Why you should join our team

Here at Foothills Country Hospice, we believe in supporting the living end of the journey. The focus on all aspects of our care is on quality of life. If you’re passionate about providing compassionate, end-of-life care, then we would love to hear from you.

Career Opportunities

We are currently hiring a Executive Director to join our Management Team. For more information about this role and to apply, please read below or click here:

Job Description revised: November 2025

Position Accountability

We are seeking an Executive Director, reporting to Foothills Country Hospice Society (FCHS) Board of Directors, subject to all pertinent legislation, by-laws and policies, the Executive Director (ED) is accountable for the direction, leadership, ongoing development and implementation of strategic goals, financial and overall management of FCHS.

The ED must ensure the organization provides quality resident, employee and volunteer experiences within the scope of available resources and approved strategic plans, guidelines, and directives that are consistent with the vision, mission and values of FCHS.

The ED is responsible to lead employees, volunteers, and develop and sustain strong community connections with donors and stakeholders. The ED ensures compliance with regulatory agencies, Assisted Living Alberta (ALA), liaise with Acute Care Alberta, and accrediting bodies, continually monitors the performance of FCHS’s services and delivery systems while adhering to the policies and guidelines of FCHS. The ED works closely with the hospice multidisciplinary team, in accordance with established procedures and standards, ensuring resident and family safety is a priority.

The ED’s mandate is to lead and manage change and growth; aimed at delivering excellence of personnel and health care service delivery within the organization.  The ED role requires balancing empathy and understanding with strategic decision making while advocating for all stakeholders of the hospice.

Internal Relations

The ED works with members of the Board, medical and health professions, and all other operational staff which render professional services, with the objective of building positive relationships and strengthening communications, enabling FCHS to provide the best possible care.  Our ED builds a collaborative culture, unifies diverse teams and foster trust across the organization.

External Relations

The ED is the representative of FCHS in the Calgary region and surrounding rural areas, bringing together third-party collaborators, sponsors, benefactors and stakeholders. The ED:

• Maintains a credible public image and optimal public relations for FCHS.
• Acts as liaison with donors, Assisted Living Alberta (ALA)., the media, the public, and all other interested groups unless otherwise delegated.
• Initiates and develops relationships and acts as a liaison with a broad range of community sectors including all levels of government, non-profit organizations, hospices, local businesses and donors within the Foothills region and Calgary.

Position Responsibilities Include:

Governance and Policy Development

The ED ensures the seamless integration of services within FCHS, in accordance with the vision, mission, values and policies of the Board.   The ED utilizes their leadership skills, understanding of hospice and support of their interdisciplinary team to perform objectives set out in the FCHS strategic plan.

The ED reports directly to the Board.  The ED:

• Encourages and strengthens a positive relationship with the Board and encourages pathways for communication.
• Ensures that the Board of Directors has pertinent information (community, donor, stakeholder trends/issues, opportunities, resource implications and legislative changes) necessary to keep the Board informed of developments in the health field and the community it serves.
• Is accountable for the development, implementation, and delivery of FCHS organizational policies, programs and services. The implementation and delivery of such is through the leadership team in meeting targeted goals and standards of care.
• Ensures that the Board of Directors is informed of developments within FCHS through the submission of specified mission, financial, and quality/safety reports, and any other pertinent information.
• Provides updates and recommendations to the Board of Directors on current operational sustainability and financial status that may affect internal or external stakeholders.
• Offers advice and counsel to the Board of Directors supporting its work, and accountability to ensure decisions are made from an informed position and implemented in a timely basis.
• Sits on all necessary committees, as determined by the ED and Board of Directors.
• Oversees Board and Annual Meeting administrative tasks (prepares agendas, supporting documentation, orientation) in consultation with the Board Chair.

Risk management and Quality Improvement

The ED is ultimately responsible for a culture of safe, quality care that supports the strategic plan, policies, and procedures of FCHS.   The ED utilizes the strength and skills of the leadership team in delegating implementation while providing oversight. The ED:

• Oversees an integrated risk management approach and works with Board Committees and Team Leads to assess risk on a consistent basis.
• Identifies enterprise risks, (including insurance policies and coverage) and develops strategies to mitigate risks.
• Strong budget oversight in all areas.
• Promotes employee, volunteer and resident safety and ensures that an effective quality management system and safety management system are in place and being followed.
• Safeguards the physical properties and resources of FCHS.
• Oversees the management, planning and construction of additions and renovations to the current facility as well as any new construction projects.
• Ensures that information about the quality performance of FCHS is used to set priorities, make decisions, and meet expectations.
• Ensures compliance with Accreditation Canada Standards, ALA, Continuing Care Health Service Standards, privacy of health information, and all other regulatory standards as applicable.
• Responsible for entering into and maintaining service contracts.

Human Resource Management

The ED is accountable for all Human Resource issues including recruiting, selecting, developing, motivating, evaluating, coaching, disciplining and, if necessary, discharging personnel. The ED will collaborate with teams leads in making personnel decisions while retaining overall responsibility.

The ED leads a respectful, inclusive workplace that fosters a team-centred approach.   The ED:

• Implements performance management systems, including goal setting, feedback, and development plans.
• Oversees development and implementation of HR strategies, policies, and programs aligned with the organization’s objectives
• Maintains an effective organization structure and delegates responsibility to team members in the operations of their functional areas.
• Oversees the development of a succession plan for senior leaders and key manager positions.
• Provides administrative guidance to their direct reports/leadership team through regular formal meetings held to provide reporting, problem solving, short and long-range planning.
• Champions a culture of trust and employee well-being.
• Actively listens to concerns, provides feedback and manages conflict as necessary.
• Determines and manages staffing levels, hiring and retains top talent to meet organizational objectives, within the constraints of FCHS’s physical and financial resources.
• Is responsible for the relationship with and performance management of direct reports.

Financial and Physical Asset Management

The ED will use their business acumen to assist the Board in working towards several targeted steps to reach longer term financial stability for FCHS.

The ED organizes, integrates, develops, selects, maintains, and effectively utilizes the organization’s resources (human, financial, property) to engage its vision and mission.  Many of these activities will be in collaboration with other delegated individuals.  The ED:

• Leads the development of the FCHS strategic plan, with support from Board Committees and staff, and submits the draft strategic plan for approval to the Board.
• Develops and submits to the Board of Directors for approval, an annual operating budget and financial plan.
• Monitors and actively engages in the development of FCHS’s Fund Development Plan in partnership with the Board Committees and Fund Development Officer.
• Ensures monthly financial reports are submitted to the Finance Committee for the purpose of monitoring both the short and long-term financial status of the FCHS.
• Ensures expenditures are made in compliance with the Board-approved budget and provides updates on budget variances.
• Proactively works with external donors and oversees funding /grant proposals, while proactively looking for additional opportunities for funding.
• Provides recommendations to the Board of Directors for acquisitions/expenditures that are more than the approved budget limits.
• Ensures that the facility, furniture, and equipment are necessary and appropriate to the needs of the FCHS.
• Ensures financial management complies with all standards and regulations as required.

Community Relations

The ED plays a pivotal role in externally representing the organization and internally unifying its diverse stakeholders. The ED:

• Maintains a good working relationship with palliative care physicians and members of the rural palliative care team.
• Promotes and fosters FCHS’s culture in alignment with its Mission, Vision, Strategic Goals and Values to all stakeholders.
• Works in collaboration with ALA through the Funding Agreement and establishes and maintains good relationships based on mutual trust, respect, and transparency.
• Develops coalitions and maintains effective relationships through effective communication and diplomacy.
• Cultivates a network of support and demonstrates professionalism, to the full range of organizational stakeholders and donors.
• Undertakes activities within the local Foothills community, ALA zone and Calgary region which serves to enhance the visibility of FCHS.
• Represents FCHS on appropriate committees, networks, and joint projects.
• Oversees, solicits feedback and contributes ideas related to marketing and community strategies as referenced in the Fund Development Plan.

Programs and Services

The ED leads the planning, development, delivery, and evaluation of programs and services, ensuring that FCHS remains compliant with legislation and in accordance with approved budgets that align with the FCHS Mission and Strategic Plan.

The ED may delegate the responsibility for detailed operation and programs and services to designated individuals/teams and hold them accountable, while retaining overall responsibility for the total accountability of FCHS.

The ED annually prepares and provides the Board of Directors summary reports of programs and services including recommendations for future improvement and change.

Candidate Profile

Knowledge, Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of overall business leadership practices (human resource management, change management, leadership principles, risk mitigation, financial management, conflict resolution, negotiations, application of metrics).
• Knowledge of Medical/Health Care Industry and terms in contractual agreements, legislative/licensing requirements.
• Proficient computer skills / Office related programs.
• Excellent public speaking skills.
• Proven experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary teams (including care teams, food services, housekeeping, maintenance, reception, project management, etc.).
• Proven experience in change management, operational growth and the ability to make complex decisions in the face of competing interests and financial constraints.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated conflict management resolution.
• Excellent analytical and organizational skills.
• Collaborative leadership skills capable of creating a positive work environment including a respectful team-centred approach that supports, coaches, educates and encourages employees and volunteers.
• Active listening skills that ensure differing viewpoints are heard and brought forth in decision making as appropriate.
• Supportive behaviour that advocates for specific team needs within the larger organization.

Education and Experience

• Masters degree in Health Care, Management, Finance, or Commerce is preferred.
• 10+ years of proven leadership experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary teams and operations.
• Strong background in managing growth, team integration and change; building a unified team.
• Experience in health services, palliative or supportive care facilities or non-profit sector.
• Willingness to work in a rural setting engaging with the rural community and the greater Calgary area alike.
• Certified Health Executive (CHE) or professional designation an asset.

Personal / Professional Attributes

• Strong self awareness, self-management, self-care and ability to accept performance feedback.
• Ability to engage, motivate, and collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team, senior leadership, donors, stakeholders and government agencies.
• Is pragmatic, composed and empathetic during stressful times.
• Proven results in completing projects, negotiations, conflict resolution, coaching, and collaboration.
• Proficient in cultivating professional networks.
• Ability to be available outside of core business hours in the case of an onsite emergency or requested attendance at community events or networking engagements.
• Strategic focus and ability to plan for long term sustainability.
• Focus and passion for end-of- life care in a hospice environment where guests and family can expect exceptional care.

Please submit Cover Letter and Resume to kim.hickson@setadvisorsinc.com

This position requires the individual to be compliant with all Foothills Country Hospice Society’s (FCHS) privacy and confidentiality Policies and Procedures, and to be compliant with all Privacy Legislation Acts (FOIP, HIA, PIPA) relevant to FCHS.