Executive Director

Morgan Philips is proud to support the Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association (CSA) in the search for The Executive Director (ED).  The Executive Director serves as the senior leader of CSA, responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and administrative management of the organization. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED will provide entrepreneurial, mission-driven leadership, ensuring the successful execution of CSA’s strategic priorities, program delivery, and fundraising initiatives. This is a highly visible role, requiring regular interaction with the Board, partners, donors, media, patients, community members, and the broader healthcare ecosystem.
 
About the CSA

The CSA is a national, patient-led, not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians living with spondyloarthritis. As the only organization in Canada focused exclusively on this condition, CSA plays a critical role in advancing awareness, education, advocacy, and support for patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

With a growing community and increasing diagnosis rates across the country, CSA is entering an important phase of growth and impact. The organization is committed to strengthening its voice nationally while expanding its programs, partnerships, and fundraising capabilities.
 
Key Responsibilities

Fund Development & Partnerships
 

• Plan, develop, and execute all fundraising efforts, including corporate, major gifts, and partnership development 
• Leverage CSA’s charitable status to expand funding sources and financial sustainability 
• Build and steward relationships with donors, sponsors, and strategic partners 
• Identify and secure new funding opportunities to sustain programming and support growth initiatives 

 
Organizational Leadership & Governance
 

• Provide strategic leadership to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of CSA 
• Partner closely with the Board of Directors on governance, strategy, and organizational priorities 
• Develop and execute annual strategic and operational plans 
• Prepare board materials, reports, and budgets; participate in all board meetings 
• Organize and support both the operational and Board committees and advisory groups, such as Finance Committee, Business Development Committee and Governance committee.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Board on organizational direction and performance 

 
Marketing, Communications & Advocacy
 

• Oversee the development and execution of national marketing and communication strategies 
• Serve as the primary spokesperson for CSA 
• Strengthen brand awareness and credibility across stakeholders and the public 
• Represent CSA in public forums, industry events, and media engagements 
• Drive advocacy initiatives and partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem 

 
Operations & Program Delivery
 

• Ensure effective planning, execution, and evaluation of all programs and services 
• Develop and deliver programming tailored to the needs of the community and aligned with CSA’s strategic pillars
• Maintain high standards of operational excellence and program impact 
• Implement tools, systems, and technologies to support organizational efficiency 
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, legal, and governance requirements 

 
Financial Management
 

• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting 
• Ensure fiscal integrity and long-term financial sustainability 
• Monitor financial performance and manage organizational risk 
• Work with the Board to establish and maintain sound financial practices 

 
Human Resources & Team Leadership
 

• Determine staffing requirements and build organizational capacity 
• Lead, coach, and develop staff and volunteers 
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture aligned with CSA’s mission 
• Develop and implement HR policies and best practices 

 
Experience & Background
 

• 5+ years of demonstrated leadership experience in a not-for-profit, healthcare, or mission-driven organization, with accountability for strategy, operations, and financial performance 
• Proven success in fundraising, including corporate partnerships and major gifts
• Direct experience growing revenue, diversifying funding sources, or scaling organizational impact
• Experience developing and delivering programming 
• Experience managing operations, teams, and budgets 
• Exposure to the Canadian healthcare system or medical/research environment is strongly preferred 
• Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors is an asset 
• We welcome candidates with nontraditional career paths, including founders, operators, or leaders from outside the sector who bring transferable experience in scaling organizations and securing funding

Leadership & Competencies
 

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a strong “builder” orientation 
• Exceptional relationship-building skills across stakeholders 
• Strong communicator and public speaker 
• Strategic and analytical, with a strong focus on execution and accountability for results
• Comfortable operating in a lean, evolving environment 
• Collaborative, mission-driven, and values-oriented leader 
• Self‑directed and comfortable operating independently
• Maintains an enterprise‑wide perspective while ensuring attention to operational detail

Personal Attributes
 

• Passion for CSA’s mission and patient impact 
• Resilient and adaptable in the face of ambiguity 
• High level of integrity and accountability 
• Ability to inspire and mobilize stakeholders across the ecosystem

 
To apply:

CSA has retained Morgan Philips Canada on an exclusive basis to lead this search. Interested candidates are invited to submit their résumé and a letter of interest, in full confidence, to:

William Lefebvre | Morgan Philips Canada
william.lefebvre@morganphilips.com

The CSA and Morgan Philips Canada are committed to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion.