Vice President, Finance, Administration & Operations

Vice President, Finance, Administration & Operations

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a Vice-President, Finance, Administration & Operations responsible for the financial stewardship, operational excellence, and administrative effectiveness of Health Sciences North Foundation (HSNF).

Reporting to the President & CEO, the Vice President, Finance, Administration & Operations will be a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Working collaboratively with the Foundation CEO, Board of Directors, Senior Leadership Team, Health Science North hospital leadership and Finance team as well as external collaborators, the Vice President serves as a strategic partner in advancing the Foundation’s mission by ensuring strong financial management, scalable operations, and the infrastructure required to support significant fundraising growth and campaign readiness.

The Vice-President oversees all financial functions including budgeting, forecasting, audit, and investment management, while also leading operational planning, performance measurement, and administrative systems. This executive plays a central role in Board and committee governance, human resources, and the systems evolution required to support a growing organization.

Most importantly, the Vice-President is the primary operational and financial interface with Health Sciences North (HSN), ensuring that all Foundation funding to the hospital is governed effectively, aligned with donor intent, and supported by clear agreements, reporting, and accountability.

This is a pivotal moment to join Health Sciences North Foundation. The Foundation has successfully completed a significant amalgamation, established an ambitious new strategic direction, achieved national accreditation through Imagine Canada and demonstrated considerable growth through the increasing sophistication of its fundraising programs. The next phase will be even more significant. HSNF is preparing for a transformational campaign, continued growth in annual fundraising and a substantially expanded role in supporting the future of healthcare, research and capital development in Northeastern Ontario. Achieving that ambition will require the Foundation itself to continue to evolve and build the capacity needed for the future.

The Vice-President, Finance, Administration & Operations will be a critical architect of that future.

For the right leader, this is an opportunity to combine financial and operational leadership with strategy, organizational development and purpose, helping create a stronger and more sophisticated Foundation capable of supporting one of the most important periods of healthcare transformation in Northern Ontario and advancing A Healthier North for generations to come.

The position is based at the HSN Foundation office in Sudbury, with flexibility for some remote work if necessary.

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of all financial functions, including:
  • Annual budgeting and multi-year financial planning
  • Forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting
  • Financial controls, compliance, and risk management
• Lead the preparation of accurate, timely financial reports for the Board of Directors and Finance, Audit & Investment Committee
• Oversee the annual audit process and ensure adherence to all regulatory and reporting requirements, including CRA charitable registration compliance
• Ensure strong internal controls and financial policies that protect donor funds and uphold public trust
• Partner with the CEO and Board to align financial strategy with organizational priorities, including campaign readiness
• Support the development of sustainable funding models to enable long-term growth
• Ensure compliance with applicable legislation including the Charities Accounting Act, Income Tax Act charitable provisions, and Not-for-Profit Corporations Act
• Provide oversight of the Foundation’s investment portfolio in alignment with Board-approved policies and risk tolerance
• Work closely with external investment managers and advisors to:
  • Monitor performance and ensure alignment with the Investment Policy Statement (IPS)
  • Deliver clear and transparent reporting to the Finance, Audit & Investment Committee
• Lead or support the development and ongoing refinement of the Investment Policy Statement
• Ensure appropriate governance, transparency, and stewardship of endowed and non-endowed funds

Strategic Leadership, Board & Committee Governance Support

• Serve as a key member of the senior leadership team
• Contribute to organizational strategy, including campaign planning and long-term growth initiatives
• Provide insight and recommendations to the CEO and Board on financial and operational strategy
• Play a leadership role in advancing a culture of philanthropy, accountability, and measurable impact
• Play a central role in supporting effective governance across the Foundation’s Board and committee structure
• Serve as the primary staff liaison for the Finance, Audit & Investment Committee of the Board
• Maintain up-to-date governance documents including bylaws, policies, Board Terms of Reference, and committee charters
• Ensure the Foundation’s governance practices remain current and aligned with best practices for Ontario charitable corporations and CRA requirements
• Support Board onboarding and orientation for new Directors, particularly as it relates to the Foundation’s financial and operational frameworks
• Assist in the preparation of the Annual Report and other public accountability documents
• Track and support the work of all Board committees, ensuring workplans are established, progress is documented, and linkage to organizational strategy is maintained

Operational Leadership & Organizational Effectiveness

• Lead the development and implementation of operational strategies that support fundraising growth and campaign readiness
• Drive continuous improvement in organizational processes to increase efficiency and effectiveness
• Identify and mitigate operational risks that could impact performance or growth
• Support the Foundation’s role as a strategic partner to the hospital and research institute

Administration, Human Resources & Organizational Infrastructure

The VP provides senior oversight of all administrative and human resources functions, ensuring the Foundation operates as a well-governed, people-centred, and efficient organization.

Administrative Operations

• Oversee all administrative functions to ensure seamless and efficient organizational operations
• Maintain and update organizational policies, procedures, and operational manuals
• Oversee procurement, vendor management, facilities, and office management for the Foundation
• Provide oversight of insurance coverage and risk management practices
• Oversee the Foundation’s human resources function, working collaboratively with HSN’s HR and People & Culture teams to leverage shared systems, frameworks, and expertise where available and appropriate
• Utilize HSN HR systems and platforms for payroll processing, benefits administration, and employee record management where the Foundation participates in or is supported by HSN infrastructure
• Administer total compensation programs, including salary, benefits, pension (if applicable), and other programs; liaise with HSN HR to ensure competitive and equitable practices
• Support a positive workplace culture aligned with the Foundation’s values and the broader HSN environment
• Advise the CEO on HR matters including workforce planning, organizational structure, employee relations, and succession planning
• Ensure compliance with applicable employment legislation including the Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code, and Occupational Health & Safety Act
• Lead and develop a high-performing team across finance, administration, and operations
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Build organizational capacity by aligning people, processes, and systems with strategic priorities
• Support strong cross-functional collaboration, particularly between finance and fundraising teams

The VP leads the ongoing evolution of the Foundation’s technology infrastructure, supporting both current operational needs and future organizational growth.

• Provide senior leadership for the Foundation’s key operational systems including: Raiser’s Edge (donor management and fundraising CRM); Financial Edge (accounting and financial management)
• Ensure systems are optimized to support data integrity, reporting, and organizational decision-making
• Establish and maintain strong data governance policies and practices across all platforms
• Lead the development and execution of a technology roadmap that supports the Foundation’s growth trajectory and campaign readiness
• Ensure staff capacity and training to effectively use systems; build organizational digital literacy over time
• Stay current with emerging technology trends in the charitable and healthcare foundation sectors, including cloud-based platforms, automation, and data analytics tools

Hospital Partnership, Granting & Funding Oversight

• Serve as the Foundation’s lead for the financial and operational interface with Health Sciences North (HSN) related to all funding, grants, and disbursements
• Ensure all funds granted to HSN are appropriately approved, documented, disbursed in accordance with agreed‑upon terms, and tracked and reconciled accurately
• Establish and enforce consistent processes for hospital invoicing, verification of expenses, and timely financial reconciliation between HSN and the Foundation
• In partnership with the Development team and HSN CFO, ensure the development of standardized grant management frameworks, including reporting requirements, annual and project‑based impact reporting, and clear accountability for outcomes and timelines
• Partner with hospital leadership, finance teams, and program areas to ensure projects are fully developed and ready prior to fundraising (business cases, budgets, impact)
• Identify and mitigate risks related to misalignment of expectations, reporting delays, or reputational risk related to donor commitments
• Support transparent reporting to the Board and committees on funded project status, flow of funds, and impact achieved

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & COMPETENCIES

• Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in good standing
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in finance, corporate services and administration, including experience at a senior leadership or executive level
• Experience in a complex, multi‑stakeholder environment (healthcare, education, not‑for‑profit, or public sector preferred)
• Demonstrated experience overseeing audits, financial planning, and investment portfolios
• Experience working with or supporting Board committees (Finance, Audit, Investment, Governance)
• Experience providing governance support including Board materials, bylaws, policy management, and committee coordination
• Human resources leadership experience, including familiarity with employment legislation and HR administration in an Ontario context
• Experience with shared services models or HR system utilization within a partner organization (e.g., HSN) is an asset
• Experience with system selection, implementation, or digital transformation projects is desired
• Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge, Financial Edge, or comparable donor management and financial platforms
• Strong understanding of CRA charitable compliance requirements and Ontario not‑for‑profit legislation
• Experience supporting organizational growth, transformation, or campaign readiness is considered an asset

Core Competencies

• Strategic financial leadership and fiscal stewardship
• Board and committee governance support
• Operational excellence and execution
• Human resources leadership and people management
• Systems thinking, process optimization, and technology leadership
• Change management and digital transformation
• Strong governance and risk management orientation
• Data‑driven decision‑making and organizational performance management
• Stakeholder and partnership management in complex, multi‑organizational environments
• Collaborative leadership, relationship management, and cross‑functional integration
• Ability to lead through growth, organizational change, and campaign readiness

Key Working Relationships

Internal

• President & CEO (direct reporting relationship)
• Senior Leadership Team colleagues
• HSNF Board of Directors and Board Committees (Finance, Audit & Investment; Governance & Nomination; Executive)
• Foundation staff across all departments

External

• Health Sciences North — Finance, HR, People & Culture, and Program/Clinical leadership
• External auditors and legal counsel
• Investment managers and financial advisors
• Technology vendors and system implementation partners
• Peer hospital foundation leaders and sector networks

Additional Requirements

• The position is based at the HSN Foundation office in Sudbury, with flexibility for some remote work if necessary. Senor Leaders are expected to maintain a regular office presence.
• Willingness to work flexible hours is required, including occasional evenings/weekends for board or committee meetings, and Foundation events.
• Police background and financial checks will be required for the successful candidate.

The hiring salary range for this role is $160,000 – $185,000 plus a comprehensive range of benefits, and participation in the HOOPP pension plan.

Health Sciences North Foundation is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals.

Health Sciences North Foundation is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the search process. Such candidates are asked to kindly notify the Search Consultant.

This posting is for a current vacancy. Artificial intelligence will not be used to screen resumes nor assess candidates in this search.