Executive Director, Freedom Quest Youth Services Society

Organization: Freedom Quest Youth Services SocietyLocation: Castlegar, British Columbia (Flexible Hybrid Work)Position: Executive DirectorReports to: Board of DirectorsCompensation: $45/hour for a 4-day work week (32 hours), with full benefits and 5% RRSP contribution
Application Deadline: January 2, 2026

About Freedom Quest

Freedom Quest is a deeply respected nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young people across the West Kootenay Boundary Region who are impacted by substance use, mental health challenges, and other complex life circumstances. Grounded in values of compassion, equity, dignity, and non-judgment, Freedom Quest offers a wide spectrum of supports, including youth substance use counseling, concurrent disorders services, regional day treatment programming, mental health services, therapeutic recreation, and housing for children and youth in the government care system.

For over two decades, Freedom Quest has provided free, accessible, low-barrier, youth-centered services designed to meet young people where they are and walk alongside them as they build resilience, stability, and hope.

The Position

Freedom Quest is seeking an experienced, relationship-driven Executive Director who leads with purpose and care. This is an exceptional opportunity for a social service nonprofit leader who thrives in dynamic environments, cares deeply about young people and community wellbeing, and is motivated to steward impactful, culturally safe, and innovative services.
The Executive Director will guide a committed team of between 30 and 40 staff across a diverse portfolio of programs and will champion strategic initiatives, nurture community partnerships, and ensure organizational excellence across administration, finance, human resources, and program delivery.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, this position holds responsibility over securing and managing resources, building organizational capacity, and advancing Freedom Quest's mission through informed decision-making, collaborative leadership, and strong advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Direction: Provide visionary leadership that advances Freedom Quest's mission, values, and strategic priorities. Foster an organizational culture grounded in youth-centered practice, cultural safety, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Program Oversight & Service Excellence: Oversee all Freedom Quest programs, ensuring they remain accessible, low-barrier, trauma-informed, and reflective of community needs. Collaborate with program managers to enhance service models and respond to emerging trends.

Financial & Resource Management: Prepare and manage annual operating budgets, ensuring strong fiscal accountability and alignment with strategic priorities. Oversee contracts, grant proposals, and funding relationships while identifying new opportunities for growth and sustainability.

Human Resources & People Leadership: Lead and mentor the administrative and management teams, fostering a supportive, respectful, and high-performing workplace. Oversee hiring, performance management, staff development, and policy implementation across the organization.

Governance & Board Relations: Report directly to the Board of Directors and support the Board's governance role through transparent communication and strategic collaboration.

Community Engagement & Advocacy: Build and nurture partnerships with community organizations, Indigenous-led service providers, government agencies, funders, donors, and families. Engage in systemic advocacy that advances equitable, culturally safe services.

Qualifications and Competencies

•A master's degree (preferred) or equivalent experience in Human Services, Administration, Leadership, or a related field
•A minimum of 5 years of experience in senior management within nonprofit, social service, or community-based organizations
•Demonstrated competence in agency administration, financial management, contract negotiation, project oversight, and human resources
•Experience managing operating budgets of $1M+, overseeing complex services, and working with multiple funders
•Strong understanding of provincial, regional, and community resources related to youth services
•A valid BC Class 4 driver's licence, reliable vehicle, and a clear Criminal Record Check
•ASIST certification is considered an asset

To Apply

Freedom Quest Youth Services Society has partnered with Kootenay Talent + Recruitment to fill this position. Please pply by clicking the button at the top of this page and subbmitting your resume and cover letter.

For questions, please contact Mia Gardiner at info@kootenayrecruitment.ca.

In the spirit of reconciliation, Freedom Quest Youth Services Society in parnership with Kootenay Talent + Recruitment acknowledges that we live, work, and learn on the unceded and traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples that have inhabited and maintained relationship with these lands since time immemorial. This includes the Sn̓ʕaýckstx (Sinixt), the Ktunaxa, the Syilx, and the Secwépemc Peoples.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity strengthens our organization and the communities we serve. We encourage and warmly welcome applications from Indigenous Peoples, members of racialized communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ folks, and persons with disabilities.