Opportunity has been filled!
Learn more about this exciting opportunity
Strategic Role
Strategic leadership will be a central component of your mandate. In partnership with the Board, you will develop, implement, and evaluate a multi-year strategic plan aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
Impactful Position
The impact of your leadership will be felt not only at the boardroom table, but in the homes, programs, and everyday moments that define inclusive community living.
Rare Opportunity
Working at ICSS offers a rare opportunity to lead an organization where impact is visible, personal, and deeply meaningful.
Executive Director @ Innovative Community Support Services
Company: Innovative Community Support Services
Position: Executive Director
Innovative Community Support Services (ICSS) is a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting adults with developmental and physical disabilities across Ottawa and the surrounding region. Since opening its first home in 2002, ICSS has grown from a single residence supporting six individuals to a multi-site organization operating 15 homes and employing more than 200 staff.
ICSS exists to ensure that individuals with complex support needs live with dignity, stability, and opportunity within community-based homes tailored to their unique circumstances. The organization provides residential services, day programming, and community-based support designed to foster inclusion, independence, and quality of life. ICSS is widely respected for its unwavering advocacy on behalf of the individuals it serves and for its willingness to support
those with high or complex needs.
At its core, ICSS is driven by a deep commitment to person-centred care. The organization’s mission is centered around the wellbeing of the individuals and families it supports, ensuring that services are delivered with compassion, professionalism, and accountability. Its team of dedicated staff create environments where residents are not only cared for, but truly known, valued, and supported to live meaningful lives within their communities.
As ICSS enters its next chapter of leadership, this is a meaningful opportunity to steward a mission-driven organization with a strong reputation and lasting community impact. The next Executive Director will build upon a foundation of care, commitment, and growth, helping shape the future of ICSS while preserving the values that have defined it since inception.
—
Compensation: $130,000 – $150,000
We use AI-powered tools (such as Fathom, Gemini, and Monica) to support certain administrative aspects of our recruitment process, such as interview note-taking, transcription, and summarization. These tools are used to improve efficiency and consistency. All AI-generated outputs are reviewed by a qualified recruiting professional, and all hiring decisions are made by humans. We do not use AI for selection purposes but do utilize AI powered search functions (Microsoft/Google) to help identify candidates on behalf of our clients.
Skills & Experience
Leadership
You are a thoughtful and steady leader who understands how to balance mission with management.
Organized
Comfortable holding full organizational accountability, you are motivated by work that has tangible community impact.
Confident
You are confident in making decisions, setting direction, and guiding teams through change while keeping the wellbeing of those served at the centre of your leadership.
Experience
Your background reflects senior leadership experience within the not-for-profit, social services, healthcare, housing, or community sectors — or a similarly complex, mission-driven environment.
Trust-worthy
Your leadership style is grounded in collaboration, accountability, and trust.
Respectful
Above all, you lead with integrity and a deep respect for the individuals and communities you serve.
Summary of the Role
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will oversee all residential and program operations, ensuring services consistently reflect ICSS’s commitment to person-centred support, self-determination, and inclusive community living.
As the organization’s most senior leader, you will provide both visionary and operational leadership to ICSS. You will hold full accountability for strategic direction, financial sustainability, service excellence, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance. Working closely with directors and managers, you will guide program planning, implementation, and evaluation to promote quality outcomes in daily living, social engagement, and life skills development for the individuals supported.
Strategic leadership will be a central component of your mandate. In partnership with the Board, you will develop, implement, and evaluate a multi-year strategic plan aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. You will engage individuals, families, staff, funders, and community partners in shaping organizational priorities while identifying opportunities for innovation, growth, and enhanced community impact.
You will steward the organization’s financial health through disciplined budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation. This includes providing transparent reporting to the Board, delivering financial analysis and recommendations to support informed decision-making, ensuring compliance with Ministry requirements, and leading fundraising strategies that strengthen long-term sustainability.
In leading the organization, you will cultivate a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive workplace culture. You will establish clear expectations, support professional development, complete performance evaluations, and foster an environment grounded in respect and mutual trust. Externally, you will serve as ICSS’s chief ambassador and spokesperson. You will maintain strong relationships with Ministry representatives, families, community partners, donors, and sector networks, advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of the individuals supported. Active participation in sector associations and community forums will be an important component of your leadership.
Through thoughtful governance partnership, operational oversight, and community engagement, you will ensure ICSS continues to deliver high-quality support while strengthening its strategic clarity and organizational effectiveness for the years ahead.