Chief Executive Officer; CEO) Aga Khan Foundation

This is a significant leadership opportunity to guide one of Canada’s leading global development organizations at a time of important institutional transition and opportunity. The next CEO of Aga Khan Foundation Canada will be expected to build on AKFC’s strong reputation, deepen its Canadian partnerships, broaden and diversify its resource base, and help position the organization for its next phase of impact within Canada and across the Aga Khan Development Network.

The successful candidate will combine strategic judgment, external presence, operational discipline, and a strong commitment to AKFC’s mission. They will bring the ability to work effectively across Canadian public, philanthropic, community, and institutional contexts while also contributing constructively to the global priorities and operating culture of AKF and the broader AKDN.

Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) is a leading Canadian global development organization and a member of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private, non-denominational agencies working to improve quality of life in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions. AKFC works with Canadian and international partners to advance inclusive and sustainable development, mobilize resources, deepen public understanding of global development, and strengthen Canada’s engagement with the AKDN’s work across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Based in Ottawa, the CEO is charged with the overall leadership and management of AKFC, developing and executing an ambitious strategic vision that responds to Canadian opportunities and priorities while remaining closely aligned with AKF and AKDN global directions. The CEO ensures that AKFC operates with clear strategic focus, a healthy and high-performing organizational culture, strong governance, and rigorous management across its programmatic, partnership, resource development, communications, and corporate functions.

The CEO will position AKFC as a trusted partner of choice for Canadian institutions, donors, communities, and public audiences relevant to AKDN priorities. The role requires sustained focus on strengthening AKFC’s public profile, expanding and diversifying resource mobilization, advancing strategic partnerships with government and institutional actors, and building broad-based support for the AKDN’s global quality of life mission. The CEO will lead AKFC’s external relations across Canada and work closely with AKF, AKDN agencies, the leaders of the Ismaili community, the Board, National Committee, volunteers, and other partners to contribute to coherent outreach, partnership, and fundraising efforts.

1. Organizational leadership.Develop, articulate, and implement AKFC’s strategic direction in the context of broader AKF and AKDN global priorities. Build and lead a strong team of professional staff and volunteers, and foster an organization committed to excellence, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. Lead the organization in identifying and adopting appropriate technologies that enhance program quality, evidence, learning, collaboration, and operational performance.

Ensure appropriate governance through effective engagement of the Board and National Committee, rigorous human resources management, disciplined planning and execution, and a vibrant and productive organizational culture.

2. External relations and communications.Oversee communications, public engagement, and marketing to Canadian audiences, including developing strategies to position AKFC with current and potential partners, donors, policymakers, communities, and public audiences relevant to AKFC’s objectives. Work with AKF and AKDN communications colleagues to shape…