Vice President, Finance & Corporate Services
Position Overview
Organization: Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation
Title: Vice President, Finance and Corporate Services
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Team: Two direct reports, eight overall
Key Internal Relationships: Foundation Senior Leadership Team, Hospital Executives, clinical leadership, Physicians and Staff, Board of Directors
Key External Relationships: Agency, Vendors & Consultants; Community relationships as a senior leader and ambassador of the Foundation
Location: Hybrid work model, currently a minimum of 3 days in office. When in office: 1 King Street West #702, Hamilton (first three months, in office expectation of 5x a week)
Compensation: $185,000 – $215,000 plus HOOPP, and a comprehensive vacation and benefits plan. Salary will be determined commensurate with experience.
Is this you?
You are a nonprofit financial leader who is looking to join a collaborative and high performing team. Beyond holding the direct Finance accountability for your organization, you have led or been involved in IT, data analytics, procurement and facilities. In your current or recent role, you have led a team and are known for your inclusive approachable style.
You are a CA/CPA with strong accounting knowledge; you have a deep understanding of how to use financial data to drive business decisions. You know how to execute a long-term vision while being a key member of a cohesive senior leadership team who are focused on growth and excellence.
You are known for being a problem solver, idea generator, and strategic ally. You are respected across internal teams and the Board because of your depth of understanding across a diverse range of operating areas including fundraising, health system stakeholders, Board members, vendors donors and volunteers.
You would be energized, motivated and excited to lead Finance and Corporate Services for a vital and growing hospital foundation representing the largest patient demographic in the province. If this sounds like you, read on.
About Hamilton Health Sciences
Hamilton Health Sciences is a community of 18,000 staff, physicians, researchers and volunteers that proudly serves southwestern Ontario residents. They are the only hospital system in Ontario that cares for all ages, from pre-birth to end-of-life. They offer world-leading expertise in many areas, including cardiac and stroke care, cancer care, palliative care and pediatrics. They are a world- renowned hospital for healthcare research. They focus daily on improving the quality of care for patients through innovation and evidence-based practices.
As the largest employer in the Greater Hamilton region, they play a vital role in training the next generation of health professionals in collaboration with academic partners, McMaster University and Mohawk College. They are accredited with exemplary standing by Accreditation Canada. Hamilton Health Sciences are comprised of: Hamilton General Hospital; Juravinski Cancer Centre; Juravinski Hospital; McMaster Children’s Hospital; McMaster University Medical Centre; Regional Rehabilitation Centre; Ron Joyce Children’s Health Centre; St. Peter’s Hospital; West End Urgent Care Clinic and West Lincoln Memorial Hospital. To learn more about Hamilton Health Sciences, click here.
About Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation
At HHSF they are all about appreciation, integrity and innovation. They believe that by working together, they can transform lives and create a healthier future for everyone.
Mission: To raise funds and manage donor gifts for the purpose of supporting outstanding clinical care and research for the communities served by Hamilton Health Sciences.
Vision: When donors give to HHSF, they are directly supporting healthcare services in the Hamilton region. Their contribution stays within the community and region, benefitting neighbors, friends and loved ones. By giving locally, donors have the power to make a significant and tangible difference.
Values: The Foundation believes that relationships and partnership are the basis of excellence in fundraising. Therefore they:
- Treat all donors, the Hospital and others with integrity, respect and appreciation
- Are accountable to their donors and community
- Encourage creativity and innovation in their activities
To learn more about the Foundation, click here.
The Position
The Vice President, Finance and Corporate Services is a senior non-profit financial leader who will be responsible for the financial stewardship and operational management of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. This role requires deep expertise in not-for-profit financial management, including oversight of budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, investment portfolio monitoring, and statutory reporting. As a key member of the leadership team, the Vice President regularly communicates financial results and insights to the Board’s sub-committees and among senior leadership.
The Vice President will lead IT, data analytics, procurement and facilities functions, driving the standardization and enhancement of corporate practices, policies, procedures, and controls to support organizational effectiveness and strategic goals. The Vice President is responsible for the administration and facilitation of legacy and estate gifts in collaboration with the Community and Legacy Giving department, ensuring smooth execution at the time of gift maturity.
The Vice President will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Foundation’s daily financial and investment activities, ensuring sound fiscal management and alignment with the Foundation’s mission and long-term sustainability. This position is a key member of the HHSF Senior Leadership Team, collaborating and supporting other team members and departments across the Foundation.
The Vice President will be a collaborative leader, comfortable leading across various functions of the organization. The Vice President will be a confident communicator and comfortable taking complex financials and translating to their audience. Due to the complex nature of a Hospital Foundation environment, our candidate will have worked within a non-profit financial role within their career.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Operations
- Serves as the senior leader and subject matter expert in finance, investment, and organizational financial stewardship.
- Leads the development and management of the annual budgeting and forecasting process in alignment with HHSF’s three-year strategic plan.
- Provides oversight of cash flow, investment strategy, asset management, and financial risk mitigation to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
- Oversees the Foundation’s investment portfolio in accordance with the Investment Policy, in collaboration with the Finance & Investment Committee.
- Supports the Finance & Investment Committee and Audit & Risk Committee with timely analysis, reporting, and strategic guidance.
- Leads financial planning and analysis to support data-informed decision-making, including assessing the financial feasibility of new initiatives and proposals.
- Oversees business continuity, disaster recovery, and crisis management planning, including testing and maintenance of protocols.
- Provides financial oversight for estate administration and legacy giving programs.
- Monitors financial innovations and external trends (e.g., payment technologies, online giving, cryptocurrencies) to identify opportunities that support the Foundation’s mission.
- Ensures the timely and accurate preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, including variance analysis and forecasting.
- Oversees financial reporting for more than 600 internal funds to ensure transparency, donor stewardship, and accountability.
- Manages expenditures within approved budgets and initiates corrective actions as needed to control costs and maintain efficient administrative and fundraising ratios.
- Provides oversight and reporting for Foundation-run 50/50 lotteries and raffles.
- Leads the annual audit process and ensures compliance with audit, legal, and regulatory requirements, including CRA and other federal/provincial standards.
- Maintains and enforces financial policies and internal controls across departments.
- Performs other responsibilities or projects as needed to support the success of the Foundation.
Business and Corporate Services Operations
- Ensures compliance with all applicable privacy laws and regulations related to donor, employee, and financial data.
- Oversees the development, testing, and maintenance of business continuity, disaster recovery, and crisis management plans to ensure operational resilience.
- Provides oversight of the Foundation’s insurance program, legal matters, and management of contracts and lease agreements.
- Leads procurement operations, ensuring that policies, processes, and the contract review/approval process are cost-effective, transparent, and compliant with internal and external standards.
- Oversees IT strategy and operations, ensuring secure, efficient, and scalable systems that support the Foundation’s goals.
- Leads donor services and data operations, ensuring data integrity, reporting accuracy, and a positive donor experience.
- Manages corporate services functions to enable seamless internal operations and cross-functional support.
- Leads and develops high-performing teams across finance, donor services, and data management, fostering a culture of accountability, service, and continuous improvement.
Legacy and Estate Gift Administration
- Oversees the administration (as required) of inbound estate files through to realization of legacy gifts.
- Recommends engaging external counsel to protect HHSF interests in estates matters, collaborates internally on the execution of estate releases and communication with executors and external counsel.
Cross-functional Leadership and Collaboration
- Champion the execution of the developed strategy through successful change management strategies and collaboration across HHSF Team; while assessing organizational readiness for change, identifying potential barriers, and developing proactive strategies to mitigate resistance, and drive buy-in across all levels.
- Collaborate closely with the Senior Leadership Team and cross-functional HHSF teams to foster a cohesive and synergistic environment, where collective efforts are directed towards HHSF’s unified vision and shared objectives.
- Develop and build collaborative and beneficial relationships with internal and external colleagues and partners, specifically within HHS including clinical, operational and administration departments, leveraging connections to enhance organizational effectiveness and drive fundraising and strategic initiatives.
- Serve as a brand ambassador within the organization, educating and inspiring staff to embody the HHSF brand values and deliver exceptional service.
Team Leadership/Senior Leadership Responsibilities:
- Provide leadership and coaching to a team, fostering a collaborative, motivational and respectful environment, with a focus on skill development and continuous learning to maximize team effectiveness and growth
- Develop and maintain a high functioning team and continually assess structure, allocation of responsibility and process for optimal efficiency and workflow to achieve HHSF objectives.
- Offer critical insight and strategic guidance to inform HHSF strategic, operational, culture and human resource planning, aligning departmental efforts with broader HHSF goals.
- Provide critical support and insight to support the development, implementation, and evaluation of HHSF’s long term strategic plan and annual operating plans
- Lead the annual operating development process, and monitor Foundation’s and department’s annual operating budget, ensuring fiscal management, cost optimization and resource allocation.
- Actively participate in HHSF board meetings, senior leadership and management meetings, providing valuable perspectives and support to inform decision-making and drive fundraising success.
- Lead for both Finance & Investment Committee and Audit & Risk Committee; preparing all materials for boar meetings and committee meetings.
- Prepare and deliver a range of reports in support of the Chief Executive Officer, Board of Directors, Committees and other stakeholders, ensuring transparency, clarity and alignment with strategy.
Participation in the HHSF Senior Leadership Team:
- As a key member of the HHSF Senior Leadership Team (SLT), actively contribute to the strategic direction and success of the organization.
- Provide leadership and embody authenticity and respect in all interactions with peers.
- Actively demonstrate a commitment to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, ensuring that contributions are both constructive and inclusive.
- Engage with fellow leaders, offer generous support and cultivate a culture of mutual respect and teamwork to enhance the collective effectiveness and cohesion of the HHSF SLT.
The Ideal Candidate
- Must hold a CPA designation, University degree or equivalent in relevant field
- 10+ years leadership experience in non-profit finance and/or accounting required
- 5+ years prior senior management/leadership experience
- Extensive expertise in finance, accounting, budgeting, cash flow, investments, procurement, data analysis, business intelligence, procurement, facilities management
- Experience in Not-For-Profit sector with respect to fund accounting and receipting mandatory
- Experience with Financial Edge / Raiser’s Edge (Blackbaud Software) an asset
- Experienced with peer-to-peer fundraising applications, digital tools for marketing and workflow
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and holistically, with a keen focus on both the big picture and tactical execution, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
- Capacity to analyze complex situations, anticipate future trends, and conceptualize and implement plans to achieve desired outcomes and drive organizational success.
Why choose Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation?
At Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation, they are committed to offering a comprehensive total rewards package that supports employee well-being:
- They provide a competitive hiring range of $185,000-$215,000, commensurate with experience, along with an annual performance-based incentive program.
- The package includes participation in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan (HOOPP), comprehensive healthcare, dental and travel benefits with a Health Services Spending Account, maternity and parental leave top up benefits, and access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
- Five weeks of paid vacation and your birthday off!
- They have a culture which supports and encourages continuous professional development and career growth opportunities.
Application Instructions
The Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer. Their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within HHSF reflects a belief that they will make the greatest impact to their mission when everyone can genuinely and fully participate without barriers or exclusion. They are dedicated to creating a workplace reflective of the community we live, work and serve and welcome applications from diverse and equity deserving groups. HHSF is committed to providing a barrier-free recruitment process and work environment. Accommodation, if requested, will be provided throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. Should any candidate require accommodation in any phase of the recruitment process, please contact Lindsay Preston (lindsay@phcap.ca). Preston Human Capital Group is conducting this search on behalf of Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation.
If you are looking for an outstanding challenge and you meet the qualification criteria, we look forward to hearing from you. Please include a cover letter and CV addressed to Lindsay Preston at lindsay@phcap.ca. The posting closes on July 11, 2025, at 5pm ET. Please note only qualified respondents will be contacted. Thank you for your interest