Ontario AIDS Network

Interim Executive Director

The offices of the OAN are located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Haudenosaunee and the Huron-Wendat. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Ontario AIDS Network recognizes and honours the experience and knowledge of the Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers and partners who have supported us in our work. We also recognize the culture, strength, contributions and resilience of First Nation, Inuit, and Métis people on these lands.

Ontario AIDS Network (OAN) is the provincial association of 45 AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs) and HIV programs in Ontario that work collectively to provide a just and effective response to HIV and AIDS. It is the voice of the HIV sector in Ontario, and it identifies, explores, and develops positions to help make progress against the HIV epidemic. In 1986, about a dozen ASOs recognized the need for information-sharing and peer support; thus, the Ontario AIDS Network was born. For more than 30 years, the OAN has evolved and grown to a membership of over 45 agencies, creating one of the strongest health movements in Ontario. The OAN aims to unite those working to end the HIV epidemic in Ontario, pursuing social justice for people with and at risk of HIV and advocates for its member groups for sustainable funding, user-friendly legislation, and state-of-the-art treatment for HIV care and prevention in the province. It is within this context that OAN invites nominations and applications for the role of Interim Executive Director, a position that will have an indelible impact on the future of the organization as it continues to lead and inspire a strong, shared, and effective response to HIV and AIDS in Ontario.

The Interim Executive Director will be responsible for providing strategic leadership to the organization and its members while demonstrating empathy and understanding for the varying parties with whom they interact. This individual has direct exposure or working knowledge of various foundational documents, policies, and industry frameworks and principles [including Ontario Accord, Greater Involvement of People Living with or Affected by HIV/AIDS (GIPA), and Meaningful Engagement of People with HIV/AIDS (MEPA)] and must have deep knowledge around matters of anti-racism, anti-oppression, reconciliation, and liberation. The Interim Executive Director will be a relational leader with resolution and mediation skills and has gained experience in leadership roles that call for reaching consensus among a range of diverse groups. Responsibilities under the purview of the Interim Executive Director include reporting to and supporting the Board of Directors, building and maintaining strong relationships with the organization’s members, managing staff and overseeing operations (including finance and human resources), and managing external relations and OAN’s communications. Ultimately, the Interim Executive Director must have a big-picture outlook, and an unwavering commitment to OAN’s mission and vision.

Qualifications

Among the qualifications being sought in candidates, the incoming leader must have a deep and abiding commitment to its mission and to advancing reconciliation, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The Interim Executive Director will role model leading with curiosity and welcoming ideas that can be synthesized into possibility. While all candidates are encouraged to apply and, in so doing, share how they see themselves adding value to the OAN environment, the following credentials and/or experiences are seen as possible markers of the candidates most likely to realize success in the role: A) progressive management experience in a non-profit organization preferably with a background in the HIV/AIDS movement and knowledge of the key populations impacted by HIV in Ontario; B) experience in sustaining strong organizational systems and structures (i.e., policies, procedures); C) the ability to outreach effectively and build strong relationships with a range of external parties, including government bodies, OAN’s membership, partner organizations, and the greater community, etc.; D) excellent financial acumen, and the capacity to effectively manage a budget with multiple programs and funding streams, and; E) demonstrated success in advocacy-related positions.

How to Apply

OAN acknowledges and celebrates our diversity which includes: gender, culture, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, language, ethnicity, immigration status and country of origin. We are committed to removing barriers that impede access to information and services. We train our staff and members to be sensitive and respectful to the needs of people from all backgrounds. We advocate for support and information that is personally meaningful and respectful of each person’s particular culture and socio-economic experience, is sex-positive, gay-positive and non-judgmental concerning injection drug use. We make accommodations to serve the specific needs of our diverse population. Those living with and affected by HIV continue to face stigma and discrimination in many aspects of their lives. The OAN will ensure that its members have the necessary tools, services and programs that will combat stigma and end discrimination.

OAN is partnering with BES Executive Search, a firm committed to ensuring that every search mandate engages a pluralistic and intersectional range of candidates. Applicants are guided through what BES calls ‘The BES Experience’—a thoughtful, candidate-centred process that meets candidates with support and care throughout the search process. All interested applicants are encouraged to apply by clicking HERE.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), applicants living with a disability will be provided with accommodation throughout the search process. Should accommodations be required, please make Melissa Sumnauth aware by emailing msumnauth@bessearch.com.

BES is deeply grateful to all who express interest in this opportunity and recognize the time and effort that goes into submitting an expression of interest. While only those most closely aligned with the position requirements will be contacted for an interview, all applications are reviewed with thoughtfulness and will receive correspondence from the firm as part of our commitment to delivering a respectful and inclusive candidate experience.

This is an existing role within the organization.