Job Description Since 2010, the Vancouver Island Crisis Society (VICS) has been the leading distress centre for emergency crisis calls on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. As part of the BC Crisis Line Network, VICS supports calls from all over British Columbia, and as a proud partner of the 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline, it answers calls and texts across Canada. Crisis responders provide short-term, non-judgemental emotional support, crisis intervention, information, and resources 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

VICS has been a lifeline – literally – for people in need, handling over 45,000 interactions per year. The Society also delivers Community Education programs, including ASIST and safeTALK suicide intervention training, school programs for youth, and Suicide Grief Support services across Vancouver Island.

Now, with the planned retirement of its long-time leader, VICS is ready to hire a new

Executive Directo r. As a foundation of the crisis community and local social profit landscape, the Executive Director maintains important working relationships with health authorities, various levels of government and other funders, other crisis centres, social service organizations, clients, and the community at large.

Broadly, the ED leads the development and execution of the strategic planning process; plans, organizes, and directs the Society’s overall day-to-day operations; and serves as a liaison to external stakeholders and partners. The ED provides mentorship and guidance to an exceptionally committed and passionate leadership team of five and a total staff complement of over 40.

Headquartered in Nanaimo, VICS is financially stable, has a history of success and a solid reputation, and serves a vital need.



This is an exciting time for a new leader to:

Join an exceptionally devoted, kind, and committed team.

Provide strong leadership and vision to the Society’s current initiatives, and bring innovative and creative ideas to advance the Society.

Build on existing partnerships and identify and pursue new opportunities that further the Society’s objectives.

Advocate for the Crisis Society at the municipal, regional, provincial, and national levels, articulating its social value to external stakeholders to encourage support for and investment in the Crisis Society.

Key responsibilities include: Leadership, Culture, and Strategy

Lead a client-centred organisational culture that exemplifies the values and goals of the Crisis Society.

Provide strategic leadership for staff, volunteers, and the Board in delivering high-quality programs and services, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and values.

Lead and implement quality improvement plans and initiatives.

In collaboration with the Board and staff, ensure that the Strategic Plan is reviewed and refined as necessary.

Formulate long- and short-term goals and objectives; identify current opportunities and resources in consultation with the Board, staff, and volunteers.

Provide information, assistance, and advice to the Board and its Committees on all matters concerning the governance of the Crisis Society,



ensuring Board members are fully informed on programs, services, and financial and personnel matters.

Lead a culture that attracts, retains, empowers, and motivates a diverse, high-quality team.

Management

With the HR, People and Culture Specialist, ensure the development and implementation of staff and volunteer training programs; selection, hiring, termination, and supervision of all staff; and other staff duties.

Prepare, manage, and submit an annual operational budget to the Board, reporting regularly and accurately on progress and challenges.

Ensure sufficient funds are always available for the Society’s operations, including by researching grant opportunities and submitting grant proposals.

Coach staff and volunteers as they implement the goals and objectives of the Strategic Plan, and ensure they are offered professional development and ongoing training.

Review staff benefits and salaries to make recommendations to the Board Personnel Committee.

Continue advancing the Crisis Society’s technology to deliver productive, user-friendly services.

Community Engagement

Respond to existing and anticipated future needs of current and potential stakeholders, ensuring the Crisis Society’s services reflect these evolving needs.

Manage and cultivate relationships with key external stakeholders (e.g., funders, government) to identify recent prospects, collaborations, projects, and initiatives.

Maintain and initiate contacts with other relevant organizations in the sector throughout British Columbia and Canada, keeping a working knowledge of significant developments and trends.

Oversee the Community Educ

📌 Executive Director (Nanaimo)
🏢 Vancouver Island Crisis Society
📍 Nanaimo