Executive Director

About the Urban Alliance on Race Relations

The Urban Alliance on Race Relations (UARR) is a Toronto-based non-profit organization that has been working for over four decades to build a city free of racism and all forms of discrimination. UARR brings together diverse communities, organizations, and institutions to advance racial equity through public education, advocacy, research, and community partnerships. Our initiatives include public dialogues, anti-racism education, youth leadership development, and collaboration with government and civil society to confront systemic inequities in education, employment, health, housing, and policing.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and public representation for UARR. The ED will work closely with the Board of Directors, staff, and community partners to advance UARR’s mission, strengthen internal systems, diversify funding streams, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the organization. This is a pivotal leadership role for a visionary who can balance community accountability with strategic and administrative excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead the implementation of UARR’s strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the organization’s vision, values, and commitments to anti-racism, anti-oppression, and decolonization.
• Provide leadership to staff and volunteers, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and high-performing culture.
• Work with the Board of Directors to strengthen governance, transparency, and organizational effectiveness.
• Represent UARR publicly as a trusted voice on racial justice issues, engaging with media, government, and partners.

Program & Partnership Oversight

• Oversee UARR’s core programs, including Anti-Racism Education Ontario (AREO), the Anti-Racism & Anti-Oppression Institute, and the Diversity Youth Fellowships.
• Strengthen cross-sectoral partnerships with municipalities, school boards, universities, labour organizations, and community agencies.
• Support the design and evaluation of new projects that advance UARR’s strategic priorities, including Truth and Reconciliation and anti-Black racism initiatives.

Financial & Operational Management

• Oversee budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance with funder and legal requirements.
• Ensure strong internal systems for documentation, performance tracking, and staff onboarding.
• Lead fundraising and development, cultivating relationships with foundations, public funders, and donors to sustain and expand UARR’s work.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• Convene public dialogues, campaigns, and coalitions addressing racism, equity, and inclusion in Toronto and beyond.
• Advocate for equitable public policy at municipal, provincial, and federal levels.
• Build relationships with media and leverage communications to amplify the voices of racialized communities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in the non-profit, public, or community sector, ideally with experience as an Executive Director, senior manager, or program director.
• Proven experience in anti-racism, equity, and human rights advocacy.
• Strong background in organizational management, including supervising staff, managing budgets, and leading strategic planning.
• Demonstrated success in fund development, grant writing, and partnership cultivation.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across sectors and communities.
• Post-secondary degree in social sciences, education, equity studies, or a related discipline (or equivalent lived and professional experience).
• Deep understanding of intersectionality, racial justice, and community-led approaches to systemic change.

Assets

• Experience working with the municipal or provincial government on equity initiatives.
• Bilingual or multilingual ability, especially in languages spoken by Toronto’s racialized communities.
• Background in research, public policy, or media relations.