The Bereavement Authority of Ontario (BAO) is a not-for-profit corporation that was established as a delegated administrative authority (DAA) on January 16, 2016, under the Safety and Consumer Statutes Administration Act, 1996. The BAO is responsible for the administration of provisions of the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act, 2002 (“FBCSA”) on behalf of the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement (formerly Ministry of Government and Consumer Services). Responsible for protection of the public interest, the BAO regulates, ensures compliance with the law, provides resources and services to licensed: Funeral establishment operators, directors and preplanners; Cemetery, crematorium, and alternative disposition operators; Transfer service operators; and Bereavement sector sales representatives across Ontario.

Reporting to the CEO & Registrar, the Chief Operating Officer & Deputy Registrar (COO) plays a pivotal role in ensuring the agency’s operational excellence and regulatory effectiveness align with the strategic direction of the BAO.  The COO will provide leadership and vision necessary to ensure that the BAO has the operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and people systems in place needed to effectively manage the organization and to ensure financial strength and operating efficiency.  The COO oversees the execution of key regulatory functions, driving innovation and efficiency across all departments. Success is defined as being dedicated to upholding the agency’s mission of safeguarding public interests while fostering a culture of transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.  This is accomplished through a respectful, constructive and energetic approach, guided by the BAO’s mission. 

This is a significant responsibility that requires a strategic leader to provide input and influence into operational decisions and corporate priorities/ initiatives. Adding to the complexity are continuing developments in the external and regulatory environment. With oversight for communications, licensing and education, complaints, inspections and financial compliance, senior level experience in a regulatory organization and familiarity with regulatory policy and leading management practices experience will be essential for success.  Oversight of an Operations budget and cost controls will require a financial and business-focused mindset. 

To Apply

To fill this position, the BAO has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers Berndtson. Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online athttps://careers.odgersberndtson.com/en-ca/job/29823/. For more information, please contact Camille Petitti of Odgers Berndtson. We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

BAO 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 Berndtson and Bereavement Authority of Ontario throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

Odgers Berndtson 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.