Chief Executive Officer

Meeting the needs of a diverse society since 1952, COSTI Immigrant Services (“COSTI”) is a community-based multicultural agency providing employment, educational, settlement and social services to all immigrant communities, new Canadians and individuals in need of assistance. COSTI strives to be a leader in community service by using a client-focused, proactive, and innovative approach in planning, developing and delivering services. Its programs ensure that regardless of language or cultural barriers, people who arrive in Canada are able to use their existing skills, learn new ones, and participate actively in all aspects of Canadian life. COSTI currently offers over 59 programs to newcomers and individuals in need, primarily across the Greater Toronto Area, with additional services across Ontario, Canada and overseas. COSTI operates 18 locations in Toronto, the Region of Peel and York Region. COSTI is committed to furthering the best interests of newcomers and building a strong Canada by providing newcomers with the opportunity to become productive and engaged citizens. Last year, over 39,000 individuals received assistance in more than 60 languages. 

It is within this context that COSTI welcomes applications and nominations for the appointment of its Chief Executive Officer, who will assume the role in Spring 2025.   

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) provides leadership in the efficient and effective management of the organization and its operations through providing strategic leadership. The CEO leads and manages a senior leadership team of 6 people, and an organization of over 600 staff full-time and part-time staff across 17 locations, and with approximately 180 volunteers who contribute a total of 15,000 hours each year. The CEO provides strong governance support and best practices to the Board, ensuring it is well informed of COSTI’s operations, through comprehensive and timely reports on a regular basis, and via the development of the Board and the structure of its committees. The CEO will be tasked with ensuring the execution and implementation of the newly developed strategic plan, and with completing periodic updates and revisions to ensure COSTI’s accomplishments, outcomes and financial sustainability are aligned with its mission, values and strategic directions. Working with the Board and the Senior Leadership Team, the CEO has ultimate responsibility for the organization’s large and complex annual budget of $50M, and must ensure sound financial management processes, reporting and controls to safeguard COSTI's funding so that funds are managed in compliance with the organization’s approved annual budget, funding agreements and contractual obligations. Externally, the CEO will provide leadership in the community and with community organizations and partners to promote the interests of immigrants and refugees. As such, the CEO must sustain strong ties with all levels of government, with leaders in the settlement and community services sectors in Toronto, elsewhere in Canada and internationally, and act as the spokesperson and ambassador for COSTI at events, conferences, media events and via representation on boards, committees, and planning groups. 

As the ideal candidate, you are a proven and experienced senior leader with a career that shows a progression of responsibility in senior management roles in a large, public sector, unionized environment. Experience with immigrant settlement or human services, and with an urban workplace that is racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse are both considered strong assets. Candidates must have an appreciation, understanding and knowledge of immigrant settlement issues, trends and best practices in Ontario and Canada, and of the unique roles that technology, human resources, finance and public relations play in supporting direct services to immigrants and refugees. As an exceptional communicator, you are adept with public speaking and are at ease advocating in a balanced and thoughtful manner on behalf of the population the organization serves. Colleagues refer to your skills building and maintaining strong relationships with a variety of partners, including with various levels of government, partners and funders, sectorial settlement and social service organizations, your Senior Leadership Team, and of course, the Board. As an experienced executive, you bring in-depth experience and skill with financial and risk management, board governance and best practices, strategic planning and implementation, technology, change management, and with acting as spokesperson for an organization. Your management style encourages innovation and continuous improvement through fostering an inclusive, low ego, dedicated team culture while maintaining a positive and constructive relationship with the Union locals. Candidates must be dedicated to COSTI’s vision and values and demonstrate a commitment to advancing Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion principles.   

To learn more about this impactful leadership opportunity with COSTI, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Caroline McLean (caroline@griffithgroup.ca). 

Salary Range and Compensation Package: $200,000 - $250,000, commensurate with experience. The total compensation package includes a comprehensive benefits package, car allowance, 4 weeks’ vacation, and a defined contribution pension plan.  

COSTI welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including, but not limited to women, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and persons of all sexual orientations and/or gender identities.  

All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to those legally eligible to work in Canada. 

COSTI and Griffith Group are committed to an inclusive, accessible and welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants. Please advise Jane Griffith (jane@griffithgroup.ca) should you require any accommodation to participate in the recruitment and/or assessment processes.