Position Description

Job Summary:

CityKidz Ottawa is seeking a passionate leader with experience in non-profit management and a heart for reaching families living in poverty to lead our dynamic children’s outreach ministry. This unique role calls for someone committed to transforming the lives of children in Ottawa through impactful outreach and community engagement. The successful candidate will be responsible for both the spiritual leadership of our children’s ministry and the operational oversight of CityKidz Ottawa. This role combines executive management with spiritual leadership and pastoral care, requiring a visionary individual who can inspire, guide, and manage both operational and ministry initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead Children’s Pastor Responsibilities:

• Spiritual Leadership and Pastoral Care:
  • Lead the spiritual growth and discipleship of children at CityKidz Ottawa by overseeing and teaching the CityKidz curriculum during the Saturday program. Engage personally with children during home visits, building strong, faith-centered relationships.
  • Offer pastoral care and spiritual guidance to children, families, and volunteers as needed, providing support in times of personal or spiritual challenges.
  • Cultivate a welcoming, inclusive, and nurturing atmosphere where every child feels loved, valued, and supported.
• Program Development and Delivery:
  • Ensure the implementation of the CityKidz Ottawa Program Model which focuses on transforming the lives of children aged 6-12 from low-income neighborhoods in Ottawa by building strong relationships and providing inspirational experiences. The key components of our program include:
    • Saturday Program: For several weeks during the fall and spring, CityKidz buses pick up children and bring them to their Playhouse Theatre for an interactive performance, faith-based teachings, and a meal. This flagship program aims to build children’s self-esteem, foster resilience, and inspire them to dream beyond their circumstances.
    • Home Visits: Volunteers make weekly visits to children’s homes to maintain personal connections, check in on their well-being, and offer support. These visits are crucial for building trust and providing emotional and spiritual guidance.
    • Special Programs: CityKidz runs additional initiatives such as Operation Birthday Child, where children’s birthdays are celebrated, and the Gift of Christmas, providing Christmas meals and gifts to families. There are also summer programs like Summer to Remember, giving children new experiences outside their usual environment.
    • These programs collectively aim to nurture children’s emotional, spiritual, and psychological needs, helping them break the cycle of poverty through supportive relationships and positive experiences.
  • Develop staff and a volunteer leadership team, training them to effectively deliver CityKidz Ottawa Program, demonstrating CityKidz values and ethos in all they do.

Executive Director Responsibilities:

• Organizational Leadership:
  • Provide visionary leadership to ensure that CityKidz Ottawa achieves its mission of transforming the lives of children in need through faith-based programming.
  • Implement the organizational strategy, including annual goals, and long-term planning.
  • Oversee daily operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in program delivery, staff management, and financial stewardship.
  • Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including board members, donors, community partners, and volunteers.
• Branch Management:
  • Provides regular reports to CityKidz Hamilton, as required by the Licensing Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding.
  • Acts as an advocate for CityKidz Ottawa, liaising with the CityKidz Hamilton office through the Executive Director or their designated representative.
• Fundraising and Development:
  • Develop and execute fundraising strategies to secure financial resources for CityKidz Ottawa, including grants, donations, and corporate partnerships.
  • Cultivate relationships with existing and potential donors, making compelling cases for financial support.
  • Oversee donor management systems, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Financial:
  • Develop the annual budget in consultation with the Chair and Board of Directors.
  • Implement and adhere to the approved budget.
• Team Leadership and Management:
  • Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development to the staff team, ensuring alignment with CityKidz Ottawa’s values and mission.
  • Create a positive, collaborative, and faith-driven organizational culture that supports staff, volunteers, and the children we serve.
  • Report to and work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure governance and accountability.
• Community Engagement and Advocacy:
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for CityKidz Ottawa, representing CityKidz Ottawa in the community, with media, and in public forums.
  • Build relationships with local churches, businesses, and community leaders to create opportunities for partnership and collaboration.

Qualifications:

• A deep personal faith in Jesus Christ and a commitment to living out the Gospel in everyday life.
• Proven experience in leadership and management, preferably in a non-profit or faith-based organization.
• Excellent at working with children in a pastoral or teaching role, with a passion for children’s ministry.
• Good strategic thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Ability to fundraise, including donor cultivation, grant writing, and corporate partnership development.
• Ability to inspire and lead a diverse team of staff and volunteers.
• Degree, Diploma, Certificate in Children’s Ministry, Other Related Ministry, Non-Profit Management, or a related field preferred.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position with a combination of remote office work and fieldwork.
• Flexibility required for monthly/bi-monthly evening and weekend events or programming.
• Occasional travel for conferences, training, and donor meetings.

Remuneration:

• Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience.

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and vision for leading CityKidz Ottawa to ottawa@citykidz.ca. 

Application deadline is January 31st, 2025.

CityKidz Ottawa is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, gender, age, or disability.