VANCOUVER JOBS

Position: Executive Director
Organization: Stanley Park Ecology Society
Location: Vancouver, BC

REPORTS TO Board of Directors

Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES)

The Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) has been promoting awareness of and respect for the natural world through collaborative leadership in environmental education, research, and conservation in Stanley Park since 1988. SPES operates in cooperation with the Vancouver Park Board, pursuant to a unique Joint Operating Agreement that supports SPES in designing and delivering school programs to 6,000 students annually through diverse walks, workshops, and other public events.

SPES receives funding support from corporate and government grants, donations, sponsorship, membership, as well as program-based fees and services. With an annual budget of $725,000, SPES is on trajectory to reach $900,000 within four years.

Respect, teamwork, inclusivity, and commitment are among SPES’s core principles and the organization knows the value of talented people. You can expect a challenging work environment, with flexibility, room for creativity, and a passionate team.

SPES is an equal opportunity employer and invites applications from all qualified candidates.

http://stanleyparkecology.ca/

Nature and Scope of Work

Reporting to the volunteer Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) is Stanley Park Ecology Society’s (SPES) chief staff officer, leading the strategic mission and vision of the organization. The ED serves as the face of SPES, acting as a community leader and advocate, and as the senior leader of a professional management team, staff, and volunteers. The ED collaborates closely with the Vancouver Park Board and other stakeholders.

The SPES Board delegates responsibility for management and day-to-day operations to the ED, who has the authority to carry out these responsibilities in accordance with the direction and policies established by the Board. The ED provides assistance to enable the Board to carry out its governance functions.

This position is a unique opportunity for a creative community leader who enjoys building collaborative relationships, engaging the local community, and advocating on key issues that will further our mission: collaborative leadership in environmental education, research and conservation in Stanley Park. The successful candidate will be a positive leader, strong communicator and creative visionary who is passionate about making SPES thrive in the context of its mission.

Like many non-profit organizations, SPES has adjusted its operations to reduce the spread of COVID-19 while striving to offer appropriate socially – distanced educational programs, conservation work and volunteer opportunities. The new Executive Director will continue to ensure that SPES thrives in this dynamic work environment while adjusting to ongoing challenges presented by the pandemic.

Duties and Responsibilities

Mission, Policy and Planning

• Oversees all aspects of operations, the strategic plan, systems, policies and strategies to meet organization objectives.

Advocacy, Community and Government Relations

• Is the chief advocate for SPES, engaging partner organizations, stakeholders and supporters; is the primary media contact, ambassador and advocate for SPES; engages with community through events, consultation and communications.

People Leadership

• Provide dynamic and constructive leadership, ensuring a healthy, positive culture to purposefully engage all internal staff, committees and volunteers, through effective and consistent communication and messaging

Management and Administration

• Oversees all aspects of staffing, programs and services; ensuring excellence through ongoing quality improvement and evaluation processes.

Financial

• Plan, assess and oversee the financial activities of the organization including budgeting, reporting, and auditing; provides leadership for fundraising.

Facilities Management

• Ensures ongoing infrastructure maintenance; ensures effective IT systems are in place.

Legal Compliance

• Ensures compliance with all government legislation, regulations and guidelines pertinent to the organization’s role as an employer, charity and nonprofit agency.

Governance

• Work with the Board chair to enable the Board to fulfill its governance role and to focus the Board’s attention on key short and long range strategic issues.

Qualifications

Candidates should have a degree in environmental science and/or organizational management; three to five years senior management experience; experience in a non-profit is an asset.

Skills and Abilities

A visionary collaborative leader; strong strategic skills; a commitment to results; strong change management skills; effective communication, problem solving and critical thinking skills.

To Apply

For further information and to submit letters of interest and resumes, please contact: president@stanleyparkecology.ca by January 29, 2021.

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