Free Geek Toronto

Role: Executive Director

Location: Toronto, Ontario
Position: Full-time, 35 hours/week on-site, hybrid possible
Reports to: Board of Directors

Application deadline: until filled
Existing vacancy: anticipated
Salary range: $50,000-$60,000

About Us

Free Geek Toronto is an independent Canadian not-for-profit employment social enterprise working to bridge the digital divide and reduce electronic waste. Serving the Greater Toronto Area, we seek out technology donations from individuals and organizations, refurbish donated technology for reuse, provide affordable computers to individuals and community organizations, and create opportunities for skills development, volunteering, and employment.

Since 2015, we have refurbished or rebuilt more than 2000 computers, diverted over 400,000 pounds of electronics for ethical recycling, and involved more than 50 participants in work skills development. We also help make technology more accessible, with 25% of our refurbished computers sold for under $100. We operate a physical retail store and workspace in Parkdale, accessible by public transit and open to the public. 

Our work brings together digital inclusion, environmental sustainability, technology reuse, and community development. We believe in the strong societal impact of a circular economy.

The Opportunity

Free Geek Toronto is seeking an Executive Director to lead the organization into its next chapter. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, financial sustainability, operations, partnerships, and organizational health of Free Geek Toronto.

This is a hands-on leadership role. The successful candidate will be comfortable moving between big-picture strategy and the practical realities of running a small non-profit, from developing partnerships and securing funding to supporting staff, monitoring finances, and solving day-to-day operational challenges.

Key Responsibilities

Ongoing:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization.
• Oversee financial management, including budgeting, cash flow, forecasting, internal controls, financial reporting, and payroll.
• Support and optimize a diversified and sustainable revenue base through grants, fundraising, retail, partnerships, technology donations, and earned revenue.
• Lead grant applications, funder relationships, reporting, and stewardship.
• Oversee programs and operations related to technology donation, refurbishment, reuse, affordable technology, and responsible recycling.
• Lead, support, and develop staff while fostering a respectful, collaborative, and inclusive workplace.
• Strengthen relationships with community organizations, corporate partners, funders, government, and other stakeholders.
• Manage Free Geek Toronto’s existing retail store, supporting and overseeing staff, maintaining established partnerships, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations while identifying opportunities for improvement and growth.

Periodic milestones:

• Develop annual plans, budgets, priorities, and organizational goals in collaboration with the Board.
• Represent Free Geek Toronto publicly and promote the organization's mission and impact. Travel to events within the GTA may be necessary from time to time.
• Provide timely and transparent reporting to the Board and support strong non-profit governance.
• Ensure appropriate policies, regulatory compliance, risk management, and organizational controls are maintained.

About You

You are a practical and collaborative leader who cares about building both community impact and social benefit while maintaining organizational stability. 

Ideally, you bring:

• Leadership or management experience, preferably within a non-profit, social enterprise, community organization, or mission-driven business.
• Financial management and budgeting skills.
• Experience or interest in fundraising, grants, partnerships, business development, or revenue generation.
• Experience hiring, managing, and developing staff and volunteers.
• Organizational and operational management skills.
• Communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Sound judgment, integrity, initiative, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves.
• Experience working with a non-profit Board of Directors is an asset.
• Experience or interest in technology reuse, environmental sustainability, the circular economy, digital inclusion, or workforce development is an asset.
• A valid drivers license (G) in the province of Ontario is an asset. 

You do not need to be a computer repair expert, or check every box. Most important is the ability and readiness to lead people, understand the operation, manage resources responsibly, build partnerships, and advance Free Geek Toronto's mission. 

What Success Looks Like

The successful Executive Director will help Free Geek Toronto:

• Maintain effective and efficient operations.
• Build and maintain strong corporate, funder, and community partnerships.
• Support and retain an engaged team.
• Strengthen its financial position and organizational resilience.
• Diversify funding and revenue.
• Expand the reach and impact of its technology reuse and digital inclusion programs.
• Provide the Board with clear information and strong organizational leadership.
• Grow responsibly while remaining true to its community and environmental mission.

Equity & Inclusion

Free Geek Toronto values diverse backgrounds, experiences, identities, and perspectives. We recognize that barriers to technology, employment, education, and participation in the technology sector are not experienced equally, and we encourage applications from all candidates who share our commitment to greater equity and digital inclusion.

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and brief cover letter outlining your interest in Free Geek Toronto and the experience you would bring to the Executive Director role: recruitment@freegeektoronto.org

We do not use AI to screen candidates or select applicants.

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