THE ORGANIZATION

Established in 1970, Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) is a progressive, not-for-profit health and social service organization that strengthens people's lives by providing mental health, employment, and housing services to more than 16,000 people annually in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

Starling works closely with businesses, agencies, funders, donors, and volunteers to deliver effective programs and services that meet the specific and growing needs of the communities it serves, including:

• Children and Mental Health Services: a Lead Agency responsible for planning, access and the quality of children’s mental health services across Waterloo Region, Starling provides preventative and supportive services in a variety of settings to help families cope with life’s challenges.
• Employment Services:  Starling offers a range of programs that help individuals find and maintain jobs, newcomers adjust to the Canadian workplace, and employers recruit and train employees. Starling also provides customized outplacement and adjustment services to help employers and employees manage workplace downsizing.
• Housing Services:  Starling helps individuals find and maintain permanent, safe, and affordable housing including assistance with loans for rental arrears and deposits, service resolution support, and housing information. Starling also operates Safe Haven Youth Services for 12–18-year-olds at risk of living on the street.
• Starling Child and Family Foundation (SCFF):  SCFF works with donors to direct their donations to areas of greatest interest and need.
• Luther Village on the Park:  This retirement community offers an active lifestyle where residents can maintain independence and receive extra support when needed. Residents pay market value knowing profits are used to support Starling's community work.

Vision

Communities where everyone experiences mental wellness, opportunities for employment, a place to call home, and a sense of belonging

Mission

We deliver community services to strengthen lives

Values

Respect for All  |  Compassion  |   Working Together  |  Making a Difference  |  Growth

THE OPPORTUNITY 

The Director of Finance provides financial oversight for Starling and SCFF and is a strategic business partner to the CEO, the CAO, the leadership team, and the Board of Governors and Finance Committee on all financial matters. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Finance contributes to the development of the agency‘s strategic and operational plans, including organizational structures, policies, and procedures, and is responsible for developing, directing and controlling all financial functions to maximize the effectiveness of Starling and SCFF.

In the midst of developing its new strategic plan, Starling continues to grow its service offerings and properties to meet the needs of its community, while navigating a complex business environment shaped by a broad range of services (including 24/7 operations) and real estate holdings (including life lease housing). The Director of Finance will continue to elevate the finance function into a strategic partner for the organization’s leaders, ensuring timely, reliable financial reporting and proactive cash flow management across all operations, and to build the capacity of the finance team as systems and process continue to evolve.

The Director of Finance reports to the Chief Administrative Officer and leads a team of approximately 22 staff. Current policy is a minimum 2 days per week in office, with travel to other locations in the area as needed.

IDEAL EXPERIENCE

• Member of the Institute of Chartered Professional Accountants with an active CPA designation.
• Finance leadership experience with the ability to analyze data and prepare reports, statements and projections for the Senior Leadership Team, Finance Committee and Board of Governors.
• Knowledge of real estate and property management ideally combined with experience in a multi-disciplinary health/social service/non-profit setting.
• Strong business acumen; serves as a strategic advisor and business partner to leadership and operations on financial matters.
• Consistently achieves and delivers results, demonstrating high performance for self and team, an entrepreneurial spirit, and adaptability to change that advances work and projects.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills that are effective across all audiences (Board, leaders, team, staff, volunteers, community partners, funders).
• Experience optimizing IT systems to support business solutions and organizational efficiencies.
• Able to network and plan at an intra- and inter-agency level, work independently and interdependently, give and take direction, and problem solve in a high-stress environment.
• An experienced people leader who develops, coaches and mentors the team while demonstrating alignment with Starling’s values and commitment to equity, including equitable practices in their leadership.

To better serve the diversity of its community, Starling is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for both clients and staff, and to the representation and hiring of all ethnicities, races, sexual/gender identities, cultural backgrounds, abilities, and beliefs. Starling is committed to providing a barrier-free environment for everyone who enters its premises, accesses its information, or uses its services. Please advise LHH Knightsbridge should you require accommodation.