Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN) Executive DIrector

Introduction

Start Me Up Niagara (SMUN) is seeking a grounded, strategic and values-driven leader to serve as its next Executive Director.

SMUN supports individuals facing poverty, housing insecurity, food insecurity, compromised mental health, substance misuse and unemployment. Based in downtown St. Catharines, the organization offers a range of low-barrier programs, including employment supports, food and housing access, outreach and drop-in services, income tax clinics and social enterprises. SMUN also partners with health and social service agencies to support people navigating complex life circumstances.

This is a meaningful and challenging leadership role. The Executive Director is responsible for guiding the organization through a period of growing community need, changing funding environments and increasing service complexity. This role calls for someone who can hold both strategic vision and operational detail, support a committed team and work closely with the Board and community partners to advance SMUN’s mission.

About the Role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for overall strategy, operations, financial management, staff leadership, external relationships and public representation. The successful candidate will bring clarity, sound judgment and a steady, inclusive leadership style that reflects SMUN’s values: participant-focused, holistic, inclusive, low barrier and partnership-focused.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of strategic priorities across all programs and services
• Support and develop a multidisciplinary staff team
• Manage organizational finances, fund development and compliance
• Build and sustain partnerships with funders, community organizations and government
• Represent SMUN publicly and act as the official voice of the organization
• Work in partnership with the Board to support effective governance

Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership and management experience of 5+ years in nonprofit or community-based organizations.
• Experience in staff management, budgeting, operations and program delivery
• Strong understanding of poverty, housing and mental health systems
• Proven ability to navigate complexity and build relationships across sectors
• Experience working with a Board of Directors and leading strategic initiatives
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

Compensation & Terms

• Starting salary of $80,000 - $90,000 annually, with performance review conducted by the Board
• Four (4) weeks of vacation annually
• Group benefits plan available
• Reimbursement for cell phone use
• Mileage reimbursed for work-related travel (excluding commuting)
• Full-time, salaried role based on 37.5 hours per week with flexible hours expected
• This position is subject to a three-month probationary period

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter to recruiting@armstrongstrategy.com by August 15, 2025. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

If you don’t meet every qualification listed but feel called to this role and believe you can lead with purpose, please reach out. We value experience in many forms and welcome applications from those who reflect the communities we serve.

Start Me Up Niagara welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and strongly encourages those with lived experience of poverty, housing insecurity or systemic barriers to apply.

To learn more about SMUN, visit www.startmeupniagara.ca

A detailed position profile is available upon request. Armstrong Strategy Group is advising Start Me Up Niagara on recruitment engagement. Interested applicants may explore this opportunity in confidence by submitting a resume and cover letter to recruiting@armstrongstrategy.com no later than August 15, 2025.Please note that while the posting remains open until the deadline, interviews may begin as soon as suitable candidates are identified. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.