Chief Executive Officer

Overview  

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BALANCE for Blind Adults is a dynamic leader with a passion for the BALANCE mission to empower individuals with sight loss to thrive. The CEO provides strategic leadership, overseeing the delivery of customized training and support for independence and community engagement. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO ensures the organization’s mission, vision, values and long-term capacity are upheld and strengthened. They drive the strategic plan, financial performance, fundraising, marketing, and operations while optimizing human and capital resources. As the voice of BALANCE, the CEO represents the organization locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. The CEO is expected to be based in the Greater Toronto Area.  

Responsibilities  

The CEO’s responsibilities include:  

Strategic Planning  

  • Lead the development and review of BALANCE’s strategic and operational plans 
  • Oversee implementation and report progress to the Board 
  • Set objectives and measure performance benchmarks 

Board of Directors 

  • Foster an engaged Board, ensuring effective governance 
  • Provide timely and accurate communication 
  • Manage Board-related administrative support and committees 

Advancement  

  • Act as the primary representative of BALANCE, increasing visibility and engagement with donors, sponsors and funders 
  • Lead fundraising efforts and donor relations, working closely with the Development Office 
  • Identify and develop new revenue streams 

Personnel  

  • Maintain an efficient organizational structure. 
  • Oversee Human Resources policies, performance and staff development. 
  • Ensure effective staffing decisions and leadership opportunities 
  • Work effectively with professional contractors 

Organizational Culture  

  • Foster a culture aligned with BALANCE’s mission and values 
  • Promote professional conduct and constructive feedback 
  • Ensure a client-centered approach in all operations 

Finance  

  • Develop and oversee the annual budget 
  • Support financial reporting and audits 
  • Approve expenses and oversee payroll functions 

Facilities 

  • Oversee the transition to the new Community Hub, ensuring alignment with organizational needs, and balancing office, work-from-home and itinerant work requirements 

Industry Collaboration  

  • Represent BALANCE in key professional networks 
  • Appoint staff representatives as needed 

Qualifications  

  • A passion for and/or experience in supporting people with disabilities in general and, ideally, people living with sight loss specifically  
  • A bachelor’s degree (e.g. BA or BSc), with Masters considered a strong asset from an accredited university in a related discipline  
  • At least ten (10) years of non-profit sector experience – in either senior leadership positions or positions of increased responsibilities; Applicable executive training seminars, diplomas or certificates are an asset 
  • Established ability to develop and implement successful strategic plans  
  • Strong communications skills to articulate and promote the organization’s mission and strategies effectively to donors, volunteers, other stakeholders and the community at-large  
  • Previous fundraising experience, capability to execute best practices in grant writing (or working with a grant writer), donor relations, and knowledge of the key funding sources 
  • Demonstrated ability to oversee and collaborate with members of staff effectively.  
  • Proven knowledge of best practices in management and governance, including work with a nonprofit Board of Directors 
  • Proven understanding of financial strategies, metrics, and reports  
  • Solid organizational abilities, including planning, delegating, program development, and group facilitation  
  • Strong aptitude for verbal and written communication and presentation  
  • Ability to work from home in a private office environment, and capability and willingness to travel to and work from office starting 2026 
  • Successful completion of a criminal background check  
  • Personal qualities of integrity, service, credibility, and commitment 

How to Apply 

Please submit your application, including resume, cover letter and LinkedIn profile, no later than Tuesday April 8, 2025, 4:00 PM (EST), to: ApplyCEO@balancefba.org 

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility Statement 

At BALANCE, we are committed to Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Accessibility (IDEA). We strongly encourage applicants from Indigenous Peoples, Black, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and women. We strongly encourage applications from the blind and sight loss community. Applicants are advised to identify any access requirements and accommodations throughout the recruitment process.