CEO, Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health

Imagine a future where the most devastating consequences of mental illness can be prevented. With the need for mental health care greater than ever, the reimagined Ontario Shores Foundation for Mental Health (the Foundation) is growing and transitioning to a fundraising Board of Directors.

Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (Ontario Shores) is a public teaching hospital providing a range of specialized assessment and treatment services to those living with complex and serious mental illness. Exemplary patient care is delivered through safe and evidence-based approaches where successful outcomes are achieved using best clinical practices and the latest advances in research.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Foundation Board of Directors through the Board Chair, the Foundation CEO will be accountable for the performance of the Foundation, setting and achieving annual and multi-year goals that are aligned with the Board, the mission of the Foundation, and the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. The new incumbent will develop the strategy, execute the programs and operations of the Foundation, and lead the Foundation team.

The Foundation CEO will bring a business-minded approach to working with the Foundation Board and leadership volunteers providing information, direction, and fundraising best practices that will enable the Board to make sound decisions and heighten our collective impact. With experience engaging senior volunteers in major gift prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, the successful candidate will effectively draw on current donors and referrals as well as explore new donor audiences to build a robust portfolio.

The successful candidate will support a culture of performance by developing and implementing plans that maximize the Foundation’s potential. The CEO will value and embrace their role as leader, mentor, and coach to a highly capable team, providing focus around individual goals and expectations while maximizing the contribution of each team member.

The Foundation CEO will work closely with the Hospital’s Chief Executive Officer and senior leadership team and clinical colleagues, valuing and leveraging their collective knowledge and expertise. The new incumbent will build and sustain strong collegial relationships with physicians and clinicians encouraging their participation in developing fundraising priorities and in the cultivation and stewardship of potential donors; engaging them in the unique and innovative approach to mental health services that are focused on recovery, hope and inspiration through discovery.

Key Accountabilities

• Organizational Leadership – Strategic and Planning
• Fundraising, Donor Relations, Community Engagement
• People and Culture
• Operational Leadership

Requirements

• University degree in a related discipline is preferred; an equivalent combination of education and related work experience will be considered.
• CFRE designation would be considered an asset.
• Progressive experience in senior management or executive leadership roles in a nonprofit organization. Foundation leadership experience is an asset.
• Broad fundraising experience with proven success soliciting major gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations and community organizations.
• Business acumen and experience in a not-for-profit environment including strategic, financial, legal, operational, and analytical skills with a solutions-focused, proactive approach to identifying and resolving issues and embracing opportunities.
• Proven ability to effectively and passionately communicate with a wide variety of audiences.
• Exceptional relationship-building and networking skills, with a demonstrated ability to authentically connect with people in a variety of levels and types of organizations, including with senior leaders.
• Business development skills and entrepreneurial spirit to drive new connections and partnerships with hospital CEO, management team and board and community stakeholders.
• Expertise in Board relations and supporting effective board governance with a focus on fundraising.
• Demonstrated ability to engage, inspire, coach and sustain contributions from staff, volunteers, and colleagues.
• Ability to develop and execute effective strategies and operational plans that deliver results.
• Excellent verbal and written communicator; strong presentation skills; diplomacy and ability to engage with diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with and experience in the productive application of systems, and use of data to drive decisions in support of fundraising programs and donor management.
• Working knowledge of marketing and communications to support brand building and awareness initiatives.
• Experience and/or interest working within the healthcare sector is an asset; ideally a Durham Region resident who is familiar with the issues facing the Region.

What Ontario Shores Foundation offers

• Competitive base compensation of \$175,000 - \$200,000
• Vacation – 4 weeks
• HOOPP benefits begin on first day of employment; comprehensive benefit plan

The Foundation offers a flexible environment with a combination of primarily in-office and occasional remote work as well as substantial time in the community and with stakeholders.

Process for Applications

Through crawfordconnect, the Foundation is inviting applications from qualified individuals.

Submit your resume and cover letter immediately to

janice@crawfordconnect.com

Although the deadline for applications is June 5, 2026, early applications are encouraged.

We thank all applicants for applying; however, only qualified candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Should you have any questions regarding this opportunity, please contact Janice Wooster at janice@crawfordconnect.com / 416.388.4049.

This is an existing vacancy. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not used in the candidate assessment or selection process.

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