Organization:

Dying With Dignity Canada (DWDC) is a $3M+ national human-rights charity committed to improving quality of dying, protecting end-of-life rights, and helping people across Canada avoid unwanted suffering.

We defend human rights by advocating for assisted dying rules that respect the Canadian Constitution and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms

We provide support to adults suffering from a grievous and irremediable medical condition who wish to die on their own terms

We educate people across Canada about all their legal end-of-life options, including medical assistance in dying (MAID), and the importance of Advance Care Planning

We support health care practitioners who assess for and provide MAID

Through our national office staff and our broad network of volunteers across Canada, DWDC delivers vital education, advocacy and end of life support so every Canadian can have access to end-of-life choice and care.

For more information: www.dyingwithdignity.ca

The Position:

In this newly created role, the Vice President, Operations will ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the overall operational management of Dying with Dignity Canada (DWDC). An experienced senior leader, the Vice President will use their skills in people, project and organizational management to ensure the appropriate infrastructure exists to support optimum delivery of mission-based programs, financial management, human resource management, fundraising, volunteer management and community and government relations.

While the Vice President will prioritize the management of day-to-day operations, including financial management, information technology/information management (IT/IM), human resources, volunteer management and quality improvement, they will also directly support the oversight of other key organization pillars in partnership with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team.

Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President, Operations will partner with the CEO and the Board to provide strategic and tactical support to advance short- and longer-term organizational priorities.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

Leadership

Partner with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team to advance DWDC’s strategic priorities and operational plan

Work with the CEO to systematically identify and leverage organizational strengths and opportunities while identifying and mitigating organizational weaknesses and risks.

Improve and build infrastructure such as policies, systems, reporting and analysis to support directional and budgetary decision-making

Monitor organization performance, identify areas to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness and work collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team to develop and implement solutions for department and organizational challenges

Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and reinforce a culture that is grounded in DWDC’s values and mission and high performance within a context of work/life balance

Support the CEO with key relationships including the Board of Directors, Advisory Councils, Working Groups and Chapters

Function as the second in command to ensure continuation of operations when the CEO is unavailable

Operations

Oversee day-to-day national office operations, including management of finance, human resources, IT, office equipment, database, contracts and leases

Work with the CEO and Senior Leadership team to create, deliver and evaluate an annual operations plan that is relevant, adaptive and focussed on impact

Create meaningful tracking processes and performance metrics to measure efficiency and effectiveness across the organization

Assess and implement improved policies, processes and new technologies in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team

Work with relevant staff and the IT vendor to strategize and manage IT integration to support high organizational performance and cybersecurity

Develop an approach to streamline protocols and improve the organization of files and documents in collaboration with the Senior Leadership Team to enhance document management practises

Support the creation, quality and delivery of materials for the Board of Directors, Advisory Councils and Working Groups as required

Human Resources

Manage all human resources related activities according to organizational policies and procedures, while ensuring compliance with current laws and regulations

Ensure staff are provided with the tools and resources required to meet their goals

Lead the design, execution, and continuous enhancement of the annual performance review process, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, driving accountability, and ensuring staff development and retention

Strengthen hiring and onboarding processes, professional development programs, policies and cultural initiatives

Review and revise staff compensation (as required) to ensure DWDC is a competitive employer in the charitable sector

Employ a lens that values equity diversity and inclusion when implementing change

Finance

Support strong financial management and controls and act as a key advisor on financial matters to the CEO, the Senior leadership team and the Board Finance Committee

Lead the annual budget process in collaboration with the CEO and the Senior Leadership Team to ensure the budget aligns with forecast and goals

Ensure financial and budgetary best practices and key performance indicators are established, observed and reported against monthly and quarterly across the organization

Partner with Finance to ensure proper management and oversight of day-to-day financial activities including accounts payable, payroll, financial reporting and work with external investment firm to support optimum performance of investments

Ensure financial management of all activities is consistent with budgets and projections, while communicating any variances to the CEO in a timely and systematic manner

Oversee the annual audit process in collaboration with the external firm and auditor, ensuring compliance with standards and requests

Governance

Support the CEO and Board in ensuring organizational compliance with regulatory requirements and governance best practices

Collaborate with the CEO on the production of all Board and Committee meeting materials in a timely and accurate manner

Partner with the Governance Committee, CEO and Board Administrator in recruiting Board members and managing the nomination process and Annual General Meeting

Responsible for overseeing the membership renewal process annually

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

Leadership experience in progressively senior roles in the non-profit and/or the for-profit sector

Knowledge of the laws and policies that govern Canadian charities is a definite asset

A systems expert, with proven history building organization infrastructure such as reporting metrics, policies and processes to improve efficiency and results

Superior project management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple priorities

Knowledge and experience with financial oversight, reporting and analysis, a designation is not required

Experience working with diverse groups to create budgets and strategic and annual plans

Experience delivering excellent human resources management through delivery of policies, administrative structure and tools

Proven history managing, coaching and evaluating high performing staff teams

A highly resilient, critical thinker with excellent analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills

High level of skill and experience with all standard office equipment and software packages, including MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and other, online tools

Familiarity with Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT, NationBuilder or New/Mode is an asset

Excellent oral and written communication skills, including strong presentation skills with the ability to deliver key messages to diverse audiences in a compelling manner

Experience managing vendors and negotiating vendor agreements

Passion for supporting the end-of-life rights of people across Canada, while considering cultural differences and diverse perspectives on end-of-life care

Knowledge/exposure to fundraising, government relations and public relations would be a definite asset

Proven commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

Degree or diploma in business administration OR a related field, AND/OR relevant experience, skills and knowledge gained through practical experience and self-directed learning

Bilingual (French/English) is an asset

Application Instructions

Dying With Dignity Canada is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to fair employment practices. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, accommodation will be provided in all parts of the hiring process, as required. Applicants are encouraged to make their needs for accommodation known as early on as possible during the application process.  

We encourage applications from Black people, Metis, Inuit and First Nations peoples, people of colour, people who identify with disability, LGBTQ+ people and people from other equity-seeking groups that face systemic discrimination. DWDC is committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace, and a working environment free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, and violence.

Dying With Dignity Canada

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Vice President, Operations