Founded in 1977, the Ontario Retirement Communities Association (ORCA) is the leading voice for the province’s retirement living sector, representing operators and setting the standard for operational excellence across Ontario. ORCA represents more than 90 per cent of all licensed retirement community suites in the province. Its members employ approximately 35,000 front-line team members who support nearly 75,000 seniors who choose to call retirement communities their home. In addition, ORCA’s network includes over 240 commercial partners providing essential products and services to the sector. As the sector’s principal industry association, ORCA is committed to equipping its members with the tools, resources, and education required to deliver safe, high-quality care. ORCA plays a critical role in advancing a strong, sustainable retirement living sector through proactive advocacy and collaboration with government, regulators, and key stakeholders.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer provides visionary, externally focused leadership to advance Ontario’s retirement living sector and strengthen its role within the broader health, housing, and aging systems. The CEO holds full executive authority for ORCA, including oversight of strategy, programs, operations, people, and financial sustainability. The CEO is accountable for shaping public policy, cultivating senior-level government and regulatory relationships, and positioning ORCA as the authoritative and trusted voice of the sector. This is a highly outward-facing role, defined by influence, advocacy, and system leadership. The CEO plays a central role in advancing progressive policy solutions, aligning diverse stakeholders, and ensuring the sector is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of Ontario’s aging population.

The ideal candidate is a dynamic, credible, and highly influential leader with deep experience in government relations, public policy, and stakeholder engagement within complex, regulated environments. They are a strategic thinker and skilled relationship builder, with a demonstrated ability to operate at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and system leadership. This individual thrives in highly visible roles, bringing the presence, judgment, and credibility to engage effectively with senior government officials, regulators, industry leaders, and diverse stakeholders. A persuasive advocate and trusted advisor, they are adept at shaping policy dialogue, building consensus across competing interests, and advancing solutions that balance member needs with broader system priorities.

Odgers does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for a position.

Reason for Posting: Existing Vacancy

 

To Apply

To fill this position, ORCA has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers. Applications should be submitted online at https://careers.odgers.com/en-ca/31111. 

We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

ORCA is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessible Canada Act, 2019 and all applicable provincial accessibility standards, upon request, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers and ORCA throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self-Declaration Form.