In 1981, Summit Housing & Outreach Programs was founded in response to a desperate need for supportive, affordable housing for people diagnosed with mental illness. Over the past 40+ years, Summit, a non-profit organization, has grown to provide a comprehensive range of services for individuals with serious mental illness and the families that support them. Summit is committed to enhancing the quality of life for those it serves through, Residential Supported Housing, Community Housing, Case Management, Assertive Community Treatment, Intake and Referrals, Peer Support Programs, Justice Programs, Health and Wellness initiatives, Group Programs and Family Support. See the Portfolio of Services.

With their Head Office in Oakville, Ontario, Summit has additional locations operating in Burlington, Milton, Georgetown, and Acton. Summit operates with a team of 45 dedicated employees, three quarters of which are front-line workers and part of the SEIU (Union), and 26 volunteers. In 2023 Summit served over 500 individuals, helped house over 200 people and worked collaboratively with the Mental Health and Addictions Alliance to find unique and innovative ways to help ensure a continuum of care and strive for a more integrated health system for those struggling with mental health.

Funding for programs and services Summit Housing & Outreach Programs provides comes from a number of sources including Ontario Health and MOHLTC Housing. They are governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.

Strategic Plan, Mission-Vision-Values, Financials and Community Impact can all be found here in the 2022-2023 Annual Report.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the oversight and effective management of the strategic and operational plans as well as the implementation of strategic priorities, directions, policies, values, and standards to ensure attainment of the organizational goals. The Board is looking for a leader with a passion for the MISSION, who lives the VALUES of the organization and can lead Summit in its VISION to be partners in providing a better quality of life for the people we serve. The incumbent has the knowledge, curiosity, credibility and experience to lead a community mental health and addictions agency and inspire the dedicated staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

People Leadership - The ED will build on the various strengths of the people within the organization, empowering them to lead, make decisions and connect with the people they support with respect, compassion and trust. The ED will promote an environment that supports staff wellness and the highest standards of integrity and ethical behavior. They will ensure effective human resources planning and management through the application of best practices and legislative compliance.

Strategic Planning and Execution – The ED is responsible for setting the strategic plan in collaboration with the Board and exploring, developing and implementing new program opportunities that align with the plan, vision and mission of the organization. The ED will also ensure that the requirements of all funders are fulfilled and accreditation requirements are met while equally looking for additional funding avenues and opportunities.

Service Excellence and Continuous Improvement – The ED will be accountable for the quality of care, dignity and safety of service recipients. The ED will encourage innovative thinking, new ways of working and be responsive to emerging trends and practices in the field of supportive housing. A transparent and transformative leader, the ED will always promote and live by the values of the organization.

Financial Oversight and Risk Management – The ED will oversee the preparation and execution of annual operating budgets for approval by the Board as well as ensure effective financial viability and stability in accordance with relevant laws, regulations and generally accepted accounting practices. The ED will manage organizational risk by identifying, analyzing, and responding to risk factors and opportunities.

Labour Relations – The ED has accountability for all aspects of labour relations, including union negotiations, and will represent the agency in negotiation and liaison with all funding bodies. The ED will maintain effective relationships with agency partners, local politicians, the local business community, and the broader community including the Ontario Health Teams.

Communication – The ED will foster strong relationships with all stakeholders including partners, politicians, funders, and the people Summit serves. As a spokesperson for the organization, they will promote wellness, resilience and hope for the individuals, families, workplaces, and communities in the Halton District ensuring the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its clients, Board, and funders.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate for this position will bring a post-secondary degree, diploma or equivalent in business, public or health administration. They will have a minimum experience of 5 – 7 years in progressively senior leadership positions within a community-based, non-profit, voluntary sector organization. Preference will be given to experience in serious mental illness, housing and knowledge of the Employment Standards Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act.

We are looking for a candidate with prior experience reporting to a Board of Directors with an understanding of Board governance and management. The successful candidate will have strong financial acumen, political acuity, communication skills and be operationally minded. A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism, valuing compassion, respect, compassion, collaboration, and honesty will be essential.

This role requires travel within the Halton District – a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle is required.

It is important to note that this role carries some risk as it may require dealing with upset, and sometimes angry, clients who have to come to terms with living with a serious mental illness; and responding to traumatic events such as attempted suicide, disturbed behaviour, and aggressive and/or violent incidents.

Summit Housing & Outreach Programs strives to foster an equitable workplace that reflects the

diversity of the community we serve and welcomes all qualified candidates including racialized

individuals, members of the 2SLGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities and people with

culturally diverse backgrounds. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. Summit may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.