CharityVillage

THE INN OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Job Posting – June 2025

Position:                Executive Director

Reporting to:         Board Chair

 Location:              115 John St, Sarnia, ON N7T 2Z1

Vacancy:                Replacement due to Retirement

Hours of work:      Full-time, 35+ hours per week Monday to Friday, established office hours of 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM; however, schedule flexibility is required to meet stakeholder and organizational requirements and during events. This role is in person.

The mission of The Inn of the Good Shepherd (Sarnia) is to provide service with dignity to those in need of food, shelter, and other essentials. This important statement has guided our programs and how we serve people in the Sarnia-Lambton community for more than 40 years. Perhaps best known for our food programs, The Inn operates a food bank, soup kitchen, 2 homeless shelters, a mobile market, and so much more. With annual revenue of $8,000,000, more than 40 employees, and hundreds of volunteers, The Inn is the helping hands in our community, with a growing range of programs to respond to the ever-changing needs of society. Our programs are built to provide relief to households struggling with the challenges of poverty, of not having enough to make ends meet, of getting by day to day but not being able to handle every day, unexpected life crises and other expenses that arise. To this end, we provide support for clients to handle back to school expenses, birthdays, Christmas, healthy eating, illnesses, car repair to get to that part time job, and so on.

With the upcoming retirement of our long-standing Executive Director, we are currently seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to steer The Inn into the next phase of our story. We value leaders who communicate a clear vision, foster organizational alignment, and possess entrepreneurial skills to seize new opportunities. A proven focus on client service and effective relationship management is essential – you are eager to innovate and are dedicated to excellence, while respecting the history of how we came to be! We are looking for those who are passionate about developing others, adhere to strong values and ethics, and have exceptional planning and organizing abilities, robust problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of the challenges faced throughout our community.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for guiding the direction of The Inn and implementing short- and long-term strategic priorities.  This includes, but is not limited to, governance, programs, leadership, operational and financial management, human resources, community visibility, and networking in alignment with the policies established by the Board and applicable provincial legislation.

Working with the Board and The Inn’s leadership team, the Executive Director’s major accountabilities will include:

• Create and execute a strategic plan that reflects current needs and direction.
• Develop and maintain current organizational policies and operational practices, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements and standards, and industry best practices to ensure the health and safety of all employees, volunteers, and clients.
• Support the Board and Board Committees by providing senior level support, advising on the state and conduct of affairs, results of operations, and significant internal and external matters affecting the operations. As support to the Board, formulate and participate in recommendations for change and improvements.
• Create and present to the Board an annual business plan, inclusive of operating and capital budgets, that will seek to achieve the organization’s goals within the financial capabilities of the organization.
• Provide ongoing and regular monitoring and communication of financial results and suggest modifications, including windows of opportunity for The Inn.
• Cultivate and maintain positive and effective relationships with major funders.
• Oversee the operation of programs, facilities, and staffing of major operational divisions:
  • Food Supports - food bank and soup kitchen
  • Shelter - The Lodge (serving adult clients); The Haven (serving youth population); the emergency shelters; the rent/utility program
  • Seasonal Programs - tax clinic; mobile market; Christmas programs; transit program; youth support programs, etc.

• Develop and maintain mechanisms to monitor, report, and continuously improve the quality of services provided. Work with staff to ensure programs remain current to client needs.
• Collaborate with staff and resources to review and identify fundraising, grants, services, and program opportunities to meet new and emerging needs.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels, qualifications, succession planning, and employee development to meet client needs and organizational requirements.
• Establish a strong presence in the community, building enduring relationships with partner agencies, donors, funders, and the social services community, enhancing The Inn’s profile and positive image.
• Build and maintain strong media relations, serving as spokesperson representing The Inn.
• Pursue public opportunities to speak about The Inn’s programs and needs.
• Participate in community and social services networks.
• Complete other activities and tasks at the appropriate level as assigned by the Board of Directors.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The Executive Director will possess an optimal combination of the following skills, competencies, and attributes:

1. Post-secondary education, preferably in the areas of Business/Finance, Social Services, or related fields.
2. Minimum 10 years’ progressive management and leadership experience, including supervision of human resources, and inter-governmental relationship management.
3. Demonstrated visionary leadership skills to embrace and execute the organization’s mission and objectives.
4. Exemplary interpersonal skills shown through team building, coaching, conflict management, and mentoring.
5. Ability to work with broad constituent groups, with active listening skills, while building consensus and accomplishing the required tasks of the organization.
6. Strong business acumen and financial skills, with a demonstrated understanding of legislation and requirements for not-for-profit organizations and registered charities.
7. Personal behaviour and business practices that reflect the organization’s values and ethics.
8. Strong experience in the not-for-profit sector, with emphasis on volunteer management and fundraising preferred.
9. Experience managing capital projects over $2,000,000 would be an asset.
10. Experience working within a multicultural environment with people from a variety of backgrounds – including the impact of intergenerational poverty, integration of community services at a municipal level, and understanding of LGBTQ2S+, First Nations, historical, cultural, and economic knowledge.

Additionally, the successful candidate for the Executive Director role will:

• Be legally able to work in Canada.
• Be able to travel within Canada when needed.
• Have a valid Class G drivers’ licence.
• Be able to provide, complete and pass pre-employment testing and references, including but not limited to background screening, credit check, verification of prior employment and education, as well as a vulnerable sector check.

How to Apply:

If you are interested in this position, please submit a cover letter and curriculum vitae through our Charity Village job posting.  We thank all candidates that apply but please note that only those candidates meeting the selection criteria will be contacted further.

The selection process will include the following: a telephone screening interview, a panel interview via Zoom, a written pre-employment test, a second in-person panel interview as required, and appropriate background and reference screening as part of a conditional offer of employment.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will not be used to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position. Records of this job posting and all applications will be held by the organization for three years, and those of the successful applicant will form the basis of their employment file.

The Inn of the Good Shepherd (Sarnia) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to providing an inclusive environment and a barrier-free hiring process. If you require an accommodation for a disability during the recruitment process, please contact dave@lisaisaachr.com

Learn more about The Inn of the Good Shepherd (Sarnia) https://www.theinnsarnia.ca