Executive Director

About this role

Interested in joining one of Canada’s top performing asset managers? We are looking for an Executive Director to join the Connor, Clark & Lunn Foundation for a newly created leadership role supporting the Foundation and its Board of Directors. The Connor, Clark & Lunn Foundation was established over 25 years ago to support philanthropy across CC&L Financial Group and its Canadian affiliates. Since 1999, the Foundation has distributed more than $15 million to over 700 charitable organizations across Canada.

The Foundation is now entering an exciting new chapter with a renewed governance framework, updated granting policies and procedures, and a dedicated Executive Director role to lead the Foundation’s operations and strategic evolution. This is an opportunity for a collaborative, purpose-driven leader to shape the future of the Foundation by strengthening governance, enhancing granting processes, engaging employees and partners across the firm, and deepening the Foundation’s impact in communities across Canada.

The Executive Director will report directly to the Board of Directors and serve as the Foundation’s sole dedicated employee, while drawing upon internal resources and support teams across CC&L Financial Group and its affiliates.

The position may be based in Toronto or Vancouver and operates within a flexible hybrid work model.

What You Will Do:

Foundation Leadership & Operations

• Lead the implementation of the Foundation’s new governance framework and strategic recommendations approved by the Board

• Oversee all operational activities of the Foundation, including coordination of financial, administrative, and internal support resources

• Develop and maintain operational processes, policies, and reporting frameworks to support effective governance and granting activities

• Support the development and implementation of annual operating budgets and ongoing financial reporting to the Board

• Ensure all statutory, legal, and regulatory obligations of the Foundation are met, including CRA compliance, receipting, record keeping, and reporting requirements

• Maintain and regularly review risk management frameworks, policies, and governance documentation with the Board

Board & Committee Support

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors and support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities

• Coordinate Board and committee meetings, including preparation of materials, agenda development, minutes, and follow-up actions

• Support the Applications Committee in reviewing grant applications and making recommendations to the Board using consistent and transparent criteria

• Develop reporting and tracking processes to support grant decision-making, funding oversight, and trend analysis

• Assist the Board in developing and reviewing governance policies, committee structures, recruitment practices, and an investment policy for the Foundation

Granting & Community Impact

• Lead the administration and due diligence process for all grant applications

• Develop and refine granting processes, funding agreements, and grantee reporting practices

• Build and maintain systems and databases to track grant applications, funding decisions, and historical disbursements

• Foster strong relationships with applicants, grantees, employees, partners, and external stakeholders

• Support employees and partners in connecting clients and communities to the Foundation’s work and impact

Communications & Engagement

• Lead the Foundation’s internal and external communications strategy

• Promote awareness and engagement with the Foundation across CC&L Financial Group and Canadian affiliates

• Develop and implement strategies for volunteerism, employee engagement, and the Foundation’s annual Week of Giving initiative

• Act as the primary public representative and spokesperson for the Foundation

What You Bring

• Leadership experience within the charitable or nonprofit sector in Canada, ideally within a granting foundation or philanthropic organization

• Strong understanding of the Canadian charitable and social profit landscape, including grantmaking practices and charitable governance requirements

• Experience working closely with volunteer Boards of Directors in a collaborative and strategic capacity

• Demonstrated ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on operational execution

• Exceptional relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence without direct authority

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a high level of professionalism, diplomacy, and emotional intelligence

• Strong financial management, budgeting, reporting, and organizational skills

• Experience leading projects, implementing process improvements, and managing competing priorities and timelines

• Comfort…