Executive Director

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive of Somerset West Community Health Centre (SWCHC) and provides the leadership to guide the successful execution of the SWCHC mission, vision and mandate. As the leader of the organization the ED is responsible for cultivating a strong, professional and effective organization. In addition, the ED is responsible to build/maintain a strong and effective leadership team.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED ensures an open and transparent working relationship with the Board and provides professional support and policy guidance to ensure that the policy decisions made by the Board are carried out effectively.

The ED is responsible for the effective development and management of SWCHC’s programs and operations while exercising stewardship over its human and financial resources. The ED will maintain effective relationships with a number of external entities in the community, the broader health and social services sector and various levels of government.

As an advocate for community health, health equity and marginalized populations. The Executive Director brings a strong intersectional anti-racism and anti-oppression lens and voice, fosters effective partnerships and inspires staff to bring together people, ideas, systems, and processes to ensure the best possible outcomes for clients and their communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership & Management

Lead on behalf of the Board the development of the mission and vision statements, and a strategic plan to guide the organization
Identify, assess, and inform the Board about the changing landscape for health and community services at the policy and operational levels, including implications, now and in the future, for the organization and its place in the health care sector.
Act as a professional advisor to the Board on all aspects of the organization's activities
Foster effective team work between the Board and the ED and between the ED and staff
Work closely with SWCHC stakeholders to understand and respond to their needs and wishes, as well as identifying opportunities for partnerships of benefit to our clients and community
In addition to the Chair of the Board, act as a spokesperson for the organization
Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate and jointly with the Board when appropriate
Represent the organization within the Community Health sector to enhance the organization's profile
Oversee the administration of all the organization’s policies

Operational Planning and Management

Develop an annual operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization
Ensure that the organization operates within the strategic, business and ethical guidelines, standards and expectations of its stakeholders, Board, sponsors and funders
Ensures quality in the delivery of programs and services, designed to model client-and-community-centred service delivery philosophy, with a health equity, anti-racism and anti-oppression lens.
Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization
Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate
Provide support to the Board by liaising with the Chair to prepare meeting agendas and appropriate supporting materials
Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations
Develops and maintains relationships in local, regional, and provincial groups and committees of relevance to SWCHC’s objectives.
Promotes SWCHC objectives on a political level regionally, provincially, and nationally.
Acts as the key contact with our community, municipal, and provincial funders by engaging in consultations, as well as by providing accurate and timely responses to their requests.

Program Planning and Service Delivery

Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization's programs and services, bearing in mind the changing needs of our clients and community
Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization's mission and vision and reflect the priorities of the Board
Identifies community health needs through consultations with clients, community representatives, and internal and external service providers.
Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the organization to maintain or improve quality
Oversee the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of special projects

Human Resources Planning and Management

Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations
Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery
Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization's mission and vision and a strong understanding of interdisciplinary teamwork
Oversee the implementation of human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of job descriptions for all staff
Ensure that all staff receive an orientation to the organization and that appropriate training is provided
Implement a performance management process that includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting annual performance reviews
Promote opportunities to coach and mentor staff to improve performance
Comply with all mandatory legal/regulatory requirements, i.e. Employment Standards Act, Occupational Health and Safety
Act as final arbiter in all human resources disputes.
Builds and fosters harmonious working relationships and management team cohesiveness through appropriate support and coaching, a health equity, anti-racism, and anti-oppression lens, as well as a consistent application of relevant policies.

Financial Planning and Management

Work with the Board and staff to prepare a comprehensive budget
Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization
Oversee compensation and benefits management
Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board
Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed
Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization
Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organization
Ensure that the organization complies with all legislation related to taxation, withholding payments and meeting requirements for charitable organizations.

Sector Relations/Advocacy

Communicate with stakeholders, sponsors and funders to keep them informed of the work of the organization
Establish good working relationships within the community health sector, with sponsors, funders and other community organizations to help achieve the advocacy goals of SWCHC
Identify key influencers within the sector and work with the Board and senior management to assure awareness of SWCHC, its mission, vision and mandate

Risk Management

On an ongoing basis, work with the Board to identify, evaluate and mitigate strategic and operational risks to the organization and its stakeholders.

Communications & Fundraising

Expand all aspects of communications, from web presence to external relations with the goal of creating a stronger brand
Promotes awareness of programs and services by addressing external audiences or media.
Use external presence and relationships to garner new opportunities
Research funding sources and oversee the development of fund raising plans and grant proposals to support program development
Participate in and support fundraising activities
Act as ‘ambassador’ for SWCHC

Perform other duties that are commensurate with the role of Executive Director.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Masters degree in Health Administration, Public Administration, Social Work or related field, or equivalent in related experience such as community health, social services and public policy.

Experience & Knowledge

Minimum 7 years of progressively more responsible experience in management roles, including policy analysis, advocacy, financial management, human resources management, liaison with funding bodies, planning and program development.
Knowledge of federal, municipal, regional and provincial health and social service legislation, policies, directives and governance models.
Experience with the management of a diverse staff contingent, from the perspectives of professions, tenure with the centre and experience.

Competencies

Demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for the Community Health Centre vision and all the programs and services.
Commitment to a community development approach to all service delivery
Ability to motivate, lead, and empower others to achieve goals within an interdisciplinary team environment
Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate the accomplishment of goals
Broad understanding of social justice, health equity, anti-racism and anti-oppression, and harm reduction
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
Demonstrated leadership experience in addressing issues of inequity, racism and oppression on an individual, organizational and systemic level.
Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment, both community and staff
Ability to anticipate and act pro-actively in an environment of change
Computer literacy and familiarity with management information systems including new technologies in the health and community service fields
Strong people management skills with experience leading, coaching and mentoring experienced senior staff
Marketing, fundraising and communications experience
Ability to formulate strategies and policies, and create new approaches in adverse situations
Ability to prepare and manage budgets, analyse financial records and prepare reports
Ability to take a broad based view of issues and events and have an understanding of their longer-term impact or wider implications
Personal commitment to organizational excellence
Honesty, integrity, and a strong sense of ethics in all decision and actions
Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to getting results
Demonstrated cross-cultural competences to effectively lead and integrate diverse teams
Strong writing, presentation and verbal communication skills in English. Both French language skills and/or a language reflective of the diverse communities served by the Centre would be an asset.