WORK WITH US

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association is seeking a talented advocate to lead its Advocacy Program in the area of Privacy, Technology and Surveillance; someone who is dedicated to standing with, and fighting for, the rights of individuals and groups in Canada. 

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is Canada’s national human rights and fundamental freedoms organization. We have been fighting for civil liberties, human rights and basic democratic freedoms since 1964. CCLA regularly argues before all levels of court, testifies before legislatures, advocates through all media, and engages in activism, education, and outreach across the country to uphold dignity and fundamental rights for all people in Canada. We work to actively fight against injustice, such as racial profiling by police, privacy invasions by government, prolonged solitary confinement, abortion access restrictions, unfairness in the criminal system, and restrictions on freedom of expression. Along with the American Civil Liberties Union, CCLA is a member of INCLO, a network of 15 independent, national human rights organizations around the world.

We are looking for an Advocacy Program Director (Privacy, Technology & Surveillance) who will:

• Be responsible for identifying and monitoring significant issues, developments, and egregious violations with respect to privacy, technology, and surveillance across Canada.
• Set priorities, in consultation with the Executive Director, and determine, execute, or co-ordinate advocacy strategies that may include litigation (public interest test cases, interventions, etc.); legislative advocacy, including written and oral submissions to public bodies; public engagement; coalition work; research and reports; media work and communications; or otherwise.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director and General Counsel and other Program Directors as relevant, manage and steward all aspects of litigation for the Program including working with external pro bono counsel to establish policy positions and legal strategy, liaising with external pro bono counsel, and reviewing legal submissions.
• Execute, provide and/or coordinate legal opinions, legal and policy research.
• Provide and/or coordinate all oral and written communications for the Program, in collaboration with the Communications and Advancement teams, including web and social media posts, media releases, media appearances, op-eds, public statements.
• Work collaboratively with CCLA’s other Program Directors, and independently, to enhance CCLA’s strategic goals, and its public profile.
• Maintain professional expertise and networks in order to keep the Program relevant and current.
• Assist with fundraising efforts in collaboration with the Advancement team including participation in public events.
• Assist with the Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust’s public educational work.
• Supervise students.
• Manage and execute discrete administrative projects or tasks or roles as required.
  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Laws, Juris Doctor or the equivalent, or a graduate degree in a relevant field. Membership in good standing with a Canadian law society is an asset.
• Minimum 3-5 years’ relevant advocacy experience.
• Knowledge of public and private sector privacy law and experience assessing social and legal impacts of technologies is a significant asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. French proficiency is an asset.
• Proficiency in computer and digital workplace skills including MS Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, open-source documents, Zoom), and online communication platforms.
• A strong commitment to the mission of CCLA.

Salary

Salary Range $90,000 to $110,000 commensurate with experience.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Statement

In keeping with CCLA’s ongoing efforts to represent the diversity of our communities, we are committed to taking proactive steps to provide and create opportunities for historically marginalized groups. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities, 2SLGBTQI+ people, individuals with disabilities, and other members of marginalized communities to apply. You are invited to self-declare in the hiring process. This self-declaration information can be factored into recruitment and selection decisions to address our ongoing commitment to representation, diversity, equity and inclusion.

We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications and encourage people to apply even if they feel the position would be a stretch.

How to Apply:

Please address your application to Abby Deshman, Interim Executive Director & General Counsel, and send a cover letter, detailed resume and any references, in confidence, to hr@ccla.org.

Please refer to “Advocacy Program Director (Privacy, Technology & Surveillance)” in the subject line.

Our application deadline is Friday, April 11, 2025. We will review applications as they are received.

The Interview Process

Please notify us if you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process. 

Location:

CCLA’s office is located in midtown Toronto but we are open to hybrid work arrangements.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

We need someone to be responsible and accountable for the finances of a leading Canadian charity, made up of two charitable entities, with a consolidated operating budget of $2.5 million in 2025. You will be responsible for the entire finance function, from budgeting and forecasting, managing investments and cashflows, to compilation of quarterly financial statements, working with management and board, overseeing the external financial audit as well as managing a bookkeeper.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA) is Canada’s national human rights and fundamental freedoms organization. We have been fighting for civil liberties, human rights and basic democratic freedoms since 1964. CCLA regularly argues before all levels of court, testifies before legislatures, advocates through all media, and engages in activism, education, and outreach across the country to uphold dignity and fundamental rights for all people in Canada.  We work to actively fight against injustice, such as racial profiling by police, privacy invasions by government, prolonged solitary confinement, abortion access restrictions, unfairness in the criminal system, and restrictions on freedom of expression.

The Canadian Civil Liberties Education Trust (CCLET) is a non-profit research and public educational organization created in 1967 by the Canadian Civil Liberties Association (CCLA). CCLET supports the belief that those who understand and think critically about their rights and responsibilities are better prepared to live as global citizens.  CCLET provides free educational programs to students in classrooms and newcomers in communities across the country, helping them know their rights so they can participate actively in our democratic processes — and make Canada a better, more inclusive place for all.

We are looking for a Finance Manager who:

• Manages and monitors cashflow and oversees financial investments according to financial policies.
• Develops and monitors budgets in collaboration with all CCLA/ET staff, as well as prepares reliable current forecast reports.
• Manages the annual financial audit, ensuring effective, transparent communication with the external auditors and compliance with all audit requirements in a timely manner.
• Manages the CCLA/ET CRA business accounts to ensure compliance with annual reporting requirements including completion of the annual Charity Information Return (T3010) and Corporations Canada Return.
• Prepares daily and month-end accounting procedures including profit and loss, balance sheet activities, accounts receivable, accounts payable, account reconciliation.
• Is responsible for ensuring monthly reconciliation of all donations recorded in the general ledger to the donor database, with no variance between the reconciled amounts and donation reports generated from the donor database. As well as a monthly reconciliation of all tax receipts generated by the Advancement group by both software (Little Green Light & Raisin) using the Tax Receipt LOG created by Advancement.
• Manages and tracks grant donations, and ensures they are accurately recorded in the general ledger and reconciled monthly, quarterly, and annually.
• Prepares and provides Grant Reports as required by various funders.
• Manages the accounts receivable and ensures all billing is completed in accordance with required timelines and CCLA policies.
• Manages all CCLA/ET payables and ensures all invoices are paid in a timely manner with accuracy through the third-party electronic payment processor with appropriate approvals etc.
• Calculates and remits Public Service Bodies Rebate (Federal and Provincial) for both entities (CCLA & CCLET)

Human Resources/Payroll/Benefits

• Manages the full payroll function including the production of employment-related statements and answering employee questions and concerns regarding payroll-related functions.
• Ensures compliance with issuance and processing of employee documentation including but not limited to Record of Employment, T4/T4A’s, remittances, payment of EHT and WSIB.
• Assists with ensuring accurate and complete insurance coverage and works with Executive Director on risk management.
• Manage the CCLA/ET Corporate Credit Cards, ensuring appropriate use in accordance with CCLA policies for Employees.

Communication

• Ongoing communication with Advancement team members regarding donations being received.
• Provides support regarding CRA regulations with respect to tax receipting and other donor related queries.
• Ensures all financial institutions are kept up to date regarding CCLA/ET signing officers.
• Presents monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements to Executives and Board of Directors by attending all quarterly Finance and Audit Committee and board meetings.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance or related field or relevant experience.
• Professional Designation (i.e., CPA, CMA).
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in Accounting and Financial Management or relevant role, preferably in a nonprofit organization.
• Expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, and nonprofit financials.
• Proficiency with QuickBooks, Excel, and software applications in general.
• Experience in payroll processing, financial reconciliations, and forecasting methods.
• In-depth knowledge of Canada Revenue Agency regulations with respect to tax receipting and other donor related queries.
• Ability to strategize and solve problems.
• Ability to explain financial terms in simple language.
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• Genuine interest in our mission.

Salary

$70,000 to $85,000 salary range to commensurate with experience.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Statement

In keeping with CCLA’s ongoing efforts to represent the diversity of our communities, we are committed to taking proactive steps to provide and create opportunities for historically marginalized groups. We strongly encourage qualified candidates from Indigenous, Black and other racialized communities, 2SLGBTQI+ people, individuals with disabilities, and other members of marginalized communities to apply. You are invited to self-declare in the hiring process. This self-declaration information can be factored into recruitment and selection decisions to address our ongoing commitment to representation, diversity, equity and inclusion.

We recognize that structural barriers shape experiences and job qualifications and encourage people to apply even if they feel the position would be a stretch.

How to Apply:

Please address your application to Abby Deshman, Interim Executive Director & General Counsel, and send a cover letter and detailed resume and the names and contact information for three references, in confidence, to hr@ccla.org.

Please refer to “Finance Manager”

Our application deadline is Friday, April 11, 2025. We will review applications as they are received.

The Interview Process

Please notify us if you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process.

Location:

CCLA’s office is located in midtown Toronto, but we are open to hybrid work arrangements.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.