Executive Director
Executive Director
London, Ontario , N6E 4A3
Position Description
Creating life-changing, unforgettable experiences that help young people grow in Jesus.
- Position Title: Executive Director
- Organization: Forest Cliff Camps
- Location: London Ontario (Head Office) Lambton Shores, Ontario (Overnight Camp) and multiple Day Camp sites across Southwestern Ontario
- Reports to: Board of Directors
- Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
- Position Status: This position is for an existing vacancy. Currently filled by an interim Executive Director.
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid—combination of on-site work at camp offices, independent work, and site visits as required.
- Salary: $95,000–$120,000, commensurate with experience
Overview
Forest Cliff Camps is a Christ-centred ministry whose mission is to create life-changing, unforgettable experiences that encourage young people to grow in relationship with Jesus. With an overnight camp on the shores of Lake Huron and multiple day camps hosted in partnership with local churches across Southwestern Ontario, Forest Cliff is a pioneering ministry and indispensable partner with the local Church in changing young lives.
What’s in it for You?
This is a unique opportunity to lead a Christ-centred, growing camp ministry in Ontario — shaping the vision and future of Forest Cliff Camps, discipling young people, and serving alongside passionate staff, volunteers, church partners, and a Board deeply committed to the mission.
About the Role
The Executive Director serves as the spiritual and organizational leader of Forest Cliff Camps — providing oversight to the Director of Overnight Camp, Director of Day Camps, the Administration Manager, and the broader staff team. This leader will model Christ-centred leadership, visionary strategy, and relational excellence while ensuring every aspect of the ministry aligns with Forest Cliff’s mission, vision, and values.
Key Responsibilities
The Executive Director provides spiritual leadership, strategic direction, and operational
oversight to ensure Forest Cliff’s mission is fulfilled with excellence.
- Leadership & Vision
- Lead Forest Cliff Camps in pursuing its vision to be a pioneering ministry and indispensable partner in changing young lives.
- Provide Christ-centered leadership that keeps the ministry “life-change driven”, young person focused, and anchored in relationship and community.
- Develop and communicate a clear vision for the future, inspiring staff, volunteers, and partners to join in the mission.
- Foster a joyful, faith-filled, and “we do FUN!” culture across all teams and programs.
- Champion innovation, creativity, and collaboration to strengthen and expand Forest Cliff’s reach.
- Oversight of Program Directors
- Provide direct supervision, encouragement, and accountability to the senior leadership team currently consisting of five Directors: Overnight Camp, Day Camp, Retreats and Events, Facilities, and Administration. Ensure alignment of all programs with Forest Cliff’s mission, safety standards, and spiritual priorities.
- Support the Admin manager and both directors in staff recruitment, program development, evaluation, and excellence in camper experience.
- Encourage unity between overnight and day camp ministries through shared vision, communication, and best practices.
- Board & Governance
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors in strategic planning, policy development, and long-term direction.
- Provide regular reports on financial health, program outcomes, and ministry impact.
- Maintain compliance with all charitable, financial, and employment standards.
- Serve as the primary liaison between Board and staff, ensuring mutual trust and alignment with mission and values.
- Staff Oversight & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop a growing team of full-time, part-time, and seasonal staff.
- Promote a Christ-honouring organizational culture of grace, excellence, and personal growth.
- Provide spiritual leadership through prayer, encouragement, and modeling of biblical character.
- Oversee staff development programs and ensure alignment with Forest Cliff’s discipleship priorities.
- Financial Management & Fundraising
- The Executive Director will provide strong financial leadership that supports Forest Cliff’s long-term sustainability and mission. This includes overseeing budgeting, stewardship, forecasting, and multi-year financial planning.
- They will lead the camp’s overall fundraising strategy with the Board and Development Team, including major donor cultivation, monthly giving, camper sponsorships, the annual banquet, and developing a structured capital campaign when needed.
- The Executive Director will build strong relationships with individuals, churches, and community partners, and lead a sustainable church engagement strategy that increases awareness and financial partnership.
- They will oversee all communications and marketing efforts—print, email, social media, storytelling, and impact reporting—to encourage prayer, volunteerism, and financial investment.
- Finally, they will ensure transparent stewardship of all resources entrusted to Forest Cliff and support staff training in appropriate fundraising practices, including support-raising where applicable.
- Church, Parent, & Community Relations
- Strengthen and expand partnerships with churches to support mutual discipleship an outreach impact.
- Build meaningful relationships with pastors, parents, and community leaders.
- Serve as a compelling communicator and ambassador for Forest Cliff Camps’ mission and impact.
- Represent Forest Cliff with professionalism and joy at events, church gatherings, and public venues.
Qualifications
Spiritual & Personal Attributes
- Deep and growing personal relationship with Jesus Christ, aligned with Forest Cliff’s Evangelical statement of faith.
- Demonstrated maturity, integrity, humility, and teachability.
- Passion for the transformation of young lives through the Gospel.
- Proven ability to build and maintain healthy relationships with school children, high school youth and post secondary young adults, staff, pastors, parents, donors, and community members.
- Demonstrated ability to lead with humility, courage, and spiritual discernment.
- The Executive Director shall embody Forest Cliff’s values:
- Christ-centered, life-change driven
- Young person focused
- Growing relationships & building community
- We do FUN!
Professional Experience
- Proven experience in senior leadership within camp, ministry, nonprofit, or related settings (5+ years preferred).
- Strong background in strategic planning, team development, and operational management.
- Skilled in leading staff, managing budgets, and fostering growth.
- Experience reporting to and collaborating with a Board of Directors.
- Entrepreneurial and visionary mindset—able to innovate while remaining grounded in mission.
- Post-secondary education in leadership, theology, business, or a related field preferred.
- Understanding of the current challenges and issues facing children and teens, with demonstrated knowledge or training in child development, their needs, and the challenges they may present.
- A substantiated love for and passion for children and youth, reflected in past ministry, leadership, or relational experience.
- A high value for discipleship and leadership development of paid and unpaid youth staff.
Working Conditions
- Based primarily at the head office in London, Ontario, with Forest Cliff Camps’ overnight site in Lambton Shores, and with travel to day camp sites across Southwestern Ontario during the summer.
- Occasional evenings and weekends required.
- Must meet requirements for working with vulnerable persons (Police and Vulnerable Sector Check).
How to Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a brief statement of faith outlining your personal
relationship with Jesus Christ and your philosophy of Christian leadership. We invite you to
include key ministry or leadership achievements and a short three-year vision for how you would
lead Forest Cliff Camps in living out its mission.
- Email: forestcliff.edsearch@gmail.com
- Application Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Anticipated start: Spring/Summer 2026 (flexible for the right candidate)
