Executive Director Position
After Trauma Empowerment Network
Shubenacadie NS

Position Summary
After Trauma Empowerment Network (ATEN) is seeking a compassionate, strategic, and trauma-informed Executive Director to lead our organization in providing free counselling, peer support, and community-based services for individuals who have experienced trauma. The Executive Director will oversee organizational operations, staff leadership, fundraising, financial sustainability, and community engagement while ensuring services remain accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of those affected by trauma.

This role requires an experienced nonprofit leader who understands trauma-informed practice, values peer support models, and has experience managing or supporting social enterprise operations, including a thrift shop business.

About Us
The After Trauma Empowerment Network (ATEN) is a community based non-profit organization that works to empower individuals, families and communities affected by trauma to live an empowered life to reach their fullest potential. Our Mission is to empower and improve the quality of life of individuals, families and communities affected by trauma by providing free trauma-informed counselling, peer support, education and resources. We also have a thrift store, Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop, where all proceeds go toward the operational expenses of the organization.

Key Responsibilities
Organizational Leadership

• Work collaboratively with the Co-Director to provide strategic leadership aligned with the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
• Work collaboratively with the Board of Directors to implement strategic goals and organizational priorities.
• Foster a supportive, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace culture.
• Ensure policies, procedures, and programming reflect best practices in trauma-informed care and peer support.

Program Oversight

• Oversee counselling, peer support, and community programming.
• Ensure services are accessible, ethical, culturally responsive, and survivor-centered.
• Support staff and volunteers through reflective supervision and professional development.
• Monitor program outcomes and support evaluation and reporting processes.

Financial & Operational Management

• Develop and manage organizational budgets and financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with funding agreements, legal obligations, and nonprofit governance standards.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, facilities, and administrative systems.
• Identify opportunities for organizational growth and sustainability.

Community Relations

• Lead grant development, donor relations, and community partnerships.
• Represent the organization publicly and build relationships with funders, service providers, and community stakeholders.
• Promote awareness of trauma-informed services and the organization’s mission.

Thrift Shop Oversight

• Provide oversight and strategic direction for the organization’s thrift shop operations.
• Support retail staff and volunteers in maintaining efficient and welcoming operations.
• Monitor revenue generation, inventory systems, and customer service standards

Qualifications
Required

• Degree in social work, counselling, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of senior leadership experience in a nonprofit organization.
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed practice, peer support, and survivor-centered services.
• Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams, staff, and volunteers.
• Strong financial management and budgeting experience.
• Experience in fundraising, grant writing, and donor engagement.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience working with or overseeing a thrift shop, social enterprise, or retail fundraising operation.
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance and Board relations.

 
Preferred

• Experience working within mental health, trauma recovery, domestic violence, sexual violence, or community support sectors.
• Training and experience in trauma-informed leadership, restorative practices, or equity-based approaches.

Core Competencies

• Compassionate and collaborative leadership
• Trauma-informed decision-making
• Emotional intelligence and resilience
• Strategic planning and problem-solving
• Financial stewardship
• Community engagement and advocacy
• Equity, diversity, and inclusion awareness

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $50/hr at 35 hours week
• Flexible work arrangements
• Professional development opportunities
• EAP support

To Apply
Please submit:

• Cover letter
• Resume/CV
• Three professional references

Applications can be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to PO Box 318, Shubenacadie NS, B0N 2H0.
Application deadline: May 29 or until filled.
We encourage applications from individuals with diverse lived experiences and backgrounds, including those from equity-deserving communities. Accommodations are available throughout the hiring process upon request.

To our After Trauma Empowerment Network community,

After much reflection, I’ve made the difficult decision to step away from my role with ATEN due to ongoing health challenges and the need to prioritize my healing and wellbeing.

This organization and community has meant so much to me. What we’ve built together has always been rooted in courage, compassion, and the belief that healing after trauma is possible — not in isolation, but in connection with others who truly understand. It has been an honor to witness the strength, vulnerability, empowerment, and resilience within this space.

Making this decision has not been easy. Trauma recovery often teaches us the importance of listening to our bodies, respecting our limits, and allowing ourselves the same care and compassion we so freely offer others. At this time, stepping back is part of that process for me.

To the amazing ATEN A-Team: thank you for your collaboration, unwavering support, strong work ethic, and commitment to our shared mission. The hard work and passion each of you brings every day has made a lasting impact, and it has been an honour to work alongside you. I am deeply proud of all we have accomplished together and will always carry these experiences and relationships with me.

To our clients and peers: thank you for trusting us with your stories, your healing journeys, and your hearts. Your resilience has inspired me more than words can express.

To the incredible supporters and customers of Violet Rose Gift & Thrift Shop: your encouragement, donations, purchases, volunteerism, and belief in our mission have made this work possible. Every item purchased, every conversation shared, and every act of support has helped create safe, trauma-informed spaces where healing and empowerment can grow.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Nova Scotia Office of Addictions and Mental Health for their ongoing financial support and funding. Their commitment to our mission has been instrumental in allowing our organization to operate, grow, and continue supporting our community. We simply would not be able to do this important work without their partnership and support.

The After Trauma Empowerment Network was built on the belief that healing should never depend on someone’s ability to pay. Through free therapy, peer support, advocacy, and the dedication of so many caring people, we have been able to support individuals navigating the impacts of trauma with empathy, connection, and understanding. Our thrift shop — sustained by generous donations, volunteers, and community support — has also played an essential role in helping fund these services and keep our doors open to those who need them most.

I want to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has contributed to the After Trauma Empowerment Network — the incredible staff, community members, volunteers, donors and supporters alike. Your voices, stories, and commitment to empowerment have created something deeply meaningful, and I remain hopeful and excited for the future of this work and organization.

While I may be stepping away from leadership, I believe wholeheartedly in the continued growth and impact of this organization and community. The mission remains important, the need remains real, and the foundation we’ve created together is strong.

ATEN and the Violet Rose will continue to operate and provide services as usual during this time of transition of leadership.

Please continue supporting the organization, the thrift shop, and the incredible people who carry this work forward every day. The need for accessible trauma support remains great, and this community continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.

Thank you for your trust, your kindness, and the many ways you’ve shown up for one another. I carry immense appreciation for this chapter and optimism for a bright future — both for the organization and for each of you individually.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving this community. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

With love, gratitude, and hope,
Thank you!
Margaret Mauger
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