdoyle@kbrs.ca. 

We believe belonging fuels impact. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland is a welcoming, inclusive, and equitable organization where individuality is celebrated, and differences strengthen the futures we build together. If you share our values, you belong here. 

If you need accommodation in order to participate as a candidate in the recruitment process, please contact accommodate@kbrs.ca or communicate your needs to the recruitment professional named in the job description.