Co-operative Housing Manager - Homestarts

Full-time Co-operative Housing Manager, Community Housing

Home starts is a leading non‑profit organization dedicated to fostering resilient and sustainable community housing across Ontario. We empower housing co‑operatives and non‑profits by delivering professional management services that champion strong governance, active member engagement, financial stability, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion. Our mission is to ensure that safe, affordable housing thrives and continues to serve diverse communities.

We are seeking a seasoned, strategic and proactive leader to join our team as a Manager, Community Housing Operations, who will report to the Director of Operations. This role manages a portfolio of co‑operative and nonprofit housing communities within the GTA and Durham Region, serving as the primary operational and strategic partner to client Boards of Directors. You will provide comprehensive operational leadership, expert financial oversight, and advanced governance guidance, ensuring that each community operates with excellence, compliance, and member well‑being.

Position Type:
Full‑Time (5 days / 37.5 hours per week).

Location:

GTA‑based, with travel required to client sites.

Note:

Evening or weekend work is required to attend mandatory Board and Members meetings.

• Manage, motivate and coach staff, fostering a high‑performance, supportive, and collaborative team culture to handle day‑to‑day operations for a portfolio of community housing co‑ops and/or nonprofits, ensuring compliance with legislation, policies, and best practices.
• Execute continuous training, development and mentorship for staff to cultivate expertise and support career progression within the organization.
• Assume direct responsibility for portfolio operations, stepping in to fulfill staff functions during absences and serving as the primary point of contact for all client escalations, ensuring prompt and professional resolution.
• Attend client meetings, inspections, evaluations, etc., to support operational excellence and prepare high‑quality work and operational recommendations.
• Manage multiple projects efficiently, meeting tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.
• Identify risks and implement proactive, solution‑focused strategies to resolve challenges.
• Provide guidance to client Board of Directors on governance, financial oversight, strategic planning, and community conflict resolution.
• Cultivate and maintain robust, transparent, and collaborative relationships with all key stakeholders, including co‑op leaders, members, contractors, and local community partners.
• Actively promote and support community well‑being by ensuring that every housing environment is inclusive, respectful, healthy, and reflective of Home starts’ commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Keep Director of Operations apprised of issues, concerns or praise as necessary.
• Other duties as required.

• Post Secondary education or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Management
  
  Experience:
  
  5+ years of progressive management experience in community, co‑operative, or non‑profit housing or related field.
• Proven experience training, supervising, leading, and motivating staff, providing clear guidance and mentorship.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting complex information to Boards of Directors and diverse community groups.
• Highly organized with strong time management skills, the ability to prioritize tasks with a sense of urgency, and the capacity to manage staff availability to ensure business continuity.
• Proficient knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Proven resilience under pressure, including ability to manage emotional intelligence, stress, and mental health.

• Valid driver’s license and the ability to travel to multiple properties.
• Knowledge of Newviews / NVNPH, HMWorx.
• Familiarity with cooperatives, nonprofits and property management responsibilities.
• Knowledgeable about housing sector, the governing regulators.

Home starts provides a comprehensive compensation package, tiered to reflect length of employment, including group benefits after 6 months, 3 weeks’ vacation to start and RRSP contribution after 1 year. Salary: $70,000 per year.

Home starts is a non‑profit company with a volunteer board of directors that strongly believes in providing opportunities for internal growth and development. Home starts is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Human Resources will work with applicants requesting accommodation at any stage of the hiring process.

Please submit your resume and cover letter by email only to: jzeiter.

Final date to receive applications:
January 31, 2026.