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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER (CEO)
Durham East Family Health Team
A unique opportunity to build, lead and shape the future of primary care in Durham Region.
Be part of an exciting new chapter in Ontario healthcare.
Primary care in Ontario is evolving, and Durham Region is at the forefront of an exciting opportunity to transform how healthcare is delivered to local communities.
The newly established Durham East Family Health Team (DE FHT) is seeking an accomplished, forward-thinking
Chief Executive Officer to lead the development of an innovative, integrated, team-based model of primary care serving Clarington, East Oshawa, and surrounding communities.
This is more than a senior leadership appointment. It is an opportunity to build an organization from the ground up, turn a shared vision into action, and make a lasting impact on access to primary care and the health of our community. Bringing together three established clinic locations and 68 family physicians, the Durham East FHT will unite interprofessional healthcare providers in a collaborative model designed to improve access, strengthen patient attachment, optimize professional scope of practice, and respond to the evolving healthcare needs of the region.
We are looking for a strategic and operational leader who is energized by building something new, navigating change and bringing people together around a common purpose.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO will provide the leadership, direction and operational oversight required to establish and grow the Durham East FHT. Working in close partnership with the Board, Medical Director, family physicians, clinic operational leaders and community partners, the CEO will help translate the organization’s vision into sustainable programs, effective operations, and measurable results.
This is a hands-on executive role that balances strategic leadership with operational execution. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable shaping long-term priorities, building organizational infrastructure, managing resources, and working collaboratively with clinical and operational leaders to implement practical solutions.
As the organization takes shape, the CEO will have the opportunity to influence its culture, establish effective governance and operating practices, develop strong partnerships, and help define what integrated, team-based primary care can achieve for Durham Region.
KEY AREAS OF LEADERSHIP
Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development
- Partner with the Board of Directors to develop and implement the organization’s strategic direction, annual priorities, and performance objectives.
- Translate strategic goals into actionable plans, programs and services that respond to local and regional healthcare needs.
- Establish the organizational structures, policies, processes, and partnerships needed to support sustainable growth and effective service delivery.
- Lead change, identify opportunities for innovation and adapt to an evolving primary care environment.
Operational Excellence & Program Development
- Support the implementation of a coordinated, interprofessional team-based model of care across three clinic locations.
- Work closely with physician and operational leaders to align workflows, strengthen collaboration, and optimize the full scope of practice of interprofessional team members.
- Monitor clinical, operational, and funding performance indicators, identify emerging challenges, and implement improvement strategies.
- Embed quality improvement, health equity and a patient-centred approach into program planning and service delivery.
Financial Stewardship & Organizational Accountability
- Lead financial planning, annual budget development, expenditure monitoring, and resource allocation in accordance with Board-approved budgets and funding requirements.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen financial sustainability through grants and other appropriate funding sources.
- Establish sound policies, procedures, agreements, and risk management practices to support effective governance and regulatory compliance.
- Provide the Board with clear, timely information to support informed decision-making and organizational accountability.
People, Culture & Workforce Development
- Support workforce planning, recruitment, and the development of a collaborative, high-performing interprofessional team.
- Foster a respectful, inclusive, safe, and engaging workplace culture that supports professional growth, accountability, and employee well-being.
- Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to staff and operational leaders.
- Build constructive relationships, navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, and resolve challenges with sound judgement and professionalism.
Partnerships & Health System Integration
- Build and maintain effective relationships with family physicians, healthcare providers, hospitals, Ontario Health, Durham Ontario Health Team, and community organizations.
- Represent the Durham East FHT in local and regional healthcare planning and system integration initiatives.
- Work in partnership with the Medical Director through the Primary Care Network Durham Leadership Council to advance shared primary care priorities.
What You Bring
You are an experienced, confident, and collaborative leader who understands how to turn strategy into results. You bring the judgement, adaptability and relationship-building skills needed to lead in a complex healthcare environment while establishing the foundations of a new organization.
You Will Bring
- A university degree in a health-related discipline or healthcare administration or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least five years of progressive senior leadership experience, with demonstrated organizational oversight and accountability.
- Experience in strategic planning, operational management, financial stewardship, policy development, quality improvement, and leading organizational change.
- An understanding of Ontario’s healthcare system; experience in primary or community healthcare is an asset.
- Experience working with a Board of Directors, including supporting governance, strategic decision-making and organizational accountability, is an asset.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and presentation skills, with the ability to build credibility and productive relationships with physicians, staff, senior leaders, and external partners.
- Demonstrated strengths in conflict resolution, sound decision-making, problem-solving and navigating competing priorities.
- The ability to work independently while fostering collaboration, alignment and shared accountability across multiple teams and locations.
WHY JOIN THE DURHAM EAST FAMILY HEALTH TEAM?
This is a rare opportunity to make a meaningful contribution at a pivotal moment in Ontario’s healthcare system.
As CEO, You Will Have The Opportunity To
- Build from the ground up: Help establish the structures, systems, culture, and operating practices of a newly incorporated organization.
- Shape the future of primary care: Play a vital role in advancing an integrated, interprofessional model that responds to the needs of local communities.
- Lead with both vision and impact: Influence strategic direction while seeing your leadership translated into practical improvements in programs, services, and operations.
- Bring people together: Work alongside family physicians, operational leaders, healthcare professionals, and community partners toward a shared vision.
- Make a lasting difference: Help strengthen access to primary care and improve the experience of patients and providers throughout Durham Region.
Compensation & Application
The Durham East Family Health Team offers a competitive salary and benefits package.
Salary range: $120,000–$130,000 per annum (commensurate with experience and qualifications).
Application deadline: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
How to apply: Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit their résumé and cover letter to
careers@durhameastfht.ca
We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
The Durham East Family Health Team is committed to building a respectful, safe, healthy, and inclusive work environment. We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace, and we welcome applications from all qualified individuals including visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQIA2S+ persons. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
This is an existing vacancy. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not used in the candidate assessment or selection process.
Help shape the next chapter of primary care in Durham Region. 