Executive Director

Our client is seeking an Executive Director, reporting to the Board of Directors, subject to all pertinent legislation, by-laws and policies, the Executive Director (ED) is accountable for the direction, leadership, ongoing development and implementation of strategic goals, financial and overall management of the Hospice.

The ED must ensure the organization provides quality resident, employee and volunteer experiences within the scope of available resources and approved strategic plans, guidelines, and directives that are consistent with the vision, mission and values of the Hospice.

The ED is responsible to lead employees, volunteers, and develop and sustain strong community connections with donors and stakeholders. The ED ensures compliance with regulatory agencies, Assisted Living Alberta (ALA), liaise with Acute Care Alberta, and accrediting bodies, continually monitors the performance of the Hospice's services and delivery systems while adhering to the policies and guidelines of the Hospice. The ED works closely with the hospice multidisciplinary team, in accordance with established procedures and standards, ensuring resident and family safety is a priority.

The ED's mandate is to lead and manage change and growth; aimed at delivering excellence of personnel and health care service delivery within the organization. The ED role requires balancing empathy and understanding with strategic decision making while advocating for all stakeholders of the hospice.

Internal Relations

The ED works with members of the Board, medical and health professions, and all other operational staff which render professional services, with the objective of building positive relationships and strengthening communications, enabling the Hospice to provide the best possible care. The ED builds a collaborative culture, unifies diverse teams and foster trust across the organization.

External Relations

The ED is the representative of the Hospice in the Calgary region and surrounding rural areas, bringing together third-party collaborators, sponsors, benefactors and stakeholders. The ED:

· Maintains a credible public image and optimal public relations for the Hospice.

· Acts as liaison with donors, Assisted Living Alberta (ALA)., the media, the public, and all other interested groups unless otherwise delegated.

· Initiates and develops relationships and acts as a liaison with a broad range of community sectors including all levels of government, non-profit organizations, hospices, local businesses and donors within the Foothills region and Calgary.

Position Overview

Governance and Policy Development

The ED ensures the seamless integration of services within the Hospice, in accordance with the vision, mission, values and policies of the Board.  The ED utilizes their leadership skills, understanding of hospice and support of their interdisciplinary team to perform objectives set out in the Hospice strategic plan.

The ED reports directly to the Board.

Risk management and Quality Improvement

The ED is ultimately responsible for a culture of safe, quality care that supports the strategic plan, policies, and procedures of the Hospice. The ED utilizes the strength and skills of the leadership team in delegating implementation while providing oversight.

Human Resource Management

The ED is accountable for all Human Resource issues including recruiting, selecting, developing, motivating, evaluating, coaching, disciplining and, if necessary, discharging personnel. The ED will collaborate with teams leads in making personnel decisions while retaining overall responsibility.

The ED leads a respectful, inclusive workplace that fosters a team-centred approach.  Actively listens to concerns, provides feedback and manages conflict as necessary.

Financial and Physical Asset Management

The ED will use their business acumen to assist the Board in working towards several targeted steps to reach longer term financial stability for the Hospice. The ED organizes, integrates, develops, selects, maintains, and effectively utilizes the organization's resources (human, financial, property) to engage its vision and mission. Many of these activities will be in collaboration with other delegated individuals.  Leads the development of the Hospice strategic plan, with support from Board Committees and staff, and submits the draft strategic plan for approval to the Board. Provides recommendations to the Board of Directors for acquisitions/expenditures that are more than the approved budget limits.

Community Relations

The ED plays a pivotal role in externally representing the organization and internally unifying its diverse stakeholders. Maintains a good working relationship with palliative care physicians and members of the rural palliative care team. Promotes and fosters the Hospice's culture in alignment with its Mission, Vision, Strategic Goals and Values to all stakeholders. Works in collaboration with ALA through the Funding Agreement and establishes and maintains good relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and transparency. Oversees, solicits feedback and contributes ideas related to marketing and community strategies as referenced in the Fund Development Plan.

Programs and Services

The ED leads the planning, development, delivery, and evaluation of programs and services, ensuring that the Hospice remains compliant with legislation and in accordance with approved budgets that align with the Hospice Mission and Strategic Plan.

The ED annually prepares and provides the Board of Directors summary reports of programs and services including recommendations for future improvement and change.

Candidate Profile

Knowledge, Skills

· Demonstrated knowledge of overall business leadership practices (human resource management, change management, leadership principles, risk mitigation, financial management, conflict resolution, negotiations, application of metrics).

· Knowledge of Medical/Health Care Industry and terms in contractual agreements, legislative/licensing requirements.

· Proficient computer skills / Office related programs.

· Excellent public speaking skills.

· Proven experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary teams (including care teams, food services, housekeeping, maintenance, reception, project management, etc.).

· Proven experience in change management, operational growth and the ability to make complex decisions in the face of competing interests and financial constraints.

· Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated conflict management resolution.

· Excellent analytical and organizational skills.

· Collaborative leadership skills capable of creating a positive work environment including a respectful team-centred approach that supports, coaches, educates and encourages employees and volunteers.

· Active listening skills that ensure differing viewpoints are heard and brought forth in decision making as appropriate.

· Supportive behaviour that advocates for specific team needs within the larger organization.

Education and Experience

· Masters degree in Health Care, Management, Finance, or Commerce is preferred.

· years of proven leadership experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary teams and operations.

· Strong background in managing growth, team integration and change; building a unified team.

· Experience in health services, palliative or supportive care facilities or non-profit sector.

· Willingness to work in a rural setting engaging with the rural community and the greater Calgary area alike.

· Certified Health Executive (CHE) or professional designation an asset.

Personal / Professional Attributes

· Strong self awareness, self-management, self-care and ability to accept performance feedback.

· Ability to engage, motivate, and collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team, senior leadership, donors, stakeholders and government agencies.

· Is pragmatic, composed and empathetic during stressful times.

· Proven results in completing projects, negotiations, conflict resolution, coaching, and collaboration.

· Proficient in cultivating professional networks.

· Ability to be available outside of core business hours in the case of an onsite emergency or requested attendance at community events or networking engagements.

· Strategic focus and ability to plan for long term sustainability.

· Focus and passion for end-of- life care in a hospice environment where guests and family can expect exceptional care.

• Please submit Cover Letter and Resume to