Job Opportunity: Chief Administrative Officer

Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for driving the operational efficiency and supporting the strategic direction of the CRRF in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. An effective project manager, the CAO will balance hands-on responsibilities with strategic oversight, ensuring seamless execution across operations. Working closely with the CEO, Chief of Staff & Associate Executive Director, and senior management, the CAO ensures efficient operations and results for the Finance and Administration team, covering finance, IT, HR, risk, and business operations, providing timely corporate support and guidance on potential risks and opportunities for the CRRF. With a strong background in board governance, IT, and reporting, the CAO supports the CEO in delivering board governance work and strategic planning initiatives, ensuring transparency and effective decision-making. Embodying the values of the CRRF, the CAO champions a culture of safety, inclusion, equity, and anti-racism, prioritizing employee well-being and fostering a diverse workplace. 

As the ideal candidate, you have a proven track record of leading administrative functions within organizations. Your ability to balance strategic thinking with operational realities allows you to excel in fast-paced, ambiguous environments where adaptability and innovation are key. Passionate about anti-racism work, you are committed to creating a world without systemic racism and hate. Your analytical mindset and process-driven approach ensure the efficient and effective operation of the CRRF’s back office. As a quick learner with experience in unionized public or non-profit settings, you navigate complex reporting requirements with ease. Motivated by the importance of the work, you are proactive, process-driven, and consistently anticipate future challenges. Your excellent people leadership skills enable you to foster collaboration and drive success within your team. The role is based in Toronto and bilingualism in French and English is an asset. 

To fill this position, Canadian Race Relations Foundation has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers Berndtson and the search is being co-led by Dominik Legault and Joanne McMullin. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online on the Odgers Berndtson website.

For more information, please contact Hanita Kargaran at Hanita.kargaran@odgersberndtson.com of Odgers Berndtson. We would like to thank all applicants but regret that we are only able to personally contact those individuals whose backgrounds best match the requirements for the role. 

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Canadian Race Relations Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers Berndtson and Canadian Race Relations Foundation throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. 

Odgers Berndtson is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our EDI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.