Executive Director - Ottawa Valley Family Health Team (Almonte)

Job Description

The Ottawa Valley Family Health Team (OVFHT) is at a unique juncture in its history. The Board of Directors of the OVFHT is seeking a new Executive Director to lead the FHT through the expansion of the OVFHT model to include both Almonte and Carleton Place sites. This model consists of a multidisciplinary team of health care providers and administrative staff, partnered with family physicians and their staff in Carleton Place and Almonte. The new Executive Director must demonstrate accountability, integrity and trustworthiness as well as being a capable manager with excellent organizational, financial and HR skills. As an excellent communicator and collaborator, the new ED will build on and expand upon the success of the Almonte FHT model. Demonstrated knowledge and experience in the health care system is essential.

The position is fulltime and is responsible for the overall operation of the OVFHT, reporting to a community lead Board of Directors. Knowledge of governance is a critical asset as the ED supports the Board’s strategic planning and fiduciary obligations. 

Candidates for this position ideally should have a degree in health care, business or public administration and a minimum of three years senior leadership experience in a health care setting. A master’s degree and bilingualism would be considered assets. Strong financial, human resource management, written and verbal communication skills in English are all considered essential.

The OVFHT provides a competitive salary and benefit package. The current salary range for this position is $102,000 - $107,000. OVFHT encourages qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those who may need accommodation, to apply to join our team. Please advise if you require accommodation throughout the recruitment process. 

POSITION TITLE: Executive Director
ORGANIZATION: Ottawa Valley Family Health Team 
JOB REPORTS TO: OVFHT Board of Directors 
DATE CREATED: April 2025
APPROVED BY: OVFHT BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

MANDATE:

The Ottawa Valley Family Health Team (OVFHT) provides an approach to primary health care that brings together a team of health care providers to coordinate the highest possible quality of care for the patient. Through this model of health care, physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, other health care professionals, and administrative support work collaboratively, each utilizing their own experience and skills to provide enhanced care to patients.
The Executive Director (ED) position is central to the successful operation of the FHT. It is a position of leadership, requiring excellent interpersonal skills, planning skills and management expertise. The FHT operates within a shared administrative and clinical leadership model. In fulfilling the FHT’s mandate, the ED works in close collaboration with Family Health Organization (FHO) physicians to ensure that primary health care objectives are achieved. The ED works with the Board of Directors to develop strategic plans for the FHT and provides formal progress reports on the implementation of these plans. The ED ensures that the appropriate policies (set by the Board), procedures, systems and other infrastructure are in place to sustain a disciplined, patient focused, result-based organization. The ED develops strategic partnerships with public and private sector organizations to continuously enhance the impact of the FHT’s programs and services.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The ED is accountable to the Board of Directors of the FHT for the effective and efficient management of the day-to-day operations and the delivery of the FHT’s services. The ED works under the direction of the Board of Directors in implementing the Board’s decisions and manages daily operations in addition to seeking, planning and coordinating resources for sustainability. The ED reports to the Chair of the Board of Directors.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

SUPPORT TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

• Be responsible to the Board of Directors for the organization and management of the Corporation in accordance with policies established by the Board and subject to direction of the Board.
• Be responsible for taking such action as considered necessary to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, the Bylaws of the Corporations, and all other statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Establishes an organizational structure to ensure accountability for fulfilling the mission, objectives, and strategic plan of the Corporations. 
• Supports and attends regular meetings of the Board of Directors including ensuring the preparation of the agenda and minutes; and communicating decisions and ensuring outcomes are acted upon.
• Regularly advises the Board of Directors on financial and legal matters or any other matter that poses a risk to the organization.
• Maintains required insurance for Directors and Officers.

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION

• Assists the Board in developing and implementing strategic plans that fulfill the mission and mandate of the FHT. Uses the strategic plans to guide the development of programs and services and the ongoing operation of the FHT.
• Translates, on an annual basis, the Board’s goals, objectives and strategic directions into operational plans and activities.
• Develops the relevant metrics (key performance indicators) and reports (“scorecards”) to track progress on the strategic plan. Reports results quarterly to the Board.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATION

• Communicates with related health care agencies to promote coordination and/or planning of local health care services for the OVFHT.
• Works closely and collaborates with the Beckwith, Carleton Place and Almonte Family Health Organizations physicians.
• Works closely and collaborates where appropriate with the Mississippi River Health Alliance (MRHA) 
• Builds collaborative working relationships with stakeholders, including hospitals, Ministry of Health, Ontario Health, the Ontario Health Team, community agencies, other FHTs, local government and provincial agencies.
• Represents the FHT on various committees and networks at local, regional, and provincial levels to address evolving policy and infrastructure needs in primary care.
• Identifies and creates opportunities for new partnerships in the public and private sector that benefit the FHT.
• Develops, implements and maintains an effective communication and public relations strategy to provide information and promote services and the positive value of the FHT.

HUMAN RESOURCES

• Determines the organizational structure of the organization (number and type of roles) within the staff complement determined by the Ministry of Health.
• Develops, implements and maintains effective strategies and programs for staff recruitment, retention, performance management, development and training, and succession planning to ensure maximum productivity and service continuity.
• Determines training and development needs of staff based on current and emerging competency requirements and allocates resources appropriately (including coaching and mentorship programs).
• Conducts performance reviews and provides ongoing performance feedback and coaching to direct reports.
• Creates a culture of wellness by initiating and supporting programs that benefit the psychological and physical health of employees (e.g., seminars on healthy eating, ergonomic assessments).

TEAM BUILDING AND COLLABORATION

• Assists physicians and FHT staff to maintain collaborative, group practice.
• Assists in the development of office protocols for effective collaborative practice.
• Contributes to the development of an effective team of health care providers.
• Develops and implements strategies to manage change and optimize the contributions of all staff.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Ensures the development and implementation of a sound financial management plan, which balances service delivery and funding requirements. This will include preparation of the business plan and annual budget, the control of expenditures within the approved budget, provision of financial reports and other statements to the Board of Directors and the Ministry of Health, and compliance with audit recommended actions.
• Recommends changes to the pension and benefits plans based on financial analysis of cost effectiveness and benefit to staff.
• Develops, implements and maintains an effective process for facilities management, purchasing and information management systems.
• Develops, implements and maintains effective internal control and due diligence 
• processes to manage risk. (e.g., business continuity planning, insurance, regulatory obligations, etc.)

PROGRAMS AND SERVICES DEVELOPMENT

• Reviews and approves all short-term and long‐term IT infrastructure plans and improvements for the FHT related to capital investments and operational needs (e.g., Website, EMR, Patient Registries, Self-Management, linkages to labs and hospitals). Secures Board approval as required.
• Ensures that appropriate systems are in place to enhance service provision and protect patient confidentiality.
• Ensures that appropriate quality assurance systems are in place to measure and monitor the quality of the FHT’s activities, including patient satisfaction and compliance with standards.
• Ensures required program delivery reports for the Ministry of Health are accurate, outcome‐based, and submitted on time.
• Develops plans to continuously improve programs and delivery.
• Participates in research activities aimed at innovative approaches to care, database development and practice‐based initiatives.

DATA ANALYSES AND REPORTING

• Ensures all quarterly and annual reports and operating plans are completed and submitted to Ontario Health as required.
• Prepares and ensures successful implementation of the Quality Improvement Plan on an annual basis.
• Analyzes and provides practice management recommendations to physicians to optimize their practice profiles.
• Competes regular privacy audits and acts as the Privacy Officer for the OVFHT, ensuring that the FHT abides by PHIPA and PIPEDA. 

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• A successful track record of three (3) or more years at the senior management level in health or public administration.
• A degree in a health‐related discipline, or a suitable combination of education and experience.
• Experience working with and reporting to a Board of Directors is an asset.
• Exceptional interpersonal, liaison and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead, encourage and motivate staff in a team environment.
• Exceptional change management and organizational development skills.
• Strong technology skills. 
• Demonstrated commitment to continual learning.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to travel and hold a valid driver’s license.
• Must be able to work outside regular business hours.
• Must be able to adhere to all FHT policies and procedures.

LOCATION

• This position will work in Almonte and Carleton Place.