Chief Executive Officer

**Position Summary**

South Shore Open Doors Association (SSODA) is a community-based, non-profit organization committed to advancing housing stability and social equity across Lunenburg and Queens Counties. At the heart of our mission is a belief in the dignity and potential of every individual, and the importance of collaboration in addressing complex social challenges.

We are seeking a compassionate, strategic, and visionary leader to serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The CEO will play a vital role in leading SSODA’s efforts to create sustainable, community-driven solutions to homelessness and housing insecurity. This includes overseeing day-to-day operations, guiding strategic planning, supporting staff and stakeholders, and building strong partnerships with funders, governments, and community organizations. The CEO is also responsible for managing the local Coordinated Access System (CAS) and fulfilling SSODA’s commitments under various contracts and initiatives.

This is an exciting opportunity for a values-driven leader who is passionate about housing justice, committed to inclusive leadership, and ready to work alongside a dedicated Board of Directors and staff team to create meaningful change in our communities.

**Reporting**

The CEO reports directly to the Board of Directors and attends all Board meetings to provide regular updates and reports.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Leadership**
- Leads SSODA in alignment with the strategic direction established by the Board of

Directors.
- Acts as an advisor to the Board and as a liaison between the Board and staff.
- Communicates regularly with the Board, ensuring they have the information needed for informed decision-making.
- In collaboration with the Board and staff, develops and implements strategic planning

processes.
- Monitors and evaluates progress toward strategic priorities and goals.
- Assists the Board with the development, review, and regular updating of organizational policies.
- Supports the Board in developing and executing fundraising plans when necessary.
- Manages organizational projects and contracts.
- Serves as the primary spokesperson for SSODA to partners, funders, media, and the

public.
- Oversees communications and public relations efforts, including SSODA’s website and

social media platforms.
- Reports regularly to funding organizations in accordance with contract or agreement

requirements.
- Identifies, assesses, and manages risks to people, property, finances, reputation, and

image, and reports to the Board in accordance with the organization's Risk Management

Policy and Procedures.
- Carries out other duties as assigned by the Board.

**Advocacy & Systems Change**
- Manages the Coordinated Access System (CAS) in compliance with the community’s

CAS Guide and Reaching Home guidelines.
- Identifies and implements advocacy priorities and strategies.
- Builds and maintains collaborative relationships with clients, partners, landlords,

developers, funders, and community organizations.
- Advocates effectively within municipal, provincial, and federal systems to improve

access to safe, affordable housing.
- Reports to and incorporates feedback from the Community Advisory Board and the South Shore Housing Action Coalition.

**Financial Management**
- Oversees the day-to-day financial operations of the organization.
- Seeks and applies for funding opportunities, including grants and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and maintains communication with funders.
- Works with the bookkeeper, accountant, and Board Treasurer to maintain accurate

financial records, prepare budgets, and oversee payroll and taxation.
- Maintains SSODA’s bank accounts and ensures sound financial practices.
- Manages expenditures within approved budgets and provides variance reporting at Board meetings.
- Enters into contracts that align with Board-approved plans or budgets.
- Ensures adequate insurance coverage for the organization and Board of Directors.

**Human Resources**
- Recruits and hires qualified, diverse staff in accordance with SSODA’s Employment

Policies and Procedures.
- Ensures staff receive appropriate training.
- Provides ongoing performance feedback and mentoring to staff.
- Conducts formal performance evaluations as per policy.
- Delegates responsibilities effectively.
- Communicates openly and frequently with staff, encouraging participation in decision
- making and problem-solving.
- Promotes teamwork, inclusivity, and a supportive work culture.

**Qualifications**
- Minimum of 3 years of progressive leadership experience in a non-profit, community
- based, or housing-related organization.
- In-depth understanding of homelessness, precarious housing, and the systemic and

intersectional issues contributing to housing instability.
- Experience with the development and implementation of a Coordinated Access System

(according to Reaching Home guidelines) is an asset.
- Strong commitment to Housing First principles and values.
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