Executive Director
Job Description and Profile
Job Title:
Executive Director / Directeur général (directrice générale)
Job Description
Townshippers’ Association’s executive director is the chief executive officer and has primary responsibility for carrying out the strategic plan and policies established by the board of directors. The executive director’s role encompasses three areas of responsibility:
(1) Management. The executive director leads the management of the Association through liaison with and orientation of the board of directors and committee chairs; supporting the executive, finance and strategic planning committees; and supervising the accounting personnel and the assistant executive director. Specifically, the executive director:
a. Ensures the development and orientation of the volunteer base of the Association and the carrying forward of the Association’s mission, objectives, principles and strategic planning by guiding the board of directors, committee chairs and the strategic planning committee, and by devising the annual action plans of the Association and its committees.
b. Ensures sound financial management of the Association through close liaison with the treasurer, finance committee, assistant executive director and auditor, and supervision of accounting personnel.
c. Supports the leadership of the Association through close liaison with the president and executive committee in order to help enable the board of directors fulfill its governance function, through supervision of the assistant executive director, and through the general orientation of personnel in relation to the Association’s mission, objectives, principles and strategic plan.
d. Devotes about 40% of work time to these responsibilities.
(2) Research and development. The executive director is responsible for funding development, research (knowledge base) development, and evaluation of projects and initiatives. Specifically, he or she:
a. Develops strategic initiatives that help achieve the Association’s mission and objectives, and seeks funding opportunities to support them.
b. Develops a knowledge base of research pertinent to the Eastern Townships English-speaking community as a basis for making decisions, setting objectives, planning actions and writing proposals.
c. Evaluates the results of projects and initiatives in the context of their objectives, and analyses projects and initiatives to ensure they address the objectives of the Association.
d. Devotes about 30% of work time to these responsibilities.
(3) External relations. Through networking, representation and advocacy, the executive director ensures that a strong, positive image of the Association’s mission, objectives and messages are consistently presented to stakeholders. Specifically, the executive director:
a. Networks on behalf of the Association in relation to other organizations, governmental bodies or institutions.
b. Represents the Association, along with the president, at public functions or meetings with funding agencies, public agencies, institutions or other community organizations.
c. Advocates on behalf of the English-speaking community of the Eastern Townships concerning issues identified by the board of directors, and in keeping with the Association’s mission and objectives.
d. Devotes about 30% of work time to these responsibilities.
Supervision
The executive director works under the general supervision of the executive committee and the specific supervision of the president. The executive committee is responsible for hiring the executive director, supporting and reviewing his or her performance and, if necessary, terminating employment.
Qualifications
Following is a general profile for the executive director, representing core areas of knowledge and skills required to carry out the position’s responsibilities in the area of management, research and development, and external relations.
Education and experience
a. University degree or equivalent
b. Experience in community sector, community development (minimum 3 years)
c. Knowledge and understanding of the Eastern Townships English-speaking community
d. Demonstrated ability to see the “big picture”
Values and motivation
a. Strong motivation to work in community development
b. Values congruent with those of Townshippers’ Association, and with community governance
c. Adherence to Association’s mission, objectives and principles
d. Vision and insight in carrying these forward
e. High level of good judgement, integrity, discretion, ethical conduct and legal responsibility
Research and development
a. Understanding of research and evaluation
b. Ability to base initiatives on research findings and to evaluate the outcomes of initiatives
c. Talented development of proposals and implementation of projects
Human relations and leadership
a. Diplomacy; demonstrated ability to work easily with volunteers
b. Strong leadership; ability to get things done and help people enjoy doing them
c. Articulate advocate; excellent communications skills in English and French
d. Dynamic networking and social skills
e. Adept management of human resources; ability to motivate and guide employees and foster teamwork
f. Flexibility; ability to turn on a dime
g. Creativity and courage; capacity to think outside the box
h. Initiative; self-starter; self-disciplined
i. Readiness to shoulder the responsibility inherent in the position of executive director
Management, finances
a. Strong sense of accountability to board of directors and to commitments to funding agencies and partners
b. Knowledge and capacities needed for the sound management of the human resources, legal requirements, finances, risks and facilities of a non-profit organization with an annual budget of $800,000 to $1,000,000
c. Skilled financial management; ability to ask the right questions regarding accounting
d. Proven planning and organizational skills
Remuneration
Based on qualifications and performance, the executive director’s salary is established in keeping with the salary scale devised by the finance committee and approved by the executive committee.
Deadline: March 5, 12 noon.
To apply, please submit a cover letter and CV (in English)
to:
Michael van Lierop, President - Townshippers’ Association,
at president@townshippers.qc.ca or fax 819-566-0271.