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Executive Director

February 1, 2023 in Co-op NewsJob Postings

Position: Executive Director

Location: Kitchener, Ontario, Canada

Deadline: February 13, 2023

The Central Ontario Co-Operative Housing Federation (COCHF) was founded in 1992 as a democratic non-profit with a corporate structure guided by the International Co-operative Principles. COCHF supports the development and operations of member-controlled co-operative communities; it is a resource and a collective voice for its over 40 members. COCHF provides services and activities which benefit housing co-operatives individually and collectively within the Region of Waterloo, Wellington and Brant County, and, when opportune, in partnership with other co-operative organizations. COCHF is governed by a 9-member volunteer Board of Directors and includes representation from the local co-operative staff association and co-operative housing management agencies.

Who are we looking for?

You are an inspired and thoughtful leader with experiential knowledge of the co-operative housing sector, co-operative principles and relevant provincial and federal legislation governing the co-operative sector. You have experience in supporting initiatives, partnership building in all sectors of the community and have a proven track record of success. You have strong leadership skills and are familiar with the policies, procedures, and legislation governing the activities of non-profit organizations. You are familiar working with a volunteer Board of Directors.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the federation and is the sole staff person. Responsibilities of the Executive Director falls into seven key areas:

  1. Member Services and Program Development: Identify and design member services and programs that align with current issues in the sector and support the strategic direction of the Federation. Promote and support successful services for members.
  2. Member and Sector Relations: Participate in and support the co-operative sector, looking for opportunities to build and strengthen partnerships that will enhance the services of the federation. Maintain regular communications with members and use web-based tools to enhance existing communication channels.
  3. Governance Support: support the work of the Board as they govern and plan for the strategic direction of the federation.
  4. Strategic Planning: Participate in the strategic planning process for COCHF, taking steps to implement operational aspects of the plan and regularly reporting progress to the Board.
  5. Operations: Ensure administrative and operational activities are completed in a timely manner and within given parameters.
  6. Finance: Oversee the implementation of COCHF’s financial controls and systems, ensuring compliance with necessary governing legislation and internal policies.
  7. Human Resources: Oversee the work of Federation staff and consultants, ensuring consistent services are provided to COCHF members

Qualifications:

  • Excellent relationship building (community capacity building) skills and good ability to identify, build and maintain formal and informal networks and partnerships, within the local and broader co-operative community
  • Some experience developing and managing programs and organizing events is highly desirable
  • Proven ability to plan, organize and manage multiple tasks within established deadlines
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and to work effectively within diverse teams and communities
  • Demonstrated ability to problem solve, think strategically and effectively, in difficult situations
  • Excellent organizational, analytical, communication (written and verbal) skills
  • Familiarity with budget planning & monitoring, financial statements and general bookkeeping
  • Demonstrated familiarity with the housing co-operative sector
  • Post-secondary university/college education in a related field or equivalent experience
  • Computer literacy with Microsoft Office products; Comfort with web-based tools, websites; email and social media
  • Some evening and weekend work will be required

COCHF has been operating with an Interim Executive Director in place since May 1, 2022. This recruitment is an open recruitment process whereby interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and with a cover letter to [email protected]. This role offers flexibility in location with an expectation of in-office work, on-location work and travel within the catchment area.

The deadline for applications is February 13, 2023 with an anticipated employment start date of May 1, 2023. We thank all applicants for their submissions, but only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

COCHF is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace; we welcome applications from women, racially visible individuals, people with disabilities, Indigenous peoples, and LGBTQ2S+ persons.  COCHF is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. If contacted for this employment opportunity, please advise if you require any accommodation.

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