Chief Executive Officer

Position Overview

As CEO, you will lead PADS with vision, empathy, and deep respect for its mission and culture. Reporting to the Board, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across program delivery, fund development, operations, communications, and stakeholder engagement. You will embody a people-first philosophy, nurturing staff, volunteers, and the broader community while honouring PADS’ legacy and values.

Fund development is central to this role: you will spearhead efforts to cultivate donor relationships, diversify revenue streams—including individual gifts, major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, and capital campaigns—and ensure PADS’ financial sustainability.

This position offers a flexible schedule, balanced with a meaningful and consistent on-site presence to engage in person, nurture relationships, maintain culture, and effectively represent PADS.

PADS is fortunate to be supported by a passionate and dedicated community of staff and volunteers who live the mission every day and are deeply engrained in the organization’s purpose. Their commitment, expertise, and belief in the transformative power of assistance dogs form the heart of PADS. PADS is proudly a two-province organization, with multiple teams in both British Columbia and Alberta. PADS is committed to serving everyone with balance and fairness, emphasizing one united PADS team.

PADS is embarking on a significant journey with the beginning of a new strategic plan, a major fundraising campaign, and a facility rebuild to expand on our reach in our communities. The organization has experienced significant change and transition and is now seeking a long-term leader who is grounded in belief, stability, and respect. The successful candidate must recognize the strength of this community, honour the contributions of those who serve, and understand what it means to lead with humility, care, and trust.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & People-Centred Leadership

• Develop and coach a high-performance leadership team, fostering a culture grounded in care, collaboration, inclusivity, and growth.
• Lead with integrity, humility, and empathy—building trust and demonstrating unwavering respect for PADS’ people and values.
• Embed a people-first mindset organization-wide—empowering staff and volunteers, nurturing their strengths, and ensuring their well-being and development.

Fund Development & External Relations

• Design and implement an integrated fund development strategy—encompassing major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, and planned giving—anchored in the mission, impact, and story of PADS.
• Serve as chief fundraiser and ambassador—cultivating, stewarding, and expanding relationships with donors and key stakeholders.
• Elevate PADS’ public profile—framing its narrative with compassion, respect, and authenticity to engage supporters, partners, and the community.

Financial and Operational Oversight

• Provide strategic oversight of the organization’s financial health and operational effectiveness, ensuring resources are managed responsibly to advance mission impact and organizational sustainability.
• Collaborate with staff and Board to lead budgeting, financial planning, operational systems, compliance, and risk management with transparency, integrity, and accountability.

Board Relations & Governance

• Collaborate respectfully with the Board, leveraging their strategic insight, networks, and support while maintaining transparent and timely communication.
• Involve Board members as champions and advisors, particularly in fund development and strategic planning.

Program Oversight & Advocacy

• Ensure PADS delivers world-class assistance dog services, ensuring quality, innovation, and client focus.
• Encourage a collaborative environment that values input from clients, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.
• Advocate for PADS and its clients across community, regional, and national spaces—grounded in humility and collaborative respect.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate brings a combination of strategic vision, fundraising expertise, and heartfelt, people-centred leadership:

• Demonstrated success in fundraising and revenue generation, including major gifts and capital campaigns.
• Senior leadership experience in a nonprofit or mission-driven setting (10+ years preferred).
• A track record of inspiring, developing, and retaining teams through empathy, trust, and respect.
• Skilled in Board engagement, governance processes, and nurturing collaborative partnerships.
• Outstanding communicator—authentic, inclusive, and persuasive across all audiences.
• Strong financial acumen and operational management experience.
• Entrepreneurial mindset—innovative, adaptable, and grounded in people and ethics.
• Deep respect for PADS’ mission and culture, with a genuine commitment to the life-changing power of assistance dogs.

Work Environment & Commitments

• Flexible work schedule, with regular on-site presence required to maintain connection, culture, and accountability.
• Willingness to travel for community engagement and events.
• Must be comfortable representing PADS in high-visibility settings, including media or stakeholder forums.

Why This Role Matters

You will lead a compassionate organization that transforms lives—guided by respect, authenticity, and a people-first spirit. By balancing fund development with deep care for the PADS community, you will ensure the organization’s resilience and lasting impact.

Work Environment & Commitments

This role is based in Burnaby, BC and offers a flexible work arrangement, and some travel will be required. PADS operates across two provinces with multiple campuses and hosts in-person events that are essential to community connection, fundraising, and program visibility. The CEO will be expected to attend these engagements as needed, ensuring a strong presence across the organization and its regions.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

PADS is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, recognizing that diversity strengthens our organization and the communities we serve. Our hiring practices are guided by fairness, accessibility, and equity, and we actively encourage applications from individuals who may bring new perspectives, including but not limited to those who identify as Indigenous, Black, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, women, and members of other equity-deserving groups.

Salary and Compensation

The salary range for this position is $150,000–$190,000 per year. The final offer will reflect the candidate’s skills, experience, and overall fit for the role, and we are committed to flexibility for the right candidate. In addition to salary, we offer a comprehensive compensation package that includes benefits and supports designed to promote well-being and long-term success.

Next Steps

If you are inspired by this opportunity and believe your experience and leadership align with PADS’ mission, we invite you to apply by sending your resume, cover letter and salary expectations to the Board of Directors via email. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply early as this posting will remain open until a successful candidate is found. We thank all applicants for their interest in joining PADS; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

VEIW POST ON OUR WEBSITE: https://pads.ca/chief-executive-officer/