Job Opportunity - Executive Director

Overview

The Executive Director provides leadership to a non-profit organization with 31 staff members operating throughout Vancouver Island and designed to… reduce the spread of, primarily, HIV/AIDS and also Hepatitis C and/or other co-infections; and improve the health and well-being of people infected and affected primarily by HIV/AIDS and also by Hepatitis C and/or other co-infections.

Reporting to a Board of Directors, the Executive Director is accountable for the management of staff and the delivery of effective programs and initiatives that effectively support the organization’s mission and mandate.

Scope of Responsibility

The Executive Director is accountable for development and management of the following organizational areas: operations; finance; administration; human resources quality improvement; community relations, joint building initiative and legal compliance of AIDS Vancouver Island and AVI Enterprises.

The senior management team includes the Directors of Programs and Finance and the Manager of Operations. In addition there are four program managers who supervise the educators, counsellors, and needle exchange workers. Services are delivered in
Victoria, Nanaimo, Courtenay, Campbell River, Port Hardy, the Cowichan Valley and Port McNeil/Alert Bay.

The Executive Director is also expected to provide judicious recommendations to the Board of Directors on a variety of matters including the development of program budgets, negotiations with funding sources, grant proposals, contract negotiations, program modifications, budget adjustments and staff/community complaints.

Responsibilities

Planning and Evaluation
Ensure the organization has the required finances and staff to deliver programs and services aligned with the mandate and mission
 Lead the development and implementation of an Agency Strategic Plan.
 Lead, in collaborates with staff and in conjunction with the Board of Directors, the identification of program goals, objectives, measures and actions.
 Develop and implement, in conjunction with staff and program funders, appropriate evaluation strategies including measures of program efficacy, client satisfaction, community input (e.g. focus groups, workshop evaluations, attendance statistics) and outcome measures;
 Develop mechanisms for ongoing input from community groups throughout Vancouver Island and funding agencies including the Vancouver Island Health Authority, police, aboriginal groups, school boards and public health
 Ensure programs and services reflect current epidemiology, research and
community needs.
 Develop and implement program transition plans that reflect ongoing evaluations.
 Support staff to develop the knowledge and skills they need to excel in their jobs, and to encourage individual development to meet the future needs of the society.

Organization Operation
Ensure the organization has sufficient and appropriate funding to deliver programs and services critical to the mandate and mission
 Work closely with funding representatives to negotiate adequate funding to deliver program mandate
 Negotiate changes to funding including rationalizing requests, discussing evaluation strategies, and program structure and/or delivery mechanisms;
 Provide Board of Directors with regular reports regarding emerging funding issues, implications of funding changes and potential impact on program objectives
 Collaborate with related organizations to develop joint responses to emerging issues

Finance
Ensure the overall financial and administrative operation of AIDS Vancouver Island and AVI Enterprise meet generally accepted accounting practices (GAAP)
 Oversee the development of the annual capital and operating budget.
 Present the annual budget to the Board of Directors for review and final approval.
 Present, in conjunction with the Director of Finance and the Treasurer, monthly financial reports and quarterly reviews outlining budget shortfalls/projections
 Bring forward to the Board of Directors explanations and/or recommendation regarding budget variance and required adjustments
 Oversee the development of proposals and special project requests for funding of programs and services (e.g. municipal/provincial/federal, international grants)
 Oversee the administration of all external program contractors
 Co-sign cheques with Board designates
 Implement AVI memership’s instructions regarding the appointment of annual auditor

Human Resources:
Ensure AVI human resource policies and procedures are managed consistently and effectively
 Recommend all human resource policies/procedures to the Board
 Ensure all organization human resource strategies are consistent with provincial labour legislation, terms and conditions of collective agreements
 Administer all Human Resource policies
 Create an operating environment that is conducive to staff retention, positive morale and constructive problem solving balanced with program requirements and financial constraints
 Remain informed about modern management practices and the changing needs, trends and activities that could impact on the society
 Implement continuing improvements in programs and services

Community Relations
Deliver an effective media relations and community awareness program
 Promote the objectives of AVI at a variety of community forums and committees
 Develop extensive community networks through which to promote awareness of program(s) and to advocate for client needs
 Ensure claims, complaints and inquiries from clients/constituents are handled capably and promptly
 Provide consultation to community groups working with local HIV/HEP C and other co-infection concerns
 Develop a network of media contacts to ensure appropriate, comprehensive coverage of AIDS Vancouver Island
 Act as spokesperson for the organization

Legal
Ensure AIDS Vancouver Island meets all legal requirements under the Society’s Act
 Ensure that necessary records and reports are filed with Registrar of Societies, the Federal government and funding bodies.
 Maintain appropriate fiscal control over all expenditure and handling of money
 Maintain appropriate systems to safeguard the physical assets

Qualifications
The successful candidate must have a degree in social work or a related field with demonstrated experience and knowledge in HIV/AIDS, HEP C and other co-infections and in the field of addictions. Equivalent education and experience will be considered.

A practical background in non-profit management or business with a minimum of five years supervising field-based and administrative staff preferably in multiple locations is required. Candidates with extensive community development experience are preferred.

Skills and Abilities
• Experienced in senior management roles for prevention and treatment programs
• Demonstrated ability to relate effectively with the Board, staff, community and government.
• Extensive knowledge of HIV/HCV and related issues including harm reduction
• Experienced working with a Board of Directors within a policy/governance model.
• Experienced working in community development and community based organizations
• Demonstrated financial management skills including fund development
• Demonstrated networking and collaboration skills
• Demonstrated critical thinking and analytical skills
• Experienced managing staff in a unionized environment
• Experienced working with community groups and government agencies
• Proven media relations skills
• Sensitivity to diversity and accessibility
• Knowledge and application of conflict resolution skills

Interested persons should send a cover letter, including expected salary range, and resume to:
Claire Rettie, Chair
Executive Director Search Committee
AIDS Vancouver Island
c/o 2125 Tanlee Crescent
Saanichton, BC V8M 1M8.

Or e-mail to
crettie@islandnet.com

Applications must be received by 4:00 pm, PDT May 15, 2007.

We thank all those who apply for this position. Only those short-listed for an interview will be contacted by May 31, 2007.