POSITION DESCRIPTION. Client Organization: Wellesley Institute. Position Title: Chief Executive Officer. Reports To: Boa
POSITION DESCRIPTION Client Organization:
Wellesley Institute
Position Title:
Chief Executive Officer
Reports To:
Board of Directors
Location:
Toronto, Ontario
THE OPPORTUNITY The Wellesley Institute is a very special organization with an important legacy. Dedicated to population health equity as well as to understanding the social determinants of health, the Institute aspires to be at the forefront of social research and to provide an authoritative, progressive voice concerning the issues that will shape the future of Toronto, the region and its people. The Institute is independent and financially self-sufficient, deriving approximately $2 million annually from its investment fund. This allows the 12-person staff to focus exclusively on research impact and excellence. The Institute is guided by a mature Board of Directors comprised of representatives from the business, academic, health care and community sectors who are committed to their fiduciary and strategic responsibilities. The Chief Executive Officer of the Wellesley Institute will have the opportunity, as a recognized and respected thought leader committed to advancing health equity and social change, to continue to enhance the Institute’s reputation, influence and impact. S/he will contribute significantly to the Institute’s development of health research, policy and pragmatic solutions, and actionable programs in conjunction with partners that will promote equality and, ultimately, build a better Toronto region and an equitable society for all.
ORIGINS AND HISTORY In 1911, Toronto physician Dr. Herbert Bruce founded the Wellesley Hospital. The private, nonprofit hospital served both the city’s wealthy and its poor. In the days before Medicare, Dr. Bruce believed that no one should be turned away for lack of funds, so the hospital provided affordable health care for the poor, funded through fees-for-services paid by the wealthy, and the Wellesley Hospital became known for both excellent patient care and affordable health care. Over the years, the Hospital (merging with Toronto Central Hospital in 1996), became known for its teaching expertise, research concerning HIV/AIDS, and commitment to providing excellent, sensitive care to members of the city’s LGBTQ community as well as to vulnerable residents and recent immigrants. In 1998, as a consequence of the government’s Hospital Restructuring Commission, the Wellesley Central Hospital closed its doors. While the operations of the hospital had come to an end, the
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spirit that defined it continued. A group of former board members and community activists remained, determined to protect the legacy of the hospital. A $30 million investment fund was established using the proceeds from the sale of the hospital site, and the Wellesley Central Health Corporation (WCHC) was formed. In 2006, the Corporation became the Wellesley Institute, reflecting its evolution from its initial work as a community grant-making organization to a research and policy institute. Since then, the Institute has become a recognized leader for its research and policy work concerning the social determinants of health and population health equity. The Institute has acted as a catalyst building multi-sector collaborations, establishing a strong presence among local and international research networks, forming extensive community partnerships, and influencing municipal and provincial priorities. Today, the Wellesley Institute is Toronto’s leading independent, progressive institute creating research, policy and knowledge mobilization to advance population health equity. Its current research program focuses on affordable housing and homelessness, health care reform and equity, economic inequality, and the social determinants of health. Vision: A healthier and more equitable Greater Toronto Area for all. Mission: Advance population health and reduce health inequities by driving change on the social determinants of health through applied research, effective policy solutions, knowledge mobilization, and innovation, and assisting communities to mobilize around health choices. For additional information on the Wellesley Institute, please visit www.wellesleyinstitute.com .
STRATEGIC PRIORITIES The Wellesley Institute believes that the way to advance its vision is to address the complex range of social, economic and environmental determinants that shape population health and underlie systemic health inequities. Knowing that healthy cities enable all residents, especially marginalized and disadvantaged communities, to reach their full potential, the Institute continues to strive for: excellence in population health research, policy analysis and leadership; responsiveness to, and engagement with, the diversity of interests, background, and perspectives across GTA communities, and within the Board, staff, partners, and stakeholders; efficient operations and planning in order to maximize financial and intellectual resources; and innovative and creative ways to achieve goals. Recently, the Institute adopted a new Strategic Plan that is expected to guide its activities through 1 FY2014 to FY2018. The plan reaffirms the role of the Institute as a recognized leader in applied research and policy solutions. It also highlights the importance of innovation, entrepreneurialism, partnership and communication to extend its reach and impact. The Institute has committed itself to ensuring that a renewed focus on diversity informs its values, culture, mandate and activities.
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To review the Institute’s Strategic Plan, visit http://goo.gl/1bj4lo .
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THE ROLE The new Chief Executive Officer of the Wellesley Institute will be tasked with the implementation, and ongoing enhancement, of the Strategic Plan FY14-FY18. S/he will also possess a vision of where the Institute can be longer-term as a world-class population health research and policy institute, and how this vision will inform short- and medium-term plans. The new leader will have demonstrated experience and the ability to provide strategy and direction, oversight and management, and hands-on involvement as appropriate in the following key areas: Research and innovation: inspire and guide highly-qualified staff in its task of identifying and executing applied research aligned to the Institute’s plan, and support the ongoing cultivation of continuous internal innovation. Policy influence: grow the Institute’s policy capability, acumen and reputation and its ultimate influence with policy-makers by applying/translating research in the social determinants of health to the development of effective policy solutions and mobilizing knowledge to influence decision-makers. Stakeholder relationships: select, build and sustain relationships with meaningful community alliances and partners through stakeholder engagement, knowledge dissemination, and effective communications. Communications: execute communication strategies to build better understanding with partners and stakeholders, to ensure research is delivered to the right people at the right time thus informing the debate, and to increase recognition of the Institute as credible and policy-relevant in population health research. Governance: support the Institute’s Board in its fiduciary duties and engage the Board as required in discussions and decisions related to strategic direction and financial management. Business management: develop the Institute’s annual plan and manage financial and human resources to ensure that costs are in line, and assess ongoing performance and implement adjustments as necessary; provide oversight to various business arrangements including the endowment fund and investment strategies, grants, relationships with partners, etc. Organizational leadership: ensure structure and roles align to achievement of objectives, and promote and facilitate the development of a high-performing team, evaluating performance against objectives as required. Diversity: incorporate a culture of diversity throughout the Institute and its activities and ensure that work is aligned with the full diversity of GTA communities by developing a broad range of diverse community partners, increasing public understanding of the impact of health outcomes across a diverse population, ensuring improved population health by recognizing the diverse needs of the region, and incorporating diverse community perspectives and interests, including the most marginalized, in public debate. Profile and awareness: continue to build the Institute’s reputation for influencing change through applied research, effective policy solutions, knowledge mobilization and innovation, and grow its visibility and status with decision-makers, recognizing that the Institute’s ultimate constituents are the marginalized and disadvantaged people of Toronto and the region.
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THE CANDIDATE To be successful in this leadership role at the Wellesley Institute, the ideal candidate will be able to operate effectively and with credibility at the intersection of research, public policy, and community. As such, s/he will bring the following experience, skills, competencies and knowledge: Passion and commitment to the mission of the Institute and an understanding of population health equity research and policy. Knowledge of government policy-making processes and how research, both original and secondary, can be mobilized and employed to influence policy. An understanding of good governance and effective board relations and experience/exposure working with a volunteer board, engaging members appropriately with candor and transparency. Business and financial experience suitable for leading a non-profit organization that requires familiarity with managing investment income, financial and other partnerships, grant-seeking and prospective fundraising. The political acumen and the influencing and negotiating skills required to navigate and affect change. A strong collaborator with the interpersonal and communication skills essential for nurturing meaningful relationships with a network of multi-sectoral stakeholders including government, policy, community, healthcare and service providers, the academy, business, and other researchers. Innovative and entrepreneurial, comfortable with taking calculated risks, and embraces a sense of urgency to ensure the ongoing competitiveness of the Institute in the marketplace of ideas. An engaging personality and the ability to inspire a wide range of audiences, internal and external. A thinker and a doer who can envision long-term direction while implementing current plans. A commitment to diversity of thought, interest, and perspective and responsive engagement with the diversity of community within the Board, staff, partners and stakeholders. The ability to lead a group of professional researchers and harness their capabilities in line with strategic imperatives.
COMPENSATION A competitive compensation package will be provided. The Wellesley Institute is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from a diversity of backgrounds.
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CONTACT INFORMATION Should you have an interest in exploring this further or have any questions regarding this initiative, please contact: Amrop Knightsbridge P.O. Box 20 250 Yonge Street, Suite 2800 Toronto, Ontario, M5B 2L7 www.amropknightsbridge.com Jack Penaligon, Partner 1-416-640-4307
[email protected]
Chris Sawyer, Senior Consultant 1-416-640-4312
[email protected]
Malcolm Bernstein, Partner 1-416-928-4529
[email protected]
Lara Hinton Teska, Project Manager 1-416-928-4611
[email protected]
Proudly Canadian, Amrop Knightsbridge is a leading executive search firm with offices across Canada and partner offices around the globe. Amrop Knightsbridge is an integral part of Knightsbridge Human Capital Management Inc., Canada’s fastest growing human capital management organization with a truly integrated platform that spans the entire lifecycle of talent search and selection, organizational and leadership development, organizational productivity, career management and career transition. Knightsbridge has been recognized over multiple years as one of Canada’s Top 50 Best Managed Companies. Further Knightsbridge information is available at www.knightsbridge.com.
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