Do you care deeply about the people you serve? Do you have experience managing and growing a successful organization that truly makes a difference? If so, Balsam Care might be the place for you.

Since 1980, Balsam Care has been a dedicated leader in the community living movement-supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, and mental illness. We are a place to live for those who require support and an employer of choice for caregivers. At Balsam, people are safe, respected, and cared for by compassionate professionals.

Balsam Care is not only thriving-we are growing. We believe everyone has the right to live with dignity and access meaningful employment opportunities.

Chief Operating Officer

We are seeking an operational leader to provide executive oversight in strategic implementation, human resources, operations, and fiscal management. This role requires a creative and forward-thinking mindset to connect our current services to our future goals.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a critical role in guiding Balsam through its next phase of evolution. The COO is accountable to the Chief Executive Officer for both their performance and that of their teams.

Terms:

• 4-5 days per week
• 12-month contract with option to extend
• On-site in Bridgewater, NS
• Proposed compensation: $55 per hour
• Reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer

What You'll Be Doing

Strategic and Organizational Leadership

• Implement and operationalize strategic plans to advance Balsam's mission and long-term goals.
• Foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement through advocacy and community engagement.
• Lead organizational adaptation to emerging policies, accreditation, sector best practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Represent Balsam at key community and sectoral events; conduct regular site visits to build strong relationships with staff and residents.
• Collaborate with the CEO and Board on long-term organizational planning and sustainability.

Senior Leadership Team Collaboration

• Work closely with your direct reports and the leadership team to develop and execute organizational strategies aligned with Balsam's mission.
• Participate in regular leadership meetings and strategic planning sessions, offering insights on IT, operations, and HR.
• Lead organizational restructuring initiatives in partnership with the CEO while maintaining operational continuity.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and act as a key liaison between departments.
• Oversee policy development, review, and implementation, including serving as Secretary for the Board of Directors' Governance Committee.
• Perform other duties as required.

Operational Management

• Lead day-to-day operations, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation, standards, and collective agreements.
• Supervise departmental leaders and support their teams to ensure service quality and operational excellence.
• Conduct regular visits to community housing across our service regions to strengthen staff and resident engagement.
• Drive organizational improvement through change management, system upgrades, and infrastructure development, including intranet systems, digital implementation and onboarding processes.

Financial Management

• Oversee budgeting, financial forecasting, grant management, and fundraising efforts.
• Work with the Finance Team to develop and implement financial policies and strategies to ensure accountability and long-term sustainability.
• Ensure financial plans are fully aligned with organizational priorities and strategic goals.

Human Resource Management

• Lead all HR functions including workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluation.
• Provide strong leadership in a unionized environment, including collective bargaining preparation and ongoing labour relations.
• Foster a healthy, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture that promotes retention and professional growth.

We'd Love to Work with You If You Have:

• A bachelor's degree (graduate degree preferred) in human services, non-profit leadership, business administration, or public administration; or a minimum of 7 years equivalent experience. A CPA or CPHR designation is considered an asset.
• A minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role overseeing operations, finance, HR, and external partnerships.
• Proven track record of implementing organizational strategies to drive innovation and transformation.
• Experience in healthcare or disability services is strongly preferred.
• A strategic mindset with strong communication and collaboration skills
• An entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to continuous growth.
• Proven skills in team leadership and conflict resolution.
• Experience with grant writing and working in unionized environments would be an asset.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with the Senior Management Team, Board of Directors, stakeholders, government officials, departments, and other internal and external parties.
• Ability to advocate and provide community engagement to enhance the lives of individuals with diverse abilities.
• Excellent negotiation and delegation skills, highly organized and flexible to tasks, and must be self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Problem solving and critical thinking skills, ability to work in a dynamic, challenging environment and comfortable dealing with ambiguity in the workplace.
• Strength in organizational planning, negotiation, and managing complex change.
• Creative mindset - "a for profit mindset in a not for profit world".
• A high attention to detail, a proactive mindset-and a great sense of humour!

Commitment to Human Rights and Inclusion

Balsam Care is committed to the principles outlined in the Nova Scotia Human Rights Remedy and proudly upholds the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from African Nova Scotians, Indigenous Peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Accommodations are available throughout the hiring process upon request.