Deputy Executive Director

Canadian Environmental Law Association (CELA) is a legal aid clinic and non-profit, public interest organization dedicated to environmental equity, justice, and health. Founded in 1970, CELA is one of the oldest advocates for environmental protection in the country. With funding from Legal Aid Ontario, CELA provides free legal services relating to environmental justice in Ontario, including representing qualifying low-income and vulnerable or disadvantaged communities. CELA also works on environmental legal education and reform initiatives. CELA’s strategic priorities include access to environmental justice, and prevention of harm from pollution on behalf of low income and vulnerable communities.

CELA seeks an exceptional candidate for the position of Deputy Executive Director. CELA encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are of Indigenous descent, members of LGBTQI2S, persons with disabilities, members of racialized communities, and women.

Employment Term: Full-time, permanent; starting mid-April 2024 (negotiable)

Reports to: Executive Director

Experience and Competencies Required:

The following background and professional experience describe the ultimately successful candidate for this important position.

Experience leading and managing staff.
Demonstrated commitment to equity and social justice.
Experience in effective program / service delivery or oversight.
Experience with overseeing budgets, fundraising, and communications.
Ability to work in a complex environment, with competing priorities and deadlines.
Experience in the not-for-profit sector or legal aid clinic system would be an asset.
Successful candidate will be a strong team player who can inspire others and assist them in reaching their full potential in meeting the collective needs of clients and communities CELA serves.
Professional qualifications related to human resources, not-for-profit administration, or financial management would be an asset.
Functional capacity in both official languages is valued; fluency in other languages is an asset.

Responsibilities:

The Deputy Executive Director will support the Executive Director in providing executive oversight of the organization and delivering on CELA’s mandate. Responsibilities will include acting as a member of CELA’s Management Committee and supporting the Boards of Directors for CELA and the Canadian Environmental Law Foundation.

Working with the direction of the Executive Director, these responsibilities will include:

Development and oversight of annual budgets, oversight and approval of expenditures and oversight of Contract Bookkeeper
Human Resources and Labour Relations (job descriptions, hiring, employment contracts, performance reviews for supervised positions, member of the employee-employer relations committee, implementation of Collective Agreement), bargaining and compensation review
Special Projects oversight (reviewing and approving; ensuring consistency with CELA mandate; ensuring deliverables and budgets)
Overseeing engagement and communications
Ensuring the systematic review and updating of CELA policies
Supporting the ED and CELA team in implementation of the Board of Director’s Strategic Plan

The Deputy Executive Director supervises the Client and Community Services team, including Contract Fundraiser, Engagement and Communications Coordinator, Legal Assistant and Information Coordinator, Contract Bookkeeper. Further, the Deputy Executive Director ensures training of Client and Community Service team members in required competencies.

A detailed Job Description is available upon request.

CELA offers a competitive salary and benefits package. The per annum salary range is $90,000 to $105,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. The position also includes enrolment in our health benefits program and an additional CELA contribution to retirement benefits, subject to the enrollment provisions of CELA’s group benefits and personnel policy.

The position is in-person at CELA’s Toronto office at 55 University Avenue, with the potential for arranging up to one day per week remote work. Travel external to Toronto is not normally expected.

CELA will begin reviewing applications received on February 16, 2024, and will continue to receive applications until the position is satisfactorily filled.

Applications or inquiries should be addressed in strict confidence by email only to:
Theresa McClenaghan
Executive Director and Counsel
theresa@cela.ca.

CELA thanks all candidates in advance for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please advise if you require any accommodations.