Interim Executive Director (Temporary, Part-Time)

Interim Executive Director (Temporary, Part-Time)

Organization: Rainbow Refugee Society

Location: 1033 Davie Street, Unit 623, Vancouver, BC

Term: 6 months (May to October 2026), parental leave coverage

Schedule: Part-time, four days per week; some evenings and weekends as needed

Work Arrangement: In person

Reports to: Board of Directors

Salary: $85,000–$90,000 annually, prorated for the term

Posting Date: Monday, April 28, 2026

Application Deadline: Monday, May 6, 2026

Accessibility

Rainbow Refugee’s office is located on the 6th floor, with elevator access, gender-neutral washrooms, and additional accessibility supports.

About Rainbow Refugee Society

Rainbow Refugee Society is a Vancouver-based charity that helps people seeking refugee protection in Canada because of persecution related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics (SOGIESC), or HIV status.

Rainbow Refugee aims for a safe and just world for 2SLGBTQI+ people. The organization’s work is rooted in social justice, anti-oppression, human rights, respect, empathy, and compassion. Its priorities include strengthening refugee protection and settlement systems, fostering inclusive communities, and amplifying LGBTQI+ refugees’ voices in public dialogue and policy.

About the Role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Interim Executive Director will lead operations, human resources, financial oversight, and internal systems during a parental leave coverage period. This role focuses on maintaining organizational stability, supporting managers, and strengthening new and existing internal processes. The Interim Executive Director will help reinforce accountability, communication, and transparent decision-making while ensuring continuity across teams.

Important: this role does not involve long-term strategic planning, public advocacy, leadership in external relations, or generating new revenue.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources and Team Supervision

• Supervise and coach program and operations managers to achieve organizational priorities.
• Guide managers in navigating changes in roles, processes, and team practices.
• Support implementation of HR practices guided by the organization’s documents, including leave approvals and in-office expectations.
• Address staff questions promptly, offer guidance, and direct inquiries as necessary.
• Ensure clear communication workflows and workplace practices across in-office and remote work.

Grant Oversight and Fund Development

• Oversee grants coordination, including timelines, staff input, and submission processes.
• Review and approve final grant applications and funder reports.
• Support the grants and sponsorship team in meeting reporting requirements.
• Respond to urgent issues related to funders.

Financial and Operational Risk Management

• Supervise and mentor program managers in monitoring program budgets, with the support of the external controller.
• Attend finance meetings with the operations team and external controller.
• Lead internal communication related to financial updates.
• Approve significant expenditures in line with the annual budget.
• Ensure policies and procedures are followed and used in decision-making.
• Provide support for operational and program-related emergencies.

Board Relations

• Attend monthly board meetings and other committee meetings and support agenda development.
• Implement board goals and decisions within the organization.
• Maintain timely communication between the Board and staff through established channels.
• Support governance best practices and provide operational updates.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least 5 years of senior management or executive leadership experience, ideally in a nonprofit organization of similar size.
• Experience in human resources, financial management, administration, and program oversight.
• Strong experience in developing and monitoring budgets.
• Experience supporting teams through organizational change.
• Experience in coaching and mentoring managers.
• Experience in grant development and reporting.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong relationship-building skills across teams and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to justice, equity, anti-racism, anti-oppression, and decolonizing practices.
• Knowledge of the 2SLGBTQI+ sector and experience in refugee, migration, or settlement work are assets.

Leadership Approach

• The successful candidate will demonstrate a people-focused approach that builds trust and accountability.
• Shows strong judgment and makes clear decisions.
• Upholds integrity, transparency, and follow-through.
• Demonstrates adaptability in a changing environment.
• Communicates clearly and promptly.
• Uses a collaborative leadership style that supports staff and sustains organizational stability.

How to Apply

Please submit your application to jobs@rainbowrefugee.ca using the subject line “RRS - Interim ED Application by Wednesday, May 6, 2026”.

Rainbow Refugee Society encourages applications from people with lived experience of forced migration and from members of equality-deserving communities.