Chief Operations Officer

Elves Special Needs Society is a private, non-profit organization that offers school, respite, and day programs for individuals of all ages with special needs such as Autism, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Down Syndrome, and Cerebral Palsy.
Elves Special Needs Society was first established 52 years ago in 1973 in Edmonton, Alberta. The organization started with 3 staff and 7 children located in a room at Pineview Residence and later moved into a wing of the old Misericordia Hospital serving 30 children and their families. In late 1973, the organization was granted funding from the estate of Mr. Milton E. Elves to build a centre for children with disabilities. The financial donation was further supported by a donation of land from the Government of Alberta. A variety of other donors and donations helped furnish the building and acquire specialty equipment. The Elves’ facility opened in July 1976.
Today Elves has grown to 200+ staff serving over 400 learners across two facilities in Edmonton, Alberta. At Elves,
possibility can become ability. The organization establishes a partnership between the learner, their family, and experts in the field of learning and development.
Elves’ professional programs are individualized and aim to support every learner in achieving success in life. Elves serves all ability levels and specializes in supporting learners with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) from ages 2.5 into late adulthood. Programs are designed to meet learner needs, promote their growth, and ensure every day is a great day!
We offer the following services in Edmonton and area:
Early Childhood Services
– For learners ages 2.8 to 6 years of age with diagnosis such as speech delay, Down Syndrome, fine/gross motor delay, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and Cerebral Palsy. This program is operational from September to June.
Grades 1-12 –
For learners ages 6-20 with severe multiple disabilities who are medically fragile. This program is operational from September to June.
FASD Respite Program –
For learners aged 3-8 with a diagnosis or query of FASD, while also providing parents with time and resources to meet their family’s needs. This program is operational only on Saturdays.
Adult Day Program –
Offered to learners aged 20 and up with severe, multiple disabilities who require meaningful, engaging opportunities for growth. This program is operational year-round.
MissionElves Special Needs Society provides individuals with severe disabilities and complex needs with a unique and comprehensive individualized educational or day program to promote maximum development and to enhance the quality of life of individuals and their families within a supportive and caring environment.
V isionThe vision of Elves Special Needs Society is to offer developmentally appropriate activities that are foundational to the physical, cognitive, and social well-being of every individual.
V aluesElves’ Policies and Practices reflect the mandate of providing the safest yet enabling environment, and educational programs and services. Early Education and School Programs are focused upon continuing to provide wrap‑around services to Elves’ children/students.
Fostering supportive, inclusive opportunities based on the abilities and needs of learners of all ages.
Facilitating learning across the lifespan.
Promoting family-centered services, and family well-being. Supporting service excellence and professional learning. Equitability, access to resources and accountability. Experience of learners, families, staff, and community partners.
The OpportunityThe Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and will serve as the senior executive responsible for the day-to-day operational leadership of the organization with primary focus being administration, execution of the strategic plan and school operations. Reporting to and working closely with the Executive Director (ED), the COO will collaborate with the senior leadership team toward operational excellence, organizational effectiveness, and the successful delivery of programs and services that advance the organization’s Mission, Vision and Values.
The COO contributes on a strategic level and provides operational oversight across multiple functions, including program operations, facilities, technology, risk management, quality assurance, administrative services, and stakeholder and government relations. The COO will also work closely with Human Resources and Finance and may provide updates and reporting to the Board of Directors as requested by the ED. The role focuses on translating ELVES’ Special Needs Society’s strategic priorities into measurable operational outcomes while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, collaboration, and service excellence.
Specifically, the Strategic Priorities are:
Building long-term resilience and effectiveness.
Prioritizing the well-being and safety for our community.
Optimizing operational efficiency, governance and administration.
Driving innovative and impactful services tailored to student and client needs.
Leveraging an inclusive and supportive community by amplifying diverse voices.
Primary Roles and ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Strategy:
Partner with the ED and Leadership Team to develop and implement organizational strategy and annual or department operating plans.
Support and lead the execution of strategic priorities.
Ensure alignment between organizational mission, strategic objectives, operational activities, and government reporting requirements.
Support the ED office in preparing reports and presentations for the Board of Directors and Board Committees.
Supporting the introduction of regulatory / senior position standards of practice (SOPs).
Provide support, coaching, and mentorship to staff handling challenging situations.
Operations Management:
Guide the transition to a more structured planning process at the department level to cascade down through the organization.
Identify opportunities for process improvement, innovation, and operational efficiencies.
Ensure consistent implementation of organizational policies, procedures, and standards.
Lead organizational change management initiatives and continuous improvement efforts.
Support Human Resources in the development and implementation of a competency-based performance management framework and an organizational design plan / model for effective implementation.
Ensure the team has effective support, resources, training and development which demonstrates the progression and achievement of excellence Act as an advisor and consultant to the ED, reporting on the Society’s operations and activities.
Government and Stakeholder Relations and Advocacy:
Build and maintain productive relationships with community partners, funders, government agencies, donors, and other stakeholders.
Represent the organization externally as required.
Embrace an advocacy role.
Support partnership development and collaborative initiatives that advance organizational objectives.
Program Planning:
Oversee the planning, management and evaluation of the school program and services.
Ensure that the school programs and services offered by the Society are in accordance with Elves’ Vision, Mission and Values and reflect the priorities directed by the Board.
Support the development of departmental planning / annual Service plans.
Monitor delivery and quality of programs and services.
Oversee the planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of special projects.
Oversee programing assurance and compliance / reporting.
Fiscal Awareness and Fund Development:
Ensure awareness of the financial status of the Society in relation to operational spending and capital planning and projects.
Under the direction and approval of the ED, research, pursue, and develop supplemental funding sources such as events, private and public giving, and grants for capital projects, equipment and other needs of the Society.
In tandem with the ED, engage with government officials at Alberta Education, Alberta Seniors Community and Social Services and School boards, as required and opportunities arise.
Facilities and Technology:
Oversee facilities management;
maintenance and capitalimprovements.
Assess and where appropriate, identify innovative technological opportunities.
Ensure IT infrastructure and business solutions enable organizational efficiency and performance.
Oversee needs assessment, research, RFQs, vendor selection and implementation of any new technology.
Risk Management and Health and Safety:
Monitor and mitigate operational, reputational, and strategic risks.
Explore and adopt a model to better identify, prevent and respond to cues and incidents of aggression among the students (and adults) served by ELVES’.
Ensure organizational compliance with applicable laws, regulations, accreditation standards, funding agreements, and governance requirements.
Oversee business continuity, emergency preparedness, and crisis management planning.
Lead, in partnership with HR, the development of a robust Health and Safety System in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Codes.
Qualifications and Qualities
Post‑secondary Degree or Diploma in Business, Management, Human Services, Education or other related fields of study.
Master’s degree in business administration (MBA), Education or a Health Discipline would be an asset.
Equivalent combination of education and executive leadership experience may be considered.
Minimum 10–15 years of progressive senior leadership experience.
Demonstrated senior level experience working and leading in complex organisations with 100+ employees.
Experience in the non‑profit, charitable, education, healthcare, social services, community services, or public sector environment strongly preferred.
Proven track record in operational leadership, organizational transformation, and change management.
Experience working with Boards of Directors and executive governance structures.
Mature communication skills (written and verbal).
Strong functional knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Demonstrated ability to drive efficiency, quality, and organizational effectiveness.
Strong stakeholder management and partnership‑building abilities.
Political acuity and ability to navigate complex environments.
Proven ability to lead organizational change and transformation initiatives.
Skilled in problem‑solving, decision‑making, and conflict resolution.
Foster and guide a performance‑oriented culture.
Capacity to lead planning, continuous improvement and simultaneously manage multiple projects.
ComplianceFinal candidates for this position may be required to complete the following: Criminal Records Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, Child Intervention Record Check, Credit Check and submit a Driver’s Abstract.
Elves is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
Compensation and BenefitsA competitive compensation package commensurate with skills and experience along with a benefits package will be discussed with candidates.
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