Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU) has been a cornerstone in London and Middlesex County since 1982, empowering youth aged 16 to 30 to achieve their full potential. By providing essential services such as supportive housing, employment training, and wellness supports, YOU has consistently demonstrated a commitment to nurturing the skills and confidence of young individuals. The organization's dedication is evident in initiatives like Joan's Place, a $30 million affordable housing development that opened in early 2025, offering safe and supportive living spaces for youth and young families. Through strong collaborations with local businesses, educational institutions, and all levels of government, YOU continues to create meaningful opportunities, fostering long-term positive outcomes for the community.

Prime Management Group Inc. is proud to partner with Youth Opportunities Unlimited in the search for a transformational and community-focused Chief Executive Officer (CEO). At a pivotal moment of growth and momentum, this remarkable leadership opportunity offers the chance to build on the organization’s strong track record of success and meaningful impact. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to harness this momentum and lead the organization into its next inspiring chapter, guided by the recently developed strategic plan..

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the purpose-driven CEO will provide experienced leadership in organizational planning, oversee complex service delivery, and ensure the achievement of YOU’s mission, values, and vision. This includes aligning operations and financial management with strategic goals, fostering excellence in program delivery, and cultivating strong, trust-based relationships with stakeholders, staff, and volunteers. The CEO will ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, lead funding strategies, manage risk, and fulfill reporting obligations while advancing policies, systems, and internal infrastructure to strengthen organizational sustainability and impact.

The collaborative, respected, and empathetic CEO will foster an inclusive, high-performing organizational culture that empowers staff, promotes professional development and engagement, and prioritizes overall employee well-being. This leader will guide the senior leadership team, proactively address emerging challenges, ensure organizational alignment, and maintain compliance with employment legislation and best practices in health and safety.

In close partnership with the Board of Directors, as the Secretary of the Board, the values-oriented CEO will provide insightful, well-informed recommendations, deliver regular operational and outcome-based reports, contribute meaningfully to policy development, and oversee the production of the organization’s annual report. This role demands a proven executive who can balance mission with operational excellence and a deep commitment to a safe and healthy workplace.

Externally, the confident and emotionally intelligent CEO will serve as the face of YOU, advocating for the organization and fostering collaborative relationships across multiple platforms - including media appearances, public speaking engagements, funder meetings, and strategic sector partnerships. With a strong community presence, they will champion youth empowerment, advocate for their evolving needs, support education, maintain and grow partnership-driven district initiatives, and oversee external communications and marketing efforts. As a visible and thoughtful leader with strong business acumen and sound judgment, the successful candidate will build upon the exceptional foundation already in place, further enhancing YOU’s reputation and expanding awareness of its services, partnerships, and long-term goals.

To be considered for this exciting opportunity, candidates should possess the following:

• A university-level education combined with a minimum of ten (10) years of progressive senior leadership experience in non-profit, social enterprise, or mission-driven organizations - or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success in guiding cross-functional teams, developing internal leaders, and advancing inclusive HR practices across multi-site or multi-program environments.
• Strong financial management capabilities, including responsibility for operational budgets, funding proposals, audit oversight, and resource alignment.
• Experience supporting or working closely with a Board of Directors, with an understanding of governance, policy development, and effective reporting.
• Proven ability to form and sustain partnerships across government, education, private sector, and community service organizations.
• Exceptional communication and public speaking abilities, with experience serving as a media spokesperson and community representative.
• Familiarity with program evaluation and funding accountability standards and a commitment to using data and feedback to improve services.
• Proficiency with digital tools and platforms for organizational management, communications, and reporting.
• A valid Ontario G Class driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for travel throughout the region. The selected candidate must also complete a Police Vulnerable Sector Check as part of the onboarding process.
   

Working in partnership with Youth Opportunities Unlimited, Prime Management Group Inc. will accept all resumes and cover letters from interested candidates in confidence.

Requests for additional information about the role and/or confidential suggestions or nominations may also be submitted. Please contact Michelle Rawson (micheller@pmg.on.ca) to discuss this role in confidence.

Prime Management Group Inc. is an Executive Search & Recruitment + HR Consulting firm serving Southwestern Ontario and beyond. Our search process ensures unwavering confidentiality while respectfully adhering to the Human Rights Act to uphold an unbiased and successful process for our candidates. We are committed to equity, value, and diversity and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.