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Opportunities

Director of Shared Services

Edmonton Humane Society

Status: Open Location: Edmonton, AB

The Organization

Founded in 1907, the Edmonton Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (EHS) has been the cornerstone of animal welfare in Edmonton for over a century. EHS believes that people and pets thrive together, and their work is dedicated to strengthening the bond between them.

Every year, EHS provides thousands of homeless, abandoned and neglected companion animals with shelter, veterinary care and behaviour support. But their impact goes beyond animal sheltering and rehoming — they offer education, advocacy and community programs to keep pets with their families whenever possible. From teaching children empathy for animals to offering temporary shelter for pets whose families are in crisis, EHS is dedicated to enriching the lives of people and companion animals.

EHS’ mission is to enrich the lives of people and companion animals through sheltering animals in need, supporting pet guardians, engaging with the community, and inspiring compassion.

For more information about the EHS, please visit their website.

The Opportunity

Reports to:Chief Executive Officer
Direct Reports:3: Controller, Human Resources Manager, Infrastructure Manager. 
Team Size:10 staff plus contractors
Location:Edmonton, AB

Mandate

EHS is seeking a collaborative and strategic leader to serve as the Director of Shared Services. This is a key leadership role responsible for overseeing and optimizing the organization’s core administrative functions: Finance, Human Resources, Facilities, and Information Technology.

This position plays a critical role on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), working in close partnership with peers who lead animal operations, health services and stakeholder relations. The successful candidate will take a systems view of operations, build strong working relationships, and foster a high-performing, service-oriented culture that supports all areas of the organization.

The role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful animal welfare work while advancing key organizational priorities, including infrastructure upgrades, people strategy, and continuous improvement of shared services.

Key Accountabilities

  • Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the SLT to ensure that the work of the Shared Services department is integrated with and supportive of other teams across the organization.
  • People Leadership: Coach and support a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative culture grounded in service, learning, and continuous improvement.
  • Financial Oversight: Lead financial reporting, forecasting, budgeting, and policy adherence; present financial results and insights to the Board.
  • HR Leadership: Strengthen HR programs and policies in partnership with the HR Manager and Coordinator, with a focus on enhancing the employee experience.
  • Facilities Management: Provide leadership on facilities maintenance and capital projects to ensure the EHS building is attractive and meets the needs of the organization.
  • Information Technology: Ensure EHS’s strategic and operational IT needs are met, in conjunction with external IT service providers.
  • Board Engagement: Prepare and present to the Board and its Finance & Audit and Governance & HR Committees; participate in policy review and organizational planning.

First-Year Deliverables / Measures of Success

Success in the first year will be determined by the candidate’s ability to:

  • Execute key projects-in-progress, including the ongoing compensation review project and renovation of the adoption gallery.
  • Build strong, trust-based relationships with the Shared Services team, SLT colleagues, and key operational staff.
  • Review current facilities and infrastructure to ensure they meet future organizational needs.
  • Assess team structure and workflows within Shared Services; identify and implement improvements.
  • Support and coach staff, including long-tenured personnel, with patience, influence, and emotional intelligence.
  • Model a service-oriented approach to working with internal clients across all departments.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education:

  • Degree or diploma in accounting, finance, or a related field.  Equivalencies will be considered.
  • CPA designation strongly preferred

Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in finance and/or human resources
  • Demonstrated experience managing cross-functional teams and complex projects
  • Non-profit sector experience is an asset
  • Familiarity with facilities oversight and capital project planning is welcomed
  • Experience with systems such as Sage, ADP, and Microsoft Suite is beneficial

Competencies and Attributes:

  • Strong project management skills
  • A collaborative and inclusive leadership style
  • Exceptional relationship-building and coaching skills
  • Strong communicator, including ability to present effectively at the Board level
  • Strategic, systems-oriented thinker
  • Comfortable translating technical concepts for non-technical audiences
  • Skilled at building trust and influencing change with both new and long-standing staff
  • Comfortable working around animals and within a shelter environment

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Edmonton Humane Society is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse team benefits and is essential to service excellence. EHS welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.  In accordance with provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Mullen and the EHS throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with accommodation requirements.

Application Instructions

If this opportunity excites you, please send an application package including a resume and cover letter to connect@mullenleadership.com, with the organization name and position title in the subject line of your email.

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