About the Role 

The Executive Director reports directly to the Unity Board of Directors and has overall operational responsibility for Unity’s staff, educational programs, fiscal management, and execution of its vision. The position requires a highly effective leader with a passion for improving the lives of youth in underserved communities through hip-hop.

The Executive Director of Unity manages people, programs, and many strategic relationships with Unity Staff, Board of Directors, Advisory Committees and Working Groups, Artist Educators, Teachers, and Volunteers, National, Provincial and Regional Community and School Partners, Funders, Individual and Corporate Donors, and other stakeholders, including government and service providers.

Business & Financial Operations

• Manages Unity’s finances, including financial statements, investments, cash flow monitoring and audits, and leads the development of an annual budget for the Board’s approval.
• Provides leadership in identifying and defining opportunities for Unity and, along with staff and relevant Committees, develops the business case, marketing, strategy, and communication plans to support appropriate action.
• Seeks opportunities for continuous improvement and optimal utilization of resources.
• Ensures that Unity maintains financial health and assumes accountability of the operating budget, including budget forecasting and expenditure monitoring, subject to the limits delegated by the Board of Directors.
• Seeks regular feedback from the Board of Directors and other stakeholders and takes any necessary corrective actions to ensure that Unity achieves its defined impact.
• Ensures the development and application of priority plans, performance and program evaluation measurements, management controls and critical success factors.

Organizational Excellence

• Provides executive direction to Unity including overall organizational structure design and development; development and implementation of Unity strategic, operational, and business plans; vision and strategic thinking for future direction; and operations and/or other affairs of the organization.
• Ensures that appropriate authority is delegated to senior staff and makes certain that all staff members are given the opportunity for personal development.
• Sets and approves compensation and terms/conditions of employment for staff, within Board policy.
• Ensures that short and long-term succession plans are in place for the Executive Director and other senior positions.
• Reviews and maintains corporate policies to ensure compliance, health, wellbeing, and safety for all staff.
• Manages office site, including office lease, IT equipment, etc. and ensures compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations, policies, and procedures.

Leadership

• Provides leadership that is inspiring, respectful, and inclusive; that is collaborative and motivating
• Attracts, supports, and develops top talent; and encourages a culture of excellence, teamwork, accountability, and transparency.
• Fosters and models a trusting and accountable workplace culture, including upholding Unity’s Values.
•  Acts as a role model and demonstrates integrity and ethical leadership every day.

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Board of Directors

• Establishes a positive, accountable, and professional working relationship with the Board of Directors, characterized by candor and open communication, to develop short and long-term strategies for the organization that fulfill Unity’s vision.
• Prepares/oversees all documentation for the Board, including management reports for review and presentation to the Board, policy recommendations for consideration, key business performance indicators, agendas, and any other relevant information.
• Advises, assists, and attends, as appropriate, Board-called meetings, Advisory Committee meetings, etc. as a Board advisor or representative.

Communication

• Serves as an external spokesperson for Unity, including managing external relations locally and nationally and, where relevant, empowers Unity’s artists, alumni, and youth ambassadors to speak on behalf of the organization.
• Establishes a strong personal presence in the sector, enhancing and strengthening the organization’s profile and positive image.
• Works closely with the Director of Development to generate new funding opportunities, strengthen donor relationships and secure new partnerships and donors.
• Provides marketing and communications oversight for the organization.

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About You

Come join our team! Even if you don’t meet all these requirements, but you’re interested in Unity and think you’re capable of this role, please apply. We’re excited to meet you!

You are a proven, authentic, and respected leader with a deep-rooted understanding and appreciation of Hip-Hop as both a cultural movement and an economic driver. You possess a strong business sense, when combined with your ability to harness the influence of Hip-Hop, enables you to conceive, articulate, and execute visionary strategic plans in collaboration with a Board of Directors.

You are known for your humility, your ability to empower your team and engage partners in the community, your innovative and responsive management style, and your track record of success.  You are collaborative and are committed to continuous improvement in all you do.

While being a visionary and big-picture thinker, you are also goal-orientated and are able to bring creative and innovative programs and solutions forward to address emerging issues in the hip-hop arts community  

You understand how to work in support of, and in partnership with others, and thrive in a dynamic national organization that requires nimbleness and a bias for action. You are a skilled communicator who is at ease when speaking with a range of audiences and being a strong youth advocate.

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Professional Experience  

• Minimum of 5 years’ senior leadership or equivalent work experience
• Substantial community leadership experience  
• Breadth of executive management experience, encompassing financial, marketing, human resource, and operational oversight, including managing a team of 5 or more
• Significant preference will be given to candidates who bring non-profit experience and a passion for hip hop and serving youth
• Successfully managed complex relationships with stakeholders and with a Board of Directors and its Committees

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What We Offer 

• Competitive base pay with a hiring range of $95,000 - 115,000. The salary offered will vary based on factors such as skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role.
• Hybrid flexible workplace.  At Unity we do 1-2 days a week in the Studio. For the first 6-9 months the new Executive Director will be required to be in person more often to build relationships and facilitate their onboarding 
• Comprehensive Health Benefits
• 20 vacation days, 10 paid sick/wellness/personal days
• $100/month working subsidy to cover things like: TTC, Home Internet, Parking, etc.
• Up to $500 per year to support your professional development expenses  
• An inclusive employee experience where all people feel they belong

About the Recruitment Process

This is an existing position and it has been posted both internally & externally.‍

To apply, please send your resume to edsearch@unitycharity.com.  Applications will be reviewed as they come in, so apply early.  The posting will officially close at 5pm on February 28, 2025

Committed to Diversity

Unity is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone belongs. We welcome all qualified applicants, especially applicants from underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women, racialized individuals, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ2S+ individuals. We recognize that diversity of thought and experiences enriches our work environment and ultimately leads to Unity having a greater impact in the communities we serve.

Committed to Accessibility

At Unity, our goal is to create a barrier-free experience for every candidate and employee. If you require accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please let us know so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. We are pleased to honor your unique abilities and adapt to allow you to participate in a meaningful way.  

Process

A real human will review all the applications, and we may use AI tools to help us through the administrative steps of the recruitment process. 

Unity does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes will be considered Unity property. Unity will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.