Join the mission
Chief
Executive
Officer
Lead the next chapter of READ Foundation Canada — growing the resources, partnerships, and team that make quality education possible for children around the world.
Apply for this roleReports to
Board of Directors
Location
Anywhere in Canada · Flexible / remote
Travel as required
Position
Full-time
About READ
Build what
comes next.
READ Foundation is an international education-focused organization committed to transforming lives through access to quality education. For more than three decades, READ has supported children and communities affected by poverty and disadvantage through schools, education programmes, and orphan support initiatives.
READ Foundation Canada was established in 2022 and is entering an important phase of growth. Our ambition is to build READ into one of Canada's most recognized and trusted international education charities, expanding our donor base, partnerships, community presence, and impact.
This is an opportunity to turn that ambition into a national movement for education.
The role
Lead with
purpose.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will provide overall leadership for READ Foundation Canada and be accountable for the organization's growth, strategy, financial sustainability, operations, and performance.
The primary focus will be growing READ Canada's revenue and national presence while building the team, partnerships, and infrastructure required for sustainable growth.
Growth, fund development & partnerships
- Develop and execute a national fund development strategy with clear revenue and growth targets.
- Grow revenue through major donors, recurring giving, community fundraising, events, partner organizations, corporations, and foundations.
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and strategic partners.
- Build relationships with community organizations, mosques, businesses, foundations, and other institutions.
- Identify new fundraising channels and partnerships, and report performance against clear KPIs.
Marketing, brand & national presence
- Position READ as a recognizable, trusted, and leading international education charity in Canada.
- Develop and oversee READ Canada's national marketing and communications strategy.
- Strengthen READ's digital presence for donor acquisition, engagement, and retention.
- Communicate READ's impact through compelling storytelling and transparent reporting.
- Serve as a senior spokesperson and ambassador at community events, donor meetings, conferences, and other engagements.
Strategy, operations & governance
- Work with the Board to develop and execute READ Foundation Canada's strategic direction.
- Translate strategy into annual plans, budgets, targets, and measurable KPIs.
- Build and lead a high-performing team with clear objectives and accountability.
- Oversee financial management, operations, risk management, and organizational performance.
- Ensure compliance with CRA requirements and applicable Canadian charitable-sector regulations.
- Report regularly to the Board and support its governance and fiduciary responsibilities.
Programmes & impact
- Ensure funds raised in Canada support high-quality programmes aligned with READ's mission and donor commitments.
- Work closely with READ's international and programme teams to understand priorities and impact.
- Provide appropriate programme reporting and communicate impact to the Canadian public.
- Participate in international programme and field visits where appropriate.
Who we're looking for
Bring your
whole self.
Experience & qualifications
- 5–7 years of progressive senior experience in the charitable or nonprofit sector, preferably within an international NGO.
- Demonstrated experience in fundraising, revenue growth, and partnership development.
- A track record of building relationships with major donors, partners, and community organizations.
- Experience developing strategy, managing budgets and operations, and leading teams.
- Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors.
- Strong understanding of the Canadian charitable and nonprofit environment.
- Experience in international development, education, or humanitarian programming is an asset.
- A university degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
The ideal candidate
Growth-oriented
Driven to grow revenue, partnerships, and organizational reach.
Relationship-driven
Able to build trusted relationships with donors, partners, and communities.
Entrepreneurial
Comfortable identifying opportunities and building during a period of growth.
Strategic and focused
Able to develop strategy and ensure it is delivered.
Financially strong
Understands budgets, systems, risk, and organizational efficiency.
Collaborative
Works effectively with the Board, staff, and international colleagues while owning results.
What success looks like
Make it
count.
- 01Significantly grow READ Canada's annual fundraising revenue.
- 02Build a strong portfolio of major donors and strategic partners.
- 03Increase recurring and predictable revenue.
- 04Expand READ's community presence across Canada.
- 05Establish READ as a recognized Canadian brand for international education.
- 06Build an effective, high-performing team and organizational infrastructure.
- 07Maintain strong financial management, governance, and regulatory compliance.
- 08Increase the resources available to transform more lives through education.
Take the next step
Apply to lead
the change.
Tell us about your experience, your connection to the mission, and how you would help READ Foundation Canada grow. Please attach your resume or CV.
If you have questions about this opportunity, please reach out to READ Foundation at ahtsham.yousaf@readfoundationcanada.org on behalf of the Board of Directors.