Executive Director

ABOUT COMMON GROUND CO-OPERATIVE

Common Ground Co-operative (CGC) is a Toronto-based nonprofit that has championed supported employment for adults with developmental disabilities since 2000. Through four social enterprises — Lemon & Allspice Catering, two coffee kiosks, and CleanABLE (therapeutic toy sanitization) — CGC demonstrates how collaboration, innovation, and empowerment can transform lives. We also deliver a hospitality "Foundations" training program with embedded apprenticeships. CGC is a recognized leader in inclusive community participation and co-operative business models.

THE OPPORTUNITY

CGC seeks a dynamic, entrepreneurial leader with the heart of an activist — someone who will champion disability rights while building the organizational capacity to grow our impact. With a strategic plan refresh underway, this is a pivotal moment to shape CGC's future. The Executive Director will lead fundraising, community partnerships, and communications while overseeing operations across four sites and a team of eight. This is essentially a hybrid role; no on-site administrative office. Salary range: $85,000–$93,000.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Strategy

▸ Own and operationalize the refreshed strategic plan with clear metrics

▸ Provide visionary leadership to staff, volunteers, and the Board

▸ Take an active responsibility supporting board operations

▸ Coach team members and thrive in a dynamic, evolving environment

Fundraising & Financial Management

▸ Lead grant-writing, donor relations, and fundraising events

▸ Develop and manage the annual budget; ensure financial sustainability

▸ Maintain compliance with nonprofit regulations and Ministry reporting

Programs & Services

▸ Ensure programs effectively meet the needs of adults with disabilities

▸ Monitor and continuously improve program outcomes

Community Engagement & Advocacy

▸ Serve as CGC's public face; build partnerships with community organizations, government, and donors

▸ Advocate for the rights and inclusion of adults with disabilities

▸ Monitor policy and legislative changes affecting partners and participants

Operations & People

▸ Oversee day-to-day operations across four social enterprise sites

▸ Hire, develop, and supervise a team of eight staff

▸ Foster an inclusive, mission-driven workplace culture

▸ Manage back-office functions: licensing, security, administration

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

▸ Bachelor's degree (Master's in nonprofit management, social work, or related field preferred)

▸ 8+ years in nonprofit leadership or equivalent experience

▸ Proven fund development and grant-writing track record

▸ Strong knowledge of nonprofit governance and compliance

▸ Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication

▸ Financial acumen — budgeting, reporting, fiscal oversight

Assets

▸ Experience with or advocacy for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities

▸ Change management expertise — guiding an organization and Board through transition

▸ Familiarity with social enterprise models

▸ Knowledge of Ontario developmental services and provincial policy

▸ A strong community network; proven relationship-builder

WHO YOU ARE

Passionate advocate for disability rights and inclusion · Strategic and creative thinker who translates vision into action · Collaborative networker who builds trust across diverse stakeholders · Hands-on self-starter with patience, flexibility, and the drive to pivot when needed.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit your résumé and a cover letter describing your relevant experience and what draws you to CGC's mission to jfantham@osborne-group.com

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of disability.

Due to resourcing, we will be in touch only with candidates who are selected for interviews.