Executive Director - O'Shaughnessy House

Executive Director

O'Shaughnessy House (OSH) and OSH Foundation Inc.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the overall leadership, management and strategic direction of the organization, including shelter operations and associated programs. The role also maintains accountability to funding agencies on financial matters and works closely with the Board of Directors of the O'Shaughnessy House Foundation with respect to fundraising and sustainability initiatives.

The Executive Director ensures that services are delivered in a manner consistent with the organization's mandate, values and evolving community needs, while maintaining a strong focus on operational effectiveness, financial stewardship and organizational sustainability.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Operations

• Provide strategic and operational leadership aligned with the direction of the Board of Directors, including participation in Board and Foundation meetings and regular reporting
• Lead organizational planning, including setting priorities and supporting long-term strategic direction
• Oversee operations of the shelter and programs to ensure services are responsive, high quality and aligned with the organization's mandate and values
• Foster effective working relationships across the Board, leadership and staff

Programs, Policy and Service Delivery

• Oversee the planning, delivery and evaluation of programs and services
• Lead the development, review and implementation of policies that reflect legislative requirements, community context and effective practice
• Ensure services and policies are supported through appropriate staff training and aligned with trauma-informed and ethical frameworks

Financial and Organizational Management

• Oversee budgeting, financial planning and resource allocation
• Ensure compliance with funding agreements and reporting requirements
• Support fundraising, grant development and revenue diversification initiatives in collaboration with the Foundation
• Monitor financial performance and support long-term sustainability

Human Resources, Risk and Community Engagement

• Provide leadership across human resources, including workforce planning, employee relations and performance management
• Promote a respectful, inclusive and psychologically safe workplace
• Oversee risk management, including leadership of critical incidents involving clients, staff or facility safety
• Represent the organization within the community, building strong relationships with partners, government and funders
• Actively engage in community networking to strengthen connections, partnerships and local awareness of services

Qualifications

• University degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Masters degree is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated leadership experience in a non-profit, social services or comparable environment, with an understanding of governance and Board relations
• Knowledge of applicable federal and provincial legislation relevant to non-profit operations; experience in unionized environments is considered an asset
• Familiarity with community-based services supporting women and children, including issues related to intimate partner violence
• Strong strategic thinking, decision-making and financial and resource management capability
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to lead through complexity and manage competing priorities
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and diplomacy, with a commitment to feminist, trauma-informed, and ethical practice