Executive DirectorHuron Women’s Shelter, Goderich, ON

About Huron Women’s ShelterHuron Women’s Shelter, Second Stage Housing and Counselling Services is the premier organization in Huron County dedicated solely to women’s safety, mental health and well-being. Programming is centered on ending violence against women and their children, trauma recovery, mental health and providing access to resources and opportunities that increase independence.

Beliefs and ValuesWomen’s Shelter Second Stage Housing and Counselling Services operates within a feminist, anti-oppression framework. This means we use a gender-based analysis of violence against women and that we will challenge all forms of oppression. We recognize that women may face multiple forms of oppression and that these compound their vulnerability. Working within this framework also means that we will conduct ourselves and provide services based on the following values:

A respectful, compassionate, culture of listening: Women have the right to personal autonomy in making and accepting responsibility for their own decisions. We respect women’s choices and we respect each other. We will ask women and each other what we need and will listen to those answers without judgement. We will provide compassionate care.

Diversity and inclusiveness: We celebrate diversity and are inclusive of all women and their children within the limits of our resources. We recognize that women have unique needs and work to provide the right service to meet those needs.

Interconnectedness: We believe in collaboration and building partnerships within the organization, across the community and at all levels to provide comprehensive service and advocacy. We promote continuous learning to ensure we stay connected with emerging issues and evidence.

Integrity and accountability: We will strive to do the right thing and will be accountable for what we say and do.

Excellence and Leadership: We work to continuously improve our services and strengthen our advocacy to end violence against women and achieve women’s equality.

VisionA world free from abuse, violence, oppression and poverty where all women have achieved equality.

MissionWe advocate for women’s equality, work to prevent violence, and provide services for women and their children who have experienced abuse and/or violence.

Position OverviewReporting to the Chair of the Board of Directors and within the context of a feminist, anti-oppression framework, the Executive Director is accountable for the overall leadership and management of the Agency and all of its programs and services consistent with the mission, values of the Agency. In accordance with legislative and regulatory requirements, board approved policies and procedures, and consistent with the annual service and administrative plans, the Executive Director will ensure the effective management of all human, financial and capital resources of the Agency.

Overall AccountabilitiesLeadership and Planning: Ensures the development, implementation, evaluation and review of effective programs and service

initiatives to benefit Agency clients which are consistent with the mission, goals, service directions and needs;

Ensures the existence of comprehensive standards, policies and procedures consistent with the Agency’s mission, vision and values and which comply with government directions and all relevant legislation;

Ensures the development of Agency plans including strategic plans, annual service plans, financial plans and funding submissions;

Collaborates with the Board and the community to ensure that programs and policies consistently reflect changing community and environmental needs and conditions.

Agency Management: Ensures that the Agency operates within appropriate legislation, standards and guidelines established by

funding sources and the Board; Oversees the development of the annual service plan including establishment of operational goals and

objectives; Reviews incident reports, risk assessments and shift change reports as required; Ensures communication with Ontario Association of Interval and Transition Houses, and other relevant

organizations and provides the Board and staff with appropriate information regarding these activities. Ensures the development of publicity and promotional information and material; Ensures the development and implementation of progressive service, human resource, financial, IT and

administrative policies and procedures; Ensures the completion and submission of government and community surveys, reports and funding

proposals; Monitors and evaluates organizational structures and operational systems to ensure they effectively

support the work of the Agency; Ensures that quality measures are in place and that each service is regularly evaluated for adherence to

legislative requirements, standards, accreditation requirements and the Agency’s mission and goals.

Board of Directors: Works with the Board of Directors and its committees to establish short- and long-range Agency plans

and monitors and reports on progress in achieving objectives; Ensures the development of relevant policies in conjunction with the Board of Directors; Collaborates with the Board to identify and implement strategies to mitigate risk as it relates to both

staff and clients of the Agency. Advises the Board on matters affecting the efficient and effective operation of the Agency; Acts as a spokesperson for the Agency and responds to high profile issues and requests for information

from the media; Attends and assists in the preparation of board meetings and provides guidance and information on

organizational matters; provides recommendations to the Board through regular reports and presentations;

Reports on relevant trends, issues, serious occurrences and identification of new programs and service requirements;

Ensures the preparation of all necessary documents and reports such as service plans, annual reports, financial statements etc. for submission to the Board.

Financial Management: Responsible for the development, approval and administration of the Agency's budget which includes,

budgeting, development of funding proposals, planning and reporting in accordance with established guidelines;

Authorizes expenditures and ensures that they conform with budgetary parameters; Ensures that regular financial reports including financial forecasts are prepared; Liaises with funding sources regarding budget submissions, ensuring that contractual agreements are

met; Develops and implements annual and long-range financial plans as directed by the Board.

Human Resource Management: Ensures the existence of sound and progressive human resource policies and procedures which

contributes to a positive work culture and engaged workforce; Provides feedback, guidance, direction, leadership, support, mentoring and evaluation to staff and

ensures understanding and alignment with organizational values, goals and priorities; Ensures the development of strategies to support the recruitment and retention of a highly qualified

and skilled workforce; Ensures the existence of good practices and processes relative to the selection, hiring, performance

evaluation, corrective action, and termination of employees; Supports a culture of learning and professional development and ensures leadership development

opportunities exist for staff;

Ensures the existence of competitive salary and benefits attract, retain, reward and recognize competent staff;

Ensures that appropriate training and professional development opportunities exist for staff; Ensures that staff are familiar with and adhere to the Agency policies, procedures, practices and

standards.

Community: Identifies and creates opportunities for improving linkages, partnerships and joint ventures with other

agencies and organizations and establishes and maintains effective working relationships Networks and advocate with funding sources in order to negotiate additional funding to address funding

cuts or other related financial issues; Participate in activities concerning regional, provincial, national and international issues of violence

against women and children; Advocates on behalf of the Agency regarding critical issues impacting women and children; Respond to public speaking requests in order to increase community awareness of Agency programs and

services; Represents the Agency at local/regional/provincial conferences, committees and planning groups; Liaises with government and community organizations and participates on external committees aimed

at facilitating open communication and identifying opportunities for increased collaboration.

Required Education and Experience Master’s degree (Social Work or a related discipline or equivalent combination of education and

experience); Minimum of five years’ experience in a senior management/team leadership position within the social

services sector; Comprehensive knowledge of the various levels and programs of government.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Possesses knowledge of the feminist perspective on the political, social and legal issues pertaining to the

issue of violence against women and their children; Knowledge of all relevant legislation including the Child and Family Service Act, Employment Standards

Act, Human Rights Code, Occupational Health and Safety Act and other relevant legislation; Some knowledge of financial administration, including financial controls, budgeting and reporting

systems in order to provide proper oversight; Knowledge of progressive human resource practices, principles and all relevant employment legislation; Relevant knowledge and/or experience with community, social service, medical and justice system

services;

Knowledge and experience with municipal, provincial and federal government including ability to effectively lobby;

Experience acting as the Chief Spokesperson for an organization to effectively deal with media around sensitive and high-profile issues;

Ability to provide strong leadership, guidance, motivation and a clear and compelling vision to Agency staff;

Ability to develop and implement structures and systems and evaluate effectiveness Experience working with Boards, staff, volunteers, and community members and ability to form strong

partnerships; Excellent analytical, problem solving, negotiating, consensus building, conflict resolution and decision-

making skills. Excellent planning, organizational, administrative and oral and written communication skills; Knowledge and experience with MS Office products such as word processing and spreadsheet and

database applications.

Strategic Priorities – 2016-2020The following four strategic priorities will serve to establish a solid foundation to enable a strong and vibrant future for Huron Women’s Shelter Second Stage Housing and Counselling Services.

Enhancing Capacity: Ensure the Board and staff have tools they need to do their work effectively and compassionately as they respond to the unique and complex needs of women and children.

Securing Assets: Effective management of capital infrastructure and intentionally increasing revenues and resources.

Strengthen the Core: Focus on the internal operations of the organization to create a culture of inclusion, quality and accountability. Strengthen staff resilience by ensuring staff feel prepared, competent, and supported.

Engaging the Community: Promote the agency as a unified, multi-service provider and ensure community partners and citizens understand the range of services available.

Feldman Daxon Partners Contact Information

To express interest, please contact and/or forward your cover letter and resume (confidentially) to:

Patrick Rowan, Partner, Feldman Daxon Partners 45 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 700, Toronto, Ontario M4V 1K9Tel.: 416-515-7600 x254; E-mail: prowan@feldmandaxon.com

About Feldman Daxon PartnersFeldman Daxon Partners is Canada’s longest-standing national provider of executive search, career transition, and coaching/leadership development services. Since 1991, we have been at the forefront of innovation in human resources consulting by integrating these three services. Our Executive Search practice has been locating top talent for senior executive and managerial positions on a retainer-fee basis since our firm was founded in 1991. Our unwavering set of core values and dedication to client service has allowed us to build and maintain relationships with hundreds of clients in virtually every market sector, and across Canada. Regular communication, high quality candidate shortlists, industry knowledge, judgment, and expediency in our retainer search services are all reasons Canada’s leading companies choose to partner with the professionals at Feldman Daxon.