Director, Oasis National

The Oasis National unit within Queen’s University will support a national network of Oasis sites. The Oasis program is an innovative model for aging in place that offers programming for older adults living within a NORC (naturally occurring retirement community). Oasis is unique as it seeks to empower older adults to identify their needs and determine the services and activities which best meet those needs. It includes programming developed by members and designed to foster movement, healthy nutrition and socialization to support older adults to age within their communities. The Oasis National unit will be a national hub for 23 and growing Oasis communities around the country – facilitating knowledge sharing, learning, and connection to support older people to age well in community.

As the unit’s inaugural leader, the Director will guide the direction of the Oasis National unit and prepare the unit to become an independent Oasis National Not-For-Profit —stewarding its mission, strategic partnerships, and network growth—with a strong focus on equity, impact, and values-driven culture. Reporting to the Vice-Principal, Research, and working closely with an Advisory Committee and Oasis Research Team, the Director builds and nurtures relationships with funders, collaborators, and thought leaders while overseeing day-to-day operations. They will help shape Oasis’s future governance structure, prepare for its nonprofit foundation, and drive sustainable growth. This role requires a strategic, systems-oriented leader who can translate vision into action and foster a collaborative, trust-based culture across a national network.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Leadership

• The Director will play a key leadership role in advancing Oasis National’s mission by developing and delivering short and long-term strategies and responses to emerging opportunities.
• Develop and implement a visionary strategy and operational plan that supports the mission and objectives.
• Drive strategic partnerships and advocate across sectors to elevate Oasis’s national presence.
• Establish and cultivate new partnerships and strategic collaborations with appropriate not-for-profit organizations, government organizations and sectors to advance the goals of Oasis
• Guide governance development by preparing Oasis for nonprofit status, working closely with the transitional advisory committee to support the formation and transition to a diverse and engaged Board.
• Oversees the Oasis Network Library, leading the expansion of new sites, and ensuring existing sites across the country continue to thrive.
• Works with diverse key partners to prepare, analyse, interpret, and evaluate new initiatives/policies, identifies financial implications, and recommends immediate and long-term action by Oasis National.
• Ensures the necessary preparations for meetings with the Advisory Committee and manages action items and policy changes through to completion.

Operational Leadership and Financial Management and Accountability

• Liaises with and supports senior leaders within HSPRI and VPR to advance Oasis key initiatives and priorities.
• Responsible for operations oversight and financial stability including resource development, sponsorships, grants, partnerships, and other sources.
• Manages the timely and accurate completion of special projects within Oasis National.
• Oversees the process of policy development for the unit and its implementation, tracking, and analysis.
• Champion data-informed practices and promoting continuous learning across the network, in close collaboration with the Oasis Research Team.
• Transparent budgeting and resource management, while creating and implementing a sustainable fund development strategy and viable business model to ensure long-term growth.
• Responsible for the control and monitoring of all financial and budgetary matters for Oasis National
• Oversees and supports statistical, operational, and financial reporting and compliance audits.
• Ensures ethical conduct, integrity and a high degree of professionalism and accountability in all business, financial and research activities.
• Ensures Oasis complies with Queen’s financial and human resource policies and procedures.

Management and Supervision

• Responsible for recruiting, supervising, developing, and retaining staff, while fostering a culture of learning, trust, and inclusion with the Oasis National unit.
• Provides human resources leadership and guidance to the 1.5 FTE
• Consistently and actively promotes and contributes to a culture of inclusion, with a commitment to the university’s Indigenization, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-racism (I-EDIAA) initiatives designed to foster an inclusive, supportive and welcoming environment. and a sense of service in support of the Oasis mission.
• Plans, prioritizes and manages the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance and coaching. Identifies the need for staff resources, participates on staffing committees, and makes effective recommendations regarding employee selection.
• Manages performance by establishing performance standards, reviewing and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis.
• Assesses staff training and development needs and ensures that employees receive training required to improve and sustain successful performance.
• Investigates, addresses and resolves employee/labour relations issues, including disciplinary matters. Makes decisions or effective recommendations on matters involving possible discipline, discharge and probationary termination.

Communications

• Uses innovative methods to effectively communicate Oasis vision, mission, priorities, and goals to internal and external partners.
• Fosters partnerships and collaborations to enhance Oasis National’s influence and reach.
• Builds and nurtures relationships with funders, collaborators, and thought leaders through effective and responsive communication.
• Develops and coordinates communications strategies and plans, in partnership with the advisory committee, Research Teams, Partners, future Board of Directors and other senior administration officials at Queen’s University as required.
• Prepares and manages internal and external communications; facilitates and coordinates initiatives and activities related to Oasis National.
• Prepares and replies to inquiries and general correspondence; researches and compiles applicable background information for key partners.
• Prepares agendas, research issues of importance and sensitivity, and produces presentations, briefing materials and information on significant matters.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree in nonprofit management, business, public administration, or related field. A master’s degree in related fields is an asset.
• Leadership experience, and five to seven years related experience preferably in a nonprofit or mission-driven setting.
• Proven success in fundraising, grant writing, and donor engagement.
• Strong financial management, strategic planning, and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Exceptional relationship building and networking skills with the ability to engage diverse partners.
• Experience with research evaluation and learning will be required.
• Experience working with or serving on nonprofit boards is an asset
• Knowledge of the aging, community-based services, and health sectors is an asset.
• Multilingual and/or experience with diverse communities is an asset.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Ability to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Excellent public speaking, writing, and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to interact professionally and effectively with individuals at all levels of the University and with Key Partners
• Experience working with a Board of Directors, including governance and compliance issues.
• Leadership in hiring, mentoring, and evaluating staff, and fostering a positive organizational culture. Skill in building partnerships and representing the organization with external partners, including government, media, and other nonprofits.
• Ability to lead in times of uncertainty or organizational transition.
• Ability to grow relationships and partnerships with sites that are affiliated with Oasis National, providing support, troubleshooting challenges, working collaboratively, and trust-building.
• Strong analytical, interpretive and problem-solving skills
• Ability to prioritize competing demands, remain focused on key objectives, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to conceptualize creative plans for dealing with an array of issues and opportunities presenting themselves to Oasis
• Demonstrate sound judgement and the ability to make appropriate decisions when providing advice involving various levels of complexity, ambiguity and risk and their implications on image and reputation
• Initiative, results orientation and resourcefulness to work independently and develop practical recommendations for positive change with maximum impact
• Reinforces change management practices with own actions and attitudes and is accessible and responsive.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills