Chief Executive Officer (Blue Door Shelters)

A highly rewarding career opportunity for a change leader who is ready to lead the development of a clear, transformational vision for Blue Door that builds on the agency’s excellent reputation, engages a committed team and aligns with the York Region homelessness strategy.

Founded in 1982, Blue Door Shelters is a not-for-profit organization located in York Region, providing safe, supportive emergency housing, and housing services and supports for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Blue Door operates three sites in the community – Leeder Place for families, Porter Place for men, and Kevin’s Place for male youth – and is embarking on the development of a bold, new strategic plan that will require a significant shift in its strategy and culture. That’s where you come in. As the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), you will play a pivotal role in leading the required change across this vital, vibrant community agency.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, as Blue Door’s transformational leader, you will provide strategic leadership with a view to ensuring cohesive, effective programming that meets the needs of clients and their families – now and in the future. Working closely with the Board and the management team, you will establish and guide the overall agency philosophy and mission, and lead the collaborative development of a strategic plan that is consistent with regional strategic plans, and supports the mission while integrating resources and intervention strategies.

It will be your mandate, as CEO, to ensure that sound fiscal, human resource and administrative management policies and practices are in place, and that they comply with government policies and regulations. As a key representative of the organization, you will demonstrate your passion for the cause, your political savvy and your strengths as a tactful, persuasive communicator, as you develop and maintain positive, proactive relationships and communication with related agencies, stakeholders, government officials and the community to ensure effective service delivery.

A visionary who thinks and acts strategically while effectively delivering planned results, you combine a degree in a relevant discipline, preferably at the master’s level, with a track record of leadership success in the public/not-for-profit/private, multiple stakeholder, unionized service sector. In particular, you are known for having led positive, progressive, transformative change as well as developed and implemented innovative initiatives and programs, with and through people. A background in social/community services would be considered an asset.

This key role will also see you calling upon your business acumen and experience in developing and implementing strategic plans, advising and supporting a Board of Directors/Board Committees to advance an organization’s mission, and developing and sustaining proactive working relationships with funders and partners. A proven “thought” leader and an architect of progressive change, with a commitment to equity and inclusion, you know how to make tough decisions while inspiring, motivating, engaging and managing strong teams and creating a caring, trusting and collegial work culture.

With your exceptional ability to win credibility and rally people around a shared vision, you are prepared to become a proactive, true partner with York Region, the United Way, Krasman, LOFT, key donors and new partners, a strong steward of Blue Door’s resources (people, finances, technology and physical assets), and a strong, visible champion and advocate for Blue Door’s mission, vision and values.

As the successful candidate, you will be required to provide a valid Vulnerable Sector Screening Report from York Regional Police.

To apply to this life-changing executive role, submit your application to Phelpsgroup at careers@phelpsgroup.ca. Application deadline: January 6, 2019.