Executive Director Recruitment VanDusen Botanical Garden Association

The City of Vancouver Board of Parks & Recreation (VPB) and the VanDusen Botanical Garden Association (VBGA), working under a joint operating agreement, work in partnership to oversee the operation of the VanDusen Botanical Gardens.  Each organization has a separate mandate with respect to the operation of the Garden and the roles of their respective staff members.  The VBGA is a volunteer driven organization that supports the day to day operations of the Gardens by providing volunteers for educational activities, guided tours to visitors, garden advice through the Master Gardener program, special event and program support.  In addition, the VBGA undertakes fundraising and development initiatives for the benefit of the Gardens.

Overseeing the large contingent of dedicated and passionate volunteers is a team of VBGA staff and managers with specializations in education, marketing, volunteer coordination, development and finance.  The VBGA is seeking an individual to lead this organization in the newly created role of Association Director.

Reporting to the VBGA Board of Governors and Executive Committee through the President, the Association Director will provide leadership, direction and guidance to VBGA staff and volunteers.  The Association Director will also provide support and advice to the Board.

Responsibilities

This position is subject to the direction, policies, goals and priorities of the VBGA and its Board of Governors.  The AD position requires a collegial working relationship with the Garden Director of the VPB and other VPB staff, in addition to the VBGA staff and volunteers.  As a member of the Joint Operating (JO) Team, the Association Director works collaboratively with the Garden Director and other members of the JO Team to reach consensus on matters of common concern.

Strategic Planning

In collaboration with the VBGA Executive Committee and senior VBGA staff, assists the VBGA Board in the development of a strategic plan for the Association.

Also assists the Board in developing strategy and processes/procedures for its recruitment, training, evaluation and retention of qualified Board members.

Leadership

Provides counsel and guidance to the VBGA Executive with respect to Board development and training.

Works in consultation with VPB Garden Director and senior Garden staff (both VBGA & VPB) to best determine allocation of VBGA Garden resources (human & financial) to fulfill Board priorities.

Promotes understanding, collaboration, productive relationships and practical information sharing between the VBGA Board, the VPB Garden Director (and) VBGA staff and volunteers.

With the assistance of senior VBGA staff, directs the development and implementation of the VBGA annual business plan and budget to fulfill goals as outlined in the VBGA Strategic Plan.

Mentors, motivates and supports the approximately 10 VBGA staff and numerous volunteers.

Advocacy and External Relations

Strongly advocates for, and represents, the VBGA – raising awareness of the goals, mandate, mission and vision of the Association with the VPB staff as well as externally by maintaining existing relationships and building new ones with VPB, staff of three levels of government (municipal, provincial, federal), other associations, community and civic organizations and VanDusen’s stakeholders including members, donors and supporters.

With the Development Director, actively identifies donation prospects, assists in their cultivation and participates with appropriate senior staff and/or VBGA Board members in gift solicitation.

Financial Oversight

Together with senior VBGA staff, develops the annual budget necessary for the Association to implement the VBGA Business Plan.

In collaboration with the VBGA Accountant, maintains awareness of the financial, statistical and accounting records of the Association and ensures the delivery of programs and services within the budget parameters as approved in the annual budget.

 Management and Administration

Manages the programs of VBGA staff to ensure that Board policies and priorities are respected and that staff work is coordinated, timely and effective.

Oversees the operation of VBGA.

Working with VBGA accountant, ensures compliance to standards in accordance with government legislation, regulations and guidelines pertinent to the VBGA’s role as an employer and as a non-profit charitable association.

Attends regular Board, Executive and, as requested, attends Standing and Ad hoc Committee meetings.

Presents VBGA staff and volunteer-generated proposals, plans, reports and budgets to the VBGA Board for review, discussion, policy decision and approval (together with senior staff as appropriate).

Ensures the Board is informed of key organizational and human resource issues.

Oversees hiring, training, management and retention of VBGA staff, including performance evaluations, compensation reviews, and professional development.

Conducts staff meetings as necessary to disseminate pertinent information and to provide a forum for the sharing of ideas and concerns.

Qualifications

Education & Training:

University degree or college diploma in Business Management/Administration or Human Resources Management.

A diploma in Fundraising and/or CFRE designation would be an asset.

Required Skills & Experience:

A minimum of ten years of management experience is desirable, some in a not-for-profit environment with a significant volunteer base.

Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit associations.

Current knowledge of federal and provincial legislation affecting not-for-profits including employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, charities, taxation, health coverage, etc.

Knowledge of human resources management.

Knowledge of financial management.

Proficiency with technology, including email and the internet, and the use of computer programs for accounting, word processing, databases, and spreadsheets.

Ability to conduct considerable work outside of normal business hours. If you are interested in pursuing this exciting career opportunity, please submit your resume in confidence to Anna Shojania, BA, MBA, CPC (anna@gorecruitment.com),