Chief Executive Officer

One in every 5,000 boys is born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common fatal form of muscular dystrophy.

The disease is relentless. It slowly weakens the body’s muscles, deteriorating function of vital organs and ultimately - shortens their life. Although there are medical treatments that may help slow its progression, there is currently no cure.

Defeat Duchenne Canada is the country’s only national charity dedicated to ending Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Defeat Duchenne Canada has provided leadership in research, advocacy, and support since 1995. Defeat Duchenne Canada will continue until a cure is found to ensure its boys can live long and active lives.

It is within this context that Defeat Duchenne Canada welcomes applications and nominations for the appointment of its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to help lead the organization, and the Canadian Duchenne community, toward a future without Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Defeat Duchenne Canada is headquartered in London, Ontario, with staff working across Canada; this position can be located anywhere in Canada.

This is an opportunity to bring strategic vision, progressive practices, and continued operational excellence to a dynamic organization with an impressive past and a bright future. The CEO will champion Defeat Duchenne Canada’s mission, and lead the organization, team of dedicated employees, and Board of Directors toward a successful future as national leaders for this rare disease.

Reporting to an engaged Board of Directors, and working closely with a high performing team, the CEO will ensure success in all areas of the business, including community engagement, fundraising, research and advocacy. The CEO is responsible and accountable for the organization’s overall performance through the creation and implementation of the strategic plan, achievement of its goals, and effectively raising funds to ensure long-term financial viability.

The CEO will build positive relationships across a broad stakeholder group including families, donors, corporate partners, researchers, clinicians, and government, as well as international thought-leaders and like organizations. The CEO will inform, consult with and actively listen to multiple constituencies with a diversity of perspectives while being committed to arriving at solutions that align with Defeat Duchenne Canada’s vision: a future without Duchenne.

As the ideal candidate, you are an experienced leader in the not-for-profit sector, ideally in a healthcare non-profit or public health environment. You have demonstrated experience and success soliciting transformative gifts and delivering transformational levels of income growth by fostering a culture of philanthropy, including the ability to design and lead processes, programs and people in raising transformational funds. You have experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors; financial acumen, including experience managing budgets; and proven ability operationalizing strategic objectives into successful annual business plans.

You have experience leading, coaching and developing successful teams, and model the organizational values of determination, focus, inclusivity, collaboration, and trust. A demonstrated commitment to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility is required. You are an accomplished networker, trusted relationship builder and highly effective communicator with an ability to quickly establish rapport and garner respect through a supportive and collaborative consensus-building style. Like Defeat Duchenne Canada's community of families, advocates, donors, researchers and care practitioners, you will be dedicated to a future without Duchenne. A post-secondary degree in a related field is an asset, as is familiarity with diverse business functions such as advocacy, adult education, marketing, and public relations. Proficiency in English is required, and bilingualism in French is an asset.

To learn more about this impactful leadership opportunity with Defeat Duchenne Canada, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Noshina Choudhary (noshina@griffithgroup.ca).

Defeat Duchenne Canada is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, and strongly encourages applications from women, members of Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities; Two-Spirit, non-binary, trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people; people with disabilities; and members of other equity-deserving groups. Defeat Duchenne Canada is committed to and practices employment equity in hiring staff and work to cultivate diversity in the workplace. Defeat Duchenne Canada believes that everyone in Canada has the right to participate, learn from and work in an inclusive and respectful environment that promotes equal opportunities and is free from discrimination and harassment. Defeat Duchenne Canada is also committed to amplifying the voices and stories of diverse communities across Canada.

Defeat Duchenne Canada and Griffith Group are committed to an inclusive, accessible and welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants. Please advise Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca) should you require any accommodation to participate in the recruitment and assessment processes.

All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.