Vice President - Operations, Property Acquisitions and Capital Projects

Vice President, Operations, Property Acquisitions and Capital Projects Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Department: Operations, Facilities, Major Capital Projects

Level: 12

Purpose of Position Responsible for all CHT Capital Projects and Housing Acquisitions, including being CHT’s lead (operational and technical) on the Main Site Capital Project and other major capital projects and housing-related initiatives. Responsible for acquiring and adding housing to the CHT housing portfolio to add housing capacity. Leads managers in all aspects of Operations and Facilities including Food Services. Ensures the operations team provides a safe, clean, healthy living and working environment for CHT youth and staff. Responsible for directing operations/facility/food services/business reception activities, including maintenance of all building systems, overseeing site safety/security and mitigating risk, ensuring compliance with relevant laws/regulations/safety standards, and long‑range planning to support future needs/growth.

Key Responsibilities

Facilities Management & Operations: developing preventative maintenance programs, oversight of daily operations through a large operations team (cleaning, security, ensuring safety compliance including legislated requirements to ensure compliance with applicable laws/regulations, and facilitating emergency response for facilities) on site and off site. Direct, supervise and mentor a team of Operations/Facilities/Food Services managers.

Capital Projects & Development and Housing Management: manage CHT’s real estate portfolio – lead activities related to real estate acquisition, development, investment, management, and sale. Provide expertise and guidance on real estate and development matters. Lead the development of new sites and ensure successful implementation. Key tasks include capital planning, managing all stages of capital projects, planning and managing multi‑million‑dollar budgets, and overseeing contractors/consultants. Liaises with external consulting resources such as Project Managers, Engineers, Prime Consulting Architects, Urban Planners, etc., in conjunction with major redevelopment projects and day‑to‑day operations.

Leadership & Administration: lead and mentor a large operations/facilities/food services team, manage operating budgets and utility costs, and act as a liaison with various stakeholders. Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders – collaborate with stakeholders to achieve shared goals. Represent CHT at meetings and events related to real estate development.

Main Site Major Real Estate Development Project and Site Expansion Activities

Lead Major Real Estate Development/Expansion initiatives, acting as CHT’s main source of contact for real estate development activities such as the Main Site Redevelopment Project costing $200+ million.

Coordinate decanting and relocation logistics during demolition/construction, ensuring swing space and move‑in.

Support new shelter program design/development, opening in 2027 with 50+ crisis/transitional housing beds, and ongoing operations of the facility.

Serve as primary liaison with legal counsel, prime architects, project managers, and construction firms.

Oversee entire real estate development process from concept to completion, emphasizing financial management, project execution, stakeholder relations.

Ensure CHT secures adequate swing space during decanting and mobilize resources to complete moves to the swing space during construction and ultimately into the new space.

Qualifications

Education – a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as architecture, engineering, construction management, facilities management, or equivalent.

Experience – 7–10+ years of executive/senior level leadership experience with exposure to large capital projects and renovation work (over $20 million and ideally over $50–75 million) plus facilities management, capital project management, and team leadership.

5+ years of leading multi‑disciplinary teams.

Experience in operation of large physical facilities and related building systems, including operation of culinary facilities.

Technical knowledge – a strong understanding of building systems, construction methods, and building codes.

Strong skillset in team building, negotiation and conflict resolution.

Project management – proven experience in managing multi‑million‑dollar budgets and complex projects, construction & design management, procurement, and business continuity planning.

Certifications – FMP, CVM, PMP, or comparable experience.

Soft skills – strong communication, strategic thinking, problem‑solving, and negotiation skills.

Key Competencies

Strategic Leadership – develop and execute a long‑term housing strategy that expands CHT’s capacity, strengthens its real estate portfolio, and responds to housing needs of youth in Toronto. Works well with Board members and executives on strategy.

Capital Planning & Project Management – oversee major redevelopment, renovations, and new‑build initiatives with strong planning, budgeting, vendor management, and risk oversight to ensure safe, timely and cost‑effective delivery.

Facilities & Asset Management – ensure proactive maintenance compliance, and life cycle management across all CHT properties.

Partnerships & Sector Engagement – build strong partnerships with government, housing providers, real estate partners, and funders.

Operation Excellence & Systems Thinking – establish clear processes, controls, and performance standards across housing, facilities, and development functions.

Equity, Advocacy & Community Alignment – champion equitable access to housing and represent CHT in sector conversations.

Other Relevant Skills

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight time constraints.

Excellent leadership, project management, highly organized, detail oriented.

Ability to write tender documents and lead complex RFP processes.

Ability to interpret architectural plans and address their impact on operations.

Occupational Health & Safety training and knowledge of OH&S Act.

Aware of Food Safety and Control and property/trades management.

General management skills: budgetary control, negotiation.

Demonstrated planning and systems development ability.

Excellent verbal and written skills, team player, computer literacy.

Commitment to Equitable Recruitment At Covenant House Toronto we believe in a workplace culture of inclusion that is welcoming, respectful and safe for all staff. It is critical to Covenant House Toronto success to eliminate barriers and promote the inclusion of equity groups. Equity groups include but may not be limited to Indigenous persons, racialized people, gender diverse people, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code, Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Covenant House Policy on Accommodation, a request for accommodation will be accepted as part of the Covenant House recruitment process.

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