03/06/2026
Mental Health Rights Coalition is currently hiring for the position of Executive Director.
If interested, please apply with a cover letter and resume to mhrcjobapplications@gmail.com by no later than 4pm, March 20th.
Please note, only applicants invited to an interview will be contacted.
Hours of Work: Full time (35 hrs/week)
Salary and benefits: Salary will be commensurate with experience + 6% in lieu of benefits.
Immediate Supervisor(s): MHRC Board of Directors
Overview
Reporting to the Mental Health Rights Coalition’s Board of Directors, the role of Executive Director provides strategic leadership, financial management, and runs the day-to-day operations of the organization. The Executive Director is responsible and accountable for the provision of service delivery, for individuals who self-identify with lived/living experience of mental health and/or substance use challenges, that is consistent with the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
The Executive Director will ensure that the organization operates under an anti-oppressive, anti-discrimination framework and all services are consistent with peer support values and principles.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position will have the following experience and qualifications:
• Personal lived experience with the mental health and addiction system.
• Experience of peer support communities with knowledge of the history of theconsumer survivor movement and the current context of peer lead and run services.
• Minimum 2 years experience in a leadership role(s), ideally in a peer support setting.
• Experience supervising/managing teams.
• Post secondary education or equivalent work experience in a related healthcarefield (e.g., social work, social service worker, rehabilitation, peer support).
• Demonstrable understanding of peer support values and principles and the practiceof peer support.
• Deep understanding of anti-oppression, disability justice, mad pride, and trauma- informed care principles.
• Experience managing finances including developing and maintaining budgets,projecting expenditures, and creating operational plans based on revenues andexpenditures.
• Experience with grant writing and fund-raising.
• Experience working in the not-for-profit sector and reporting to or working with avolunteer board of directors.
• Familiarity and understanding of serious mental illness/addiction and mental healthsystems.
• Proven experience developing and maintaining community partnerships.
• Excellent problem-solving/judgement/decision making skills.
• Excellent communication (verbal and written) skills.
• Computer literacy including use of Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint,etc.) and Provincial Government reporting systems.
• Crisis Intervention Skills (e.g., ASIST, Mental Health First Aid, etc.).
• Understanding of, and ability to apply, all relevant legislation including but notlimited to AODA, PHIPPA, Employee Standards Act, Incorporation Act, etc.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership and Governance
• Board Partnership: Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and executestrategic plans, policies, and mission-driven initiatives.
• Visionary Leadership: Promote the organization’s mission to foster empowerment,peer support, and advocacy for systemic change.
• Operational Planning: Translate strategic objectives into actionable operationalplans and goals.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Governance
• Board Partnership: Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and execute strategic plans, policies, and mission-driven initiatives.
• Visionary Leadership: Promote the organization’s mission to foster empowerment, peer support, and advocacy for systemic change.
• Operational Planning: Translate strategic objectives into actionable operational plans and goals.
Financial Management and Sustainability
• Budgeting: Develop, monitor, and manage the annual operating budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
• Fundraising and Grants: Secure funding from government, foundations, and donors, including grant writing, reporting, and building relationships with funders.
• Financial Accountability: Ensure transparent reporting and compliance with non profit regulations.
Program Development and Peer Support
• Peer-Led Initiatives: Oversee the design and implementation of programs that embody peer support, consumer-survivor principles, and self-help models.
• Program Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the peer community.
• Advocacy: Advocate for the rights of peers in local, regional, and provincial mental health systems.
Human Resources and Team Management
• Staff Leadership: Recruit, mentor, supervise, and support staff within a collaborative, trauma-informed, and anti-oppressive framework.
• Volunteer Management: Oversee the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers, a core component of survivor-run organizations.
Community Relations and Advocacy
• Spokesperson: Act as the primary spokesperson, representing the organization in media, public events, and community networks.
• Coalition Building: Strengthen relationships with like-minded organizations, community partners, and government stakeholders to enhance impact.
Working Conditions
• Work is done onsite at the organization’s main office in the city of Hamilton. Note: this is not a hybrid or remote working environment
• Frequent engagement in community meetings, advocacy efforts, and occasional travel.
• Fast-paced environment requiring flexibility and adaptability.
