National Executive Director

Kids Kicking Cancer | Heroes Circle Canada’s mission is to ease the pain, stress and trauma of children and youth while empowering them to heal and build resiliency physically, spiritually, and emotionally. The Heroes Circle is a healing and wellness initiative inspired by the children of Kids Kicking Cancer, implementing an evidence-based therapeutic martial arts method that is practiced in 5 countries, spanning 25 years. Since 2015, over 31,000 instances of service have been provided to 7,400 children across Canada through our programs in London, Ottawa and Toronto.

We offer martial arts therapy to children and youth (ages 3 to 20) through classes, hospital visits and one-on-one. The children we serve are experiencing pain and trauma including cancer, pediatric illnesses, adverse childhood events, autism spectrum disorder, disabilities and other conditions. Siblings are welcomed too.

Our martial arts method and signature meditation, the Breath Brake, is centred on breathing and blends elements of imagery, empowerment and movement. We give children tools to overcome pain and stress by self-regulating, working through emotions and positively responding to stressful situations.

We are seeking a National Executive Director to lead the strategic plan, philanthropic growth, program excellence, and operational management. This role works closely with the Board and represents the organization nationally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Execute Strategic Plan with Board of Directors
• Philanthropic Leadership: Fundraising, donor relations, grant management
• Financial and Risk Management: Budget oversight, compliance, risk mitigation
• Human Resources: Staff recruitment, development & performance management
• Program Delivery: Contract negotiation, program oversight
• Additional Leadership: Board liaison and governance support, communications, spokesperson role

Qualifications:

• 5+ years in senior non-profit leadership
• Proven fundraising success including major gifts
• Strong financial and operational expertise
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills
• Technological proficiency (Salesforce preferred)
• University or college degree
• Ability to travel and work flexible hours
• Vulnerable Sector Check required