Harbour House, Bridgewater- Seeking Executive Director

Harbour House is hiring a seasoned Executive Director to oversee, lead, and manage the operations of the shelter and its programs on-site in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. The ED is accountable to the Board of Directors of the Association, ensuring that all activities and programs are carried in a way that increases independence, promotes self-sufficiency and empowers women, children, and survivors of domestic violence. The successful candidate will have extensive experience managing teams, setting efficient operational processes, seamlessly shifting gears to meet organizational needs, sourcing/writing grants, and maintaining composure while helping clients and staff navigate crises. This person must have compassion and empathy, as well as a deep understanding of client-centered care that is trauma-informed and optimizes for harm-reduction. Ultimately, the ED must possess exceptional leadership qualities and have the capacity to set the tone for a healthy organization/team through modeling professionalism and humility.

Education

Bachelors degree in social sciences or related field; or a combination of education and a minimum five years experience in a recent position that delivered mental health, addiction, or counselling services.

Experience

  • Minimum of 5 years of progressive senior management experience in a non-profit organization.
  • Experience working in a residential facility.
  • Experience working with a volunteer Board of Directors.
  • Experience using trauma-informed, client-centred approach to program delivery.

Knowledge

  • Knowledge of applicable laws and issues related to intimate partner violence.
  • Knowledge of Trauma-informed, client-centred approaches.
  • Knowledge of emerging issues in service delivery to the client population.
  • Knowledge of financial management in government and non-profit sectors

Abilities  

  • Ability to supervise personnel in a unionized environment and develop teams.
  • Ability to manage the finances of the organization, including preparing annual budget, managing monthly finances, preparing payroll, etc.
  • Ability to design and deliver programs and services.
  • Ability to raise funds, secure funders, and work in partnership with others to support the delivery of programs and services.
  • Ability to maintain The House and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Ability to manage conflict and employ crisis intervention techniques.
  • Ability to speak to diverse audiences and promote the Association’s programs and services.
  • Ability to represent the Association on local and provincial committees that explore women’s issues.
  • Ability to use technology to support the operation of the Association.

Attributes 

  • Leadership
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Compassion
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including grant-writing skills
  • Initiative/resourcefulness
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Good judgment
  • Strategic thinking

Conditions of Employment

  • Must obtain a satisfactory criminal record check and vulnerable sector check.
  • Must be flexible with working hours to respond to client and staff needs, meet with external organizations, and support the operations of the Board of Director.
  • Must have own transportation.
  • Salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

Qualified applicants are invited to send a cover letter and resume to board@harbour-house.ca 

Applicants must clearly state in the cover letter how they meet the criteria for Education, Experience, and Abilities noted above.

We thank all who apply, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.