Executive Director

Job Title: Executive Director

Organization: Freedom Foundation of Nova Scotia

Location: Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Employment Type: Full-Time

Reports To: Board of Directors

About the Organization

Freedom Foundation of Nova Scotia is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping men who are recovering from addiction. Our mission is to provide services which foster recovery from addictions and a development of a positive self-image and self-worth in a secure and caring environment.

Freedom Foundation of Nova was established in 1988. In 1989, the Foundation opened the doors of a transition home in north-end Dartmouth to assist recovering alcoholic men age 19 and over. The organization's mandate has broadened to include individuals addicted to drugs and gambling. Many of our clients have multiple addictions.

Position Summary

The Executive Director provides leadership rooted in peer-led recovery principles and lived experience, ensuring the recovery house operates as a supportive, peer-driven community. This role is responsible for strategic leadership, daily operations, staff and resident leadership development, financial oversight, and community partnerships. The Executive Director works closely with the Board of Directors to advance our mission, uphold recovery values, and ensure organizational sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Recovery-Centered Leadership

• Lead the organization in alignment with peer recovery principles, mutual support, and the organization's Strategic Plan
• Model recovery values including accountability, integrity, service, and respect
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to set strategic direction and organizational priorities

Program & House Operations

• Oversee daily operations of the recovery house, ensuring a safe, structured, and caring and supportive environment
• Ensure house policies promote accountability, resident leadership, and recovery growth
• Monitor resident outcomes and support continuous program improvement

Peer & Staff Development

• Recruit, train, supervise, and support staff
• Foster personal development among residents and alumni
• Promote a culture of empowerment, shared responsibility, positive self-worth and community engagement

Financial & Organizational Management

• Develop and manage the organizational budget in collaboration with the Treasurer, Office Manager and Board
• Ensure responsible stewardship of funds and transparent financial reporting
• Support fundraising, grant management, and sustainability efforts

Community & Recovery Network Engagement

• Serve as a visible and trusted ambassador for the organization within the local and regional recovery community
• Represent the organization through public speaking engagements, community forums, panels, media opportunities, and stakeholder meetings
• Promote the mission, impact, and outcomes of the recovery house to potential donors, benefactors, foundations, civic organizations, and other groups
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with government stakeholders, referral partners, and community leaders
• Advocate for recovery housing and peer-led recovery support at the Provincial and Municipal levels
• Support fundraising initiatives through donor engagement, storytelling, grant collaboration, and community outreach
• Strengthen alumni engagement and encourage graduates to participate in outreach and advocacy efforts

Compliance & Ethical Practice

• Ensure compliance with applicable recovery house standards, licensing, and regulations
• Uphold ethical standards, confidentiality, and resident safety
• Respond appropriately to crises, relapses, or conflicts in a recovery-oriented manner

Qualifications

Required

• Lived experience in recovery with a minimum three years in sustained, active, recovery
• Strong understanding of peer recovery support and recovery house models
• Leadership or management experience in recovery services, behavioral health, nonprofit work, or related fields
• Demonstrated ability to lead with compassion, boundaries, and accountability
• Experience supervising staff, peers, or volunteers

Preferred

• Experience working in or leading a peer-run recovery house or similar program
• Education in a related field or equivalent lived and professional experience
• Experience with fundraising, grants, or community advocacy

Skills & Attributes

• Recovery-oriented and person-centered leadership style
• Strong communication, conflict-resolution, and organizational skills
• Ability to balance peer support with professional standards and compliance
• Commitment to inclusivity, dignity, and respect for men in recovery

Compensation & Benefits

Salary range: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Benefits may include RRSP matching, paid time off, holidays, and professional development

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your recovery-informed leadership experience and interest in the role by email to the attention of Norman Hill, Board Chair to:

[email protected]

Freedom Foundation of Nova Scotia is an equal opportunity employer. Individuals in active recovery from addictions recovery experience are strongly encouraged to apply.