ABOUT SCHIZOPHRENIA SOCIETY OF CANADA

The Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC) was founded in 1979 in Toronto by Bill Jefferies and his wife, parents of a son with schizophrenia. Their lived experience gave them firsthand knowledge of the stigma and discrimination associated with one of the world's most devastating mental illnesses — and a conviction that more could be done for those affected and their families. Within a few years, provincial schizophrenia societies had formed across Canada.

SSC advocates for a transformed mental health system grounded in the recovery philosophy. Advances in early intervention and access to person-centred, recovery-focused services have demonstrated that recovery and social inclusion are possible. Tailored supports can help those affected live beyond the limitations of mental illness with purpose, hope, and meaning. This requires the support of an entire community. Services must address biomedical, psychosocial, psychological, and environmental needs, and be shaped by lived experience. SSC values peer support as an essential tool in recovery and is committed to supporting the whole person.

Medical treatment is also a key complement to community support. Quality of life can be greatly improved with robust medical care, which is why SSC is dedicated to supporting innovative research and improving access to treatment. Today, people living with mental illness can achieve better mental health, their full potential, and in some cases, recovery. The work of SSC continues to focus on supporting those affected by early schizophrenia and psychosis through research, education, and advocacy.

Mission:

Build a Canada where people living with early psychosis and schizophrenia achieve their potential.

Download the full job description: SSC- Chief Executive Officer- Position Profile.pdf

ABOUT THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the sole employee of the Schizophrenia Society of Canada, accountable to the Board of Directors for operationalizing the policies, strategic direction, and mission of the organization. The CEO serves as the national voice for SSC — leading advocacy, policy development, fund development, communications, and program delivery in support of individuals and families affected by early schizophrenia and psychosis.

The CEO oversees all day-to-day operations, financial stewardship, and stakeholder relations, while fostering collaborative relationships with the provincial schizophrenia societies across Canada — each of which is separately incorporated and autonomous in its governance and operations. The role requires active engagement with government officials, as well as with a broad spectrum of partners and stakeholders across the mental health system.

The CEO is a visionary, emotionally intelligent leader with a deep understanding of schizophrenia, psychosis, and the recovery philosophy — someone who views advocacy and support through a human rights and equity lens and brings demonstrated experience in non-profit leadership, fund development, and government relations. 

KEY LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITIES

Governance, Operations & Administration

• Manages and leads all day-to-day operations of the Society, including maintaining the office and overseeing administrative functions.
• Operationalizes and executes the policies, decisions, and strategic direction of the Board of Directors.
• Drafts and recommends policies and programs pertaining to the administration of the Society for approval by the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.
• Keeps the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee fully informed on the administrative, financial, and operational conditions of the Society.
• Supports and assists the President in all aspects of their role, including correspondence, preparation for meetings, and special events.
• Attends all meetings of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, ensures preparation and distribution of minutes (except for in-camera sessions), and assists with the planning and administration of official meetings, including the Annual General Meeting.
• Provides advice and guidance to directors and supports committee chairs in advancing the goals and objectives of the Society, ensuring committee recommendations are submitted for approval.
• Leads fund development for the Society, with input from the Board.
• Provides leadership and direction of programs and services, evaluates results, and recommends actions to the Executive Committee and Board of Directors to achieve program goals.
• Executes contracts, grants, and commitments as authorized by existing policy or board direction, and consults with legal counsel on by-laws and other legal documents.
• Provides leadership and oversight of the SSC Foundation, including its financial administration and alignment with the Society's mission.
• Carries out such other responsibilities as may be delegated by the Board of Directors.

Financial Management

• Working with the Society’s accountant, develops and recommends an annual budget for approval by the Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.
• Ensures that the Society operates within the annual budget and, as necessary, provides explanations of variances.
• Ensures preparation of monthly financial statements and related information.
• Arranges for external audit and the filing of all necessary reports.
• Ensures that all funds, physical assets, and other property of the society are appropriately safeguarded.
• Provides for similar accounting and financial services for the SSC Foundation.

Support the Provincial Schizophrenia Societies Across Canada

• Fosters and promotes an atmosphere of unity to support the SSC mission statement.
• Maintains effective communications and relationships to provide information on the developing understanding of schizophrenia and psychosis, current treatment modalities, and person-centered, recovery-oriented care.
• Ensures that the President and the board are kept fully informed with respect to issues arising within the provincial schizophrenia societies across Canada, while realizing each of the societies are separately incorporated, autonomous in operation, with each having its own board of directors, by-laws, charitable number, and governance processes.  

Public Relations

• Keeps abreast of public relations opportunities and makes recommendations to the President and the Executive Committee which are in accordance with the society’s policies and objectives.
• Responds to media requests and other public relations and arranges for appropriate spokespersons where needed.
• Assists with the preparation of the Society’s social media, venues including the SSC website.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with the federal government at both the bureaucratic and political levels.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate will bring progressive non-profit senior leadership experience, with previous CEO experience considered an asset. The candidate will view advocacy and support for people with schizophrenia and psychosis through a human rights and equity lens, and bring a genuine curiosity about mental health and psychosis.

This is a virtual (remote) position, and the successful candidate must be self-driven, resourceful, and comfortable operating independently with limited staff support, leveraging contractors and volunteers to advance the organization's mandate. Travel across Canada may be required. Bilingual fluency in English and French is considered an asset but is not a requirement of the role.

Education:

A graduate-level post-secondary education is preferred, with a focus or background in a relevant discipline. A deep understanding of schizophrenia, psychosis, and their impacts on individuals and families is essential, along with a working knowledge of the mental health system, psychosocial rehabilitation (PSR), and the recovery philosophy.

Experience:

The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership acumen working with boards, volunteers, and people, as well as strong financial acumen in planning, budgeting, and reporting. Experience in fund development and grant writing, program development and education — including co-creation competency — and change management is required. Experience working with government officials at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels is required, as is knowledge of federal and provincial funding and jurisdictional issues. Experience working across multiple provinces and jurisdictions would be an asset. The candidate will demonstrate an appreciation for the importance of creating capacity in communities, and will have demonstrated experience interacting with people living with mental illness and their families, including supporting individuals and families navigating a new diagnosis of schizophrenia. Knowledge of the important role peer support plays in the system is expected, along with an awareness of cultural awareness and safety, and experience with technological change and its system impact. The candidate will promote a culture of accountability for self and others.

Please direct your inquiries and submission to:

Lillian Wong, Director, Executive Search and Recruitment

MNP

Lillian.Wong@mnp.ca

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