Executive Director of the Empowerment Council

About the Empowerment Council

The Empowerment Council (EC) acts as a voice for the collective community of mental health and addiction service users primarily in the Toronto area and at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

The EC is a non-profit organization independent of CAMH and responsible to its members and board. Our history as an organization is founded on the work, activism and scholarship of people who have firsthand experience of mental health, and addiction system(s). The EC brings service users together to engage and mobilize knowledge to advocate for rights and systemic change. Through education, consultation and advocacy work, we aim to empower clients and make services and policies more equitable, respectful and accountable.

The most basic and important priority of the Empowerment Council is to protect and advance the human rights of service users.

For more information please visit The Empowerment Council - The Empowerment Council and see the CAMH Bill of Client Rights.

The Position

The Empowerment Council Executive Director will be a central organizing force for the Council. The Executive Director will facilitate the delivery of core Empowerment Council objectives, as outlined in the operating plan, and is responsible for ensuring that the organizational mandate is being fulfilled. The Executive Director will both support and take direction from the EC Board which is accountable to the EC membership. EC Staff report to the Executive Director who is expected to become a member of the EC.

This is a full-time hybrid position with at least 2-3 days per week on site at the EC’s at the EC office in the McCain Recovery building at 1025 Queen St. West.

Personal lived experience of mental health or/and addiction preferred (i.e. having had mental health or addiction services).

Key Responsibilities

Board Governance: Works with Board to fulfill organization mission and develop and implement Operational and Strategic Plan as informed by the membership

Financial: Identifies/develops, facilitates the development of financial resources sufficient to ensure the financial health of the organization and oversees the preparation of budgets, and the monitoring, managing, and reporting on expenditures

Mission & Strategy: Ensures mission fulfillment and that strategic and operational plans are implemented, as well as advocacy for organizational goals

Advocacy: Advocates/Communicates in the following key areas:

• client voice through papers, letters, presentations, deputations, affidavits, reports, attendance at meetings, communication with media etc.
• to enhance rights for people with mental health and/or addiction issues in policy and implementation - at CAMH, in legislation, and in the courts.
• to promote equity, diversity, inclusion, and unbiased treatment of all people with mental health and/or addiction issues.

Empowerment: creates or improves decision making opportunities and empowerment of clients

Education: Enhances education of clients, health and community service workers, justice system workers, students and public - about rights, client identified needs, and the convergence of scientifically verified practices and client perspectives/experience

Partnerships & External Relations: Primary spokesperson for organization who advocates for organizational goals, oversees marketing, communications and outreach to clients while building supportive coalitions and establishing strategic partnerships with funders, advocacy organizations, peer run organizations, government officials, and other organizations.

Operations: Leads hiring, performance development, management and succession planning of staff. Oversees program/service delivery. Establishes policies and procedures for all functions. Fosters positive organizational culture through team and change management. Ensures compliance with legislation and policies

Other Duties as Assigned by Board Experience and Qualifications

• undergraduate degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience
• a minimum of five years leadership experience in the non-profit, health, mental health, addictions or community services sector
• Deep understanding of the mental health and addictions landscape in Ontario
• Demonstrated experience working collaboratively with a member driven Board of Directors alongside strong financial, governance and human resources skills
• Track record of developing new or diversified revenue streams
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders
• Skilled in balancing competing priorities, and maintaining the stability of the EC while responding to evolving system pressures, funding environments, and community needs.
• Collaborative, inclusive, and supportive leadership style
• Strong understanding of, and commitment to, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, cultural safety, anti-oppression frameworks and reconciliation is essential.

Applications:

The Empowerment Council is deeply committed to deeply committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and reconciliation across all aspects of its work. The EC strongly encourages applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of the communities it serves and who bring varied lived, professional, and cultural experiences.

Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment and selection process, and we are committed to ensuring an inclusive, respectful, and accessible experience for all applicants.

To Apply: Please submit a resume to Empowerment.Council@camh.ca. Cover Letter setting out how you meet the requirements for this position is optional. Application deadline is February 23, 2026.