This role is being advertised to fill an existing vacancy.
Home to seven regional programs and comprehensive health-care services, Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) is committed to meeting the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond.
WRHN is redefining the health-care experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered community-driven health care.
At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities. By listening to patients and partners, we strive to connect communities to the right care, at the right place, and at the right time.
About WRHN (www.wrhn.ca)
The Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN), pronounced “wren”, is a newly integrated healthcare organization formed through the merger of Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital. Building on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN unites the strengths of both legacy hospitals to provide compassionate, patient-centered care for 10% of Ontarians.
With a focus on innovation and collaboration, WRHN offers comprehensive health care programs through 7 regional programs (including cancer, cardiac, chest, eyes, breast screening, stroke and renal services), and Mental Health, WRHN Kids and emergency services. The network is committed to advancing health care delivery, addressing barriers to access, and setting new standards in community-driven care. Together, WRHN provides 82% of patient services in Waterloo region for example - improving lives and strengthening our communities.
WRHN has a 20-year redevelopment plan that includes building a new acute hospital – WRHN @ The University – on the University of Waterloo campus, and expansion of WRHN @ Chicopee and renovation of WRHN @ Midtown. It will continue to operate WRHN @ Queen’s Boulevard for the next decade until the new hospital is opened.
About WRHN Foundation (www.wrhnf.ca)
WRHN Foundation is the charitable partner of WRHN. With the help of donors across our community, we’re building a future of healthcare excellence. That means creating a space where care is driven by innovation, delivered with compassion and accessible to everyone.
Position: Manager of Governance & Special Projects
Location: WRHN Foundation;
Position Summary: The Manager of Governance & Special Projects manages the Board and related Committees to provide oversight with hands-on execution, focusing on establishing frameworks for ethical operations, risk management, and compliance (Governance) while leading non-routine, high-impact initiatives (Special Projects) from concept to delivery, coordinating teams, stakeholders, reporting and resources to achieve organizational goals and drive continuous improvement. The Position supports the CEO handling sensitive and confidential information related to reporting and other matters.
Key Responsibilities
Governance & Frameworks:
- Develop, implement, and maintain organizational governance structures for the Board and its Committees, policies, and processes (e.g., compliance, risk, quality, data) in compliance with federal, provincial and best practices for non-profit charitable organizations (i.e. Imagine Canada standards).
- Ensure alignment with legal, ethical, and strategic objectives, promoting a culture of good governance.
- Oversee risk management, issue escalation, and compliance with internal/external standards.
- Support leadership volunteers in their fiduciary and governance functions on the Foundation Board of Directors and its Committees, and the WRHN Board of Directors, senior leadership team and related bodies.
Special Projects Management:
- Lead the planning, execution, and closure of strategic, complex, or non-routine initiatives.
- Translate high-level ideas into actionable plans, define scope, objectives, and deliverables.
- Manage project lifecycles, including resource allocation, budgets, timelines, and performance tracking.
Operations of the CEO Office
- Confidential & Sensitive Information: Handles confidential documents, prepares reports, and manages sensitive issues with discretion.
- Stakeholder Liaison: Bridges communication between the CEO, board members, employees, WRHN Board and senior leadership team, medical and clinical teams, and external partners.
- Supervision: Supervises the staff positions direct supporting the CEO (i.e. Executive Assistant & Development Officer)
Stakeholder & Team Leadership:
- Collaborate with senior leadership, cross-functional teams (IT, Finance, Marketing, WRHN), and external partners.
- Provide guidance, build consensus, resolve conflicts, and motivate teams.
- Communicate progress, risks, and outcomes to senior management and boards.
Continuous Improvement:
- Drive efficiency by improving project delivery systems, tools, and workflows.
- Analyze data, identify gaps, and implement solutions to enhance performance and mitigate risks.
Key Skills & Competencies:
Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving
- Project/Program Management
- Risk Management & Compliance
- Leadership & Relationship Building
- Communication (written/verbal) & Presentation
- Change Management
- Staff supervision
Position Requirements:
Education and Experience:
- Post-secondary education in fundraising, nonprofit management, communications, business administration, or a related field.
- Minimum 5 years of administrative, customer service, or nonprofit experience working with a Board of Directors and Committees is preferred
- Experience in a fundraising environment or hospital/healthcare setting is an asset.
Skills & Competencies
Proactivity & Judgment: Anticipates needs, identifies priorities, and takes initiative.
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- Discretion & Trustworthiness: Handles sensitive information with integrity.
- Adaptability: Flexes to the CEO's working style and handles unexpected changes calmly.
- Strong Communication: Excellent written and verbal skills, diplomatic, professionaland commitment to donor-centric service.
- Organization & Detail-Orientation: Manages multiple tasks with high quality and accuracy with a high attention to details.
- Data Management: Proficiency with the Google Platform; Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and donor databases (Blackbaud NXT/CRM experience is an asset).
- Work Culture: Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team.
Additional Requirements
- Flexibility for occasional evening or weekend work during events.
- Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
- Valid police check (may be required by the hospital or foundation).
- Commitment to the mission and values of WRHN Foundation and enthusiasm for improving local healthcare.
What We Offer:
- Vacation: 4 weeks’ vacation plus 4 summer wellness days and additional float days
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits, HOOPP defined-benefit pension, computer and mobile device provided.
- Work Culture: We offer a hybrid and flexible work environment, with regular in-person team strategy sessions and a minimum of one day per week in the office to support collaboration and connection.
- A mission-driven team where your voice matters and your professional growth is supported.
