Executive Director - JHS

Executive Director Justice, Reintegration, and Community Stability

Some organizations change lives quietly.

For decades, the John Howard Society of Toronto ("JHST") has supported individuals involved in the justice system as they rebuild stability, secure housing, reconnect with supports, and move toward a different future.

Working at the intersection of justice, housing, and social services in Toronto, JHST plays an important role in helping people navigate some of the most complex moments in their lives.

JHST is now seeking a Executive Director to lead the organization through its next chapter by strengthening its operational foundation, supporting its people, and ensuring the long-term sustainability and impact of its programs.

Demand for reintegration and housing supports continues to grow while justice-sector priorities and funding environments evolve.

Like many nonprofits operating within complex systems, JHST must balance mission driven service delivery with strong operational leadership, financial stewardship, and organizational accountability.

The next Executive Director will provide the leadership needed to strengthen internal systems and management capacity, ensure programs remain effective and responsive, maintain strong relationships with funders and justice-sector partners, and position the organization for continued stability and impact.

This role requires a leader who understands that meaningful social impact depends on both compassion and operational discipline.

The Executive Director serves as JHST’s chief executive, with overall responsibility for organizational leadership, operations, financial stewardship, workforce leadership, program performance, and external relationships.

Working closely with the Board of Directors under a policy governance (Carver) model, the Executive Director operates within Board-established strategic direction and policies while holding responsibility and accountability for the organization’s operational leadership and decision-making.

The Executive Director leads a multidisciplinary organization delivering justice reintegration and housing supports and ensures that people, programs, resources, and partnerships are aligned to achieve meaningful outcomes.

The role also provides an opportunity to contribute to the broader conversation about how reintegration and housing supports are delivered within Toronto’s justice and community services ecosystem.

JHST offers the opportunity to lead an established organization whose work contributes directly to community stability, successful reintegration, and second chances.

The Executive Director will work alongside a committed team, an engaged Board of Directors, and justice and community-sector partners dedicated to ensuring individuals have access to the supports they need to rebuild their lives.

For a leader motivated by meaningful social impact, this is an opportunity to strengthen an important organization and guide its next stage of stability, sustainability, and impact.

• Provide clear, accountable leadership aligned with JHST’s mission, values, and strategic direction.
• Build, develop, and support a strong management team accountable for program delivery, operational performance, and staff leadership.
• Translate organizational priorities into clear plans, expectations, and accountabilities across the organization.
• Foster a workplace culture where employees feel heard, respected, and supported while ensuring clear direction, accountability, and timely decision-making.
• Promote trauma-informed and inclusive leadership practices in interactions with staff and the communities JHST serves.
• Navigate complex…