Executive Director

Cowichan Women Against Violence Society (CWAVS) is a trauma-informed organization where primarily women and children throughout the Cowichan Valley can receive support, live in a safe environment, and make informed decisions on how they want to restructure their lives. The organization is an integral part of the social safety network within our local community as well as the mid-Island. At CWAVS, we believe in creating a community of safety, support, and equity for all.

CWAVS is a dynamic, diverse, and evolving organization that supports a multitude of programs. The Board is seeking a new Executive Director to continue driving the values and mission of the organization. The right person will elevate existing programs and services through active advocacy and participation in the community. They will also have strong leadership skills that will equip the organization to achieve its mandates and make a positive impact within the Cowichan Valley.

Executive Director Role and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Board of Directors (The Board), the Executive Director (ED) will be a strong and supportive leader, responsible for the organizational management of CWAVS. The Board provides leadership and oversight of the strategic direction and work of the organization. The ED is expected to work both strategically with the Board as well as operationally with staff to deliver on the mandates of the organization.

The ED will be responsible for the overview of the organization, ensuring that existing and future initiatives are operating as needed per their respective contracts. The ED will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including BC Housing and the Law Foundation, Cowichan Tribes, government bodies, non-profit organizations, for-profit groups, School District 79, and the local community.

The ED will develop strong relationships throughout the Cowichan Valley and oversee fundraising, communications, public education, and social enterprises. They will provide strong leadership in overseeing facilities operations, administration, finance, and human resources.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will be a compassionate and empathetic leader who is trauma-informed and has experience working with women’s groups and vulnerable populations. They should possess a solid understanding of the characteristics and impacts of domestic violence, poverty, addiction, mental health, and harm reduction.

Key qualifications include:

• Strategic thinking and strong human resource management skills
• Ability to handle highly sensitive and stressful situations
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking
• Leadership and management experience, including financial oversight
• Problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Relationship-building skills with staff, program supervisors, the Board, and community stakeholders
• Ability to work locally and be present in the community
• Post-secondary degree in a related field and/or senior leadership experience in the nonprofit sector
• Experience in nonprofit housing/social services, working with government funders, and team building
• Completion of a Criminal Record Check (Ministry of Justice) and a valid driver’s license

CWAVS encourages applications from diverse communities, including BIPOC, immigrants, persons with disabilities, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please send your cover letter and resume to nora.livingstone@cwav.org.

We sincerely thank you for your interest in this opportunity and will only contact those under consideration for the role.

Hiring Preference & Commitment to Reconciliation

CWAVS holds a human rights special program exemption under the BC Human Rights Code, allowing us to prioritize hiring Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) candidates for this position. Indigenous applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. CWAVS is deeply committed to decolonization and reconciliation and seeks team members who share our values of equity, inclusion, and Indigenous leadership in advancing safety and social justice.

If you require accommodations to participate fully in the hiring process, please email the contact person listed above.

Position Details

• Posting Number: 2025-03
• Opening Date: March 7, 2025
• Closing Date: March 27, 2025 (or until the best candidate is found)
• Reports to: CWAVS Board of Directors
• Supervises: Program and HR Director, Fundraising and Development Director, Finance Coordinator, Office and HR Coordinator
• Salary Range: $105,000 - $115,000
• Expected Hours: 40 hours per week plus additional as required
• Anticipated Start Date: April 15, 2025

Executive Director Job Description

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Strategic focus on the organization’s vision and development of strategic plans
• Promote leadership, communication, and decision-making through an anti-violence lens
• Supervise key directors and ensure program and financial accountability
• Actively engage in funding strategies and partnerships within the community

Financial & Legal Oversight:

• Collaborate with auditors, finance teams, and board treasurer to maintain financial integrity
• Ensure compliance with budgets and contractual obligations
• Oversee all financial planning, resource allocation, and fundraising
• Work with government bodies, including BC Housing and local officials

Administrative, HR & Facility Management:

• Ensure compliance with legal and contractual obligations
• Serve as the organization’s Privacy Officer and lead negotiator
• Oversee organizational policies, hiring, and staff development
• Maintain facilities, security, and emergency response planning

Community Relations & Fundraising:

• Direct communication efforts, including website, social media, and donor relations
• Engage in public speaking and advocacy
• Build strong relationships with donors, funders, and Indigenous communities
• Promote social justice, anti-violence, and decolonization initiatives

Qualifications:

• Strong strategic, analytical, and communication skills
• Executive leadership experience in nonprofit or public sector organizations
• Post-secondary education in a relevant field or equivalent experience
• Experience in trauma-informed leadership and advocacy for women’s safety
• Cultural competence in working with diverse communities
• Experience in change management and governance board collaboration
• Strong technical skills (Microsoft 365, Zoom, HR, and financial systems)
• Knowledge of Employment Standards and legal regulations
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel locally