Chief Operations Officer

Location. Abbotsford, British Columbia

Overview of Bethesda

Established in 1971 as a Christian ministry, Bethesda is a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF)-accredited agency providing an array of services throughout British Columbia (BC) including: Staff-Supported Homes, Home Share, Intentional Community, Community Inclusion, LIFE Services, Supported Independent Living, Children’s Respite, Family Support and Summer Camps to approximately 495 participants with diverse abilities and their families. Bethesda has a budget of $27 million and employs approximately 450 staff. Funding for our services is received through federal, provincial, and private donors and foundations. The primary funding partners are Community Living British Columbia (CLBC), BC Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD), BC Housing and the BC Ministry of Health (Fraser Health). Services and resources are based in the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan, with the provincial office located in Abbotsford. (See our Outcomes Management Report 2023 for further information about Bethesda.)

Overview of the COO Role

As the Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Bethesda, you will have the opportunity to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of the organization’s services and initiatives, ultimately making a positive and lasting impact on the community it serves.

Internally, you will oversee the long-term, general and day-to-day administration, operations and services to ensure they are meeting the mission and values of Bethesda. In your external-facing role, you will develop and maintain strong working relationships with external stakeholders, be a passionate advocate for policy change, actively foster community engagement, and build strategic partnerships.

Join us on this exhilarating journey as the COO, embracing a full-time position located in Abbotsford, BC. You will have the opportunity to travel to our service sites across the Lower Mainland and the Okanagan, meeting and learning the stories of the people we support, their families and passionate staff. Together with your committed team, you will shape the organization, inspiring us to make a tangible difference in the lives of those we support.

Role and Responsibilities

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a key leadership position responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of Bethesda. The COO will work closely with the CEO and the executive team to develop and implement strategies that align with the organization's vision, mission, values, and strategic planning goals. The COO will provide leadership to resources within the organization, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to people with intellectual disabilities.

1. Operational Leadership:
• Provide strategic direction and guidance to the organization's resources, including home living, community inclusion, life skills coaching, family support, summer camps, and supported independent living.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, trust, and integrity among staff, volunteers, and people receiving services.
• Oversee the director team and the day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
• Lead risk management and crisis response planning in collaboration with the CEO, executive and director team. Be available on call to assist resources with crisis response.
2. Service Development and Enhancement:
• Collaborate with directors and managers to develop and improve services for meeting the unique needs of people receiving services.
• Work with government funding agencies on existing and new service opportunities and respond to RFPs.
• Evaluate the impact of services and implement appropriate improvement initiatives. Responsibilities include taking a leadership role in CARF accreditation, outcomes management reporting and performance measure and management planning.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and growth in line with the organization's vision, mission, values and strategic planning goals.
3. Financial Management:
• Work with the CEO and CFO to develop and manage the organization's budget.
• Ensure responsible fiscal management and resource allocation to support service excellence.
• Liaise with government funders to ensure financial sustainability and adequate funding to all services.
• Identify potential funding opportunities and partnerships to sustain and expand services.
4. Staff Development and Engagement:
• Support the recruitment, development, and retention of a high-performing team of professionals and support staff, including overseeing the learning and development program for leadership and direct support staff.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, empowerment, personal growth, and professional development.
• Implement strategies to enhance employee engagement and satisfaction.
• Guide leadership development and succession planning. Identify emerging leaders in existing staff teams and work with the executive and director team in succession planning.
5. Stakeholder Relations:
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including people receiving services, their families, members, donors, supporting churches and community partners.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization, promoting its mission, vision and values in the community.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a non-profit organization, preferably in community living services, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• A minimum of a post-secondary degree in a relevant field.
• Possession of Canadian, landed immigrant or legal working status.
• Agreement and personal commitment to Bethesda’s Statement of Faith & Community Good Neighbor Focus.
• Alignment with Bethesda’s Christian foundations and ethical standards.
• Clearance of a Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check.
• Medical clearance to perform duties.
• Full COVID-19 immunization.
• The ability to meet all other requirements of the job description.

Benefits

• Bethesda offers a benefit package and competitive salary: $103,168 – $115,336 
• Company pension through Municipal Pension Plan.
• Extended health and benefits plan.
• Paid vacation and flex-time available.
• Hybrid work may be an option.

At Bethesda, we’re about creating community among the people we serve, our staff and our surrounding communities. We are all interdependent as we experience life together, and all valuable for the abilities we share. We know we learn from and need each other to thrive.

Bethesda’s ministry is a Christian faith-based service. The position of COO requires a high degree of Christian commitment and love to the people we support and to the philosophy of Bethesda.

For more information about Bethesda, visit us at bethesdabc.com or on social media.

Closing Date. Until filled