‹ Leadership Opportunities

Executive Director

Status: Completed

The Mood Disorders Association of British Columbia

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is accountable for all facets of the Association pertaining to the leadership and management while directing the Association’s overall mission and strategic plan. The Executive Director is also responsible for the development and operational oversight of all fundraising activities, working with the team to ensure that multi-year plans and projects are developed for, and strategically aligned within, the organization.

The Incumbent will meet monthly or regularly as requested with the Board of Directors. Good relations must be further developed and maintained with people living with mental illness, families, employees, Board Members, health authorities, networks, government and Ministry agencies, and other related societies along with the MDA-BC. An important facet of the role relates to securing adequate funding for current and future services by negotiating directly with funders and partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

Operations

  • Plans, organizes, directs and administers all MDA-BC activities and operations, either directly or through other direct reports consistent with Board approved policies and procedures.
  • Ensures that MDA-BC service delivery is of the highest quality and in harmony with the organization’s beliefs, values and principles.
  • Plans, organizes and directs the long term, general and day to day operations, administration and management of the Association.
  • Maintains key relationships with existing funding partners and is cognizant of alternative funding opportunities.
  • Ensures that all internal and external policies and regulations are met.

Governance & Strategic Planning

  • Acts as liaison with all organizational levels, from Board of Directors to staff.
  • Clearly communicates MDA-BC’s mission and strategic plan. Receives and synthesizes input and is supportive towards ideas and initiatives from all MDA-BC’s stakeholders.
  • Provides information to, and recommends/presents proposals and plans to the Board for review, discussion and approval.
  • Keeps the MDA-BC Board updated as to performance concerns with management personnel and is responsible for timely action up to and including termination if required.
  • Meets regularly with the MDA-BC Board of Directors; and gives the operational reports, which includes financial, human resources and other updates.

Financial and Contract Management

  • Analyzes and forecasts funding needs.
  • Develops and leads strategic fundraising initiatives.
  • Supports the development of all fundraising programs and events that promote MDA-BC’s goal of enhancing the delivery of support services to the community it serves.
  • Monitors ongoing budgets in conjunction with the Staff Team.
  • Prepares annual operating/management plans and budget for consideration by the Board.

Leadership

  • Models constructive communication and conflict resolution.
  • Mentors, coaches and motivates the all members of the Staff Team to implement the organization’s strategic plan.
  • Plans with, monitors the performance of, and provides constructive performance feedback to Staff Team, and assists and coaches them as needed to fulfill their position requirements.
  • Communicates with all organizational levels and maintains an open door policy in order to monitor service delivery.
  • Oversees and ensures risk management policies and procedures are sufficient to protect the Association, employees and/or volunteers from liability and other claims.

Relationships and Outreach

  • Establishes and maintains effective relationships with senior and other agencies, people living with mental illness, diverse and multicultural stakeholders, funding sources, volunteers, community groups, etc.
  • Organizational partnerships which drive organizational success.
  • Maintains key relationships with existing funding partners, develops new relationships for the MDA-BC, and assists in identifying alternative funding opportunities.
  • Works with the team to craft innovative and attractive funding proposals to meet the needs of both the donors and the MDA-BC.
  • Participates in information gathering sessions, conferences and workshops to maintain up to date industry trends.
  • Participates on various task forces, working groups and other committees as an advocate. 

Candidate Requirements

The ideal candidate will be a senior manager who has a strong track record of success in an organization with a service driven culture. The incumbent will be a person with excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills with well-honed analytical and problem solving skills. His or her outstanding relationship skills coupled with success in working with culturally diverse groups have furthered an organization’s mandate through partnership and collaboration with others. 

 

Experience and Education

  • 7 to 10 years of managerial, supervisory and financial control experience in the community social services sector.
  • University degree; certification in fundraising, fundraising management or related business discipline, or equivalent education and professional experience.
  • Demonstrated and in-depth working knowledge of community based programs and services, funding sources, community relations, Board relations, BC mental health services, BC health care system in general, and access to community resources.
  • An understanding of the rehabilitation and recovery approach to mental health, community programming and policy development is essential.
  • Experience working with volunteers and a volunteer Board of Directors
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; can effectively present information to a variety of audiences.

Skills & Abilities

  • Is committed to MDA-BC’s Vision, Mission Statement and Values.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and a builder of effective working relationships: able to relate to people living with mental illness and community partners.
  • Demonstrates proven analytical and problem solving skills. Is flexible with an open mind and a positive attitude and is creative in formulating solutions.
  • Has a unique combination of fundraising and marketing knowledge with the ability to formulate broad strategic plans and implement them.
  • Abilities include excellent presentation, oral, written and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Demonstrated teamwork, leadership, managerial and administrative skills.
  • Is an entrepreneur by nature, looking for new business opportunities.
  • Has excellent organization and administrative skills. An ability to manage multiple tasks, conflicting objectives and to change priorities on short notice.
  • Is a strategic thinker with the ability to conceptualize the business requirements of the organization. Possesses strong business acumen, sees the big picture and is able to develop strategies and provide management guidance to assist the organization in attaining its goals.
  • Politically astute; able to recognize potential “hot” issues and to deal effectively with them while exercising tact and diplomacy.
  • Is known for cultivating and developing successful relationships with donors and sponsors with a well-developed network of contacts in the area of fund development.
  • Possesses a thorough understanding of and commitment to the values of not-for-profit organizations in general. Values the involvement of volunteer leadership, and is skillful in harnessing and directing volunteer support.
  • Working knowledge of financial control systems and procedures.

Leadership Skills

  • Outstanding leadership skills combined with a participatory, pro-active management style and strong interpersonal, problem solving, staff development and customer service skills.
  • An effective manager of people who provides value-based leadership. Clearly articulates and models expectations and is willing to be accountable and to hold others accountable in a positive and effective manner.
  • An effective motivator with a reputation for developing and maintaining a goal-oriented working environment.
  • A highly effective mentor who is able to effectively team build, delegate responsibility, monitors performance and ensure accountability.
  • Able to develop a high degree of trust in the workplace and to encourage and reward risk taking and innovation in a positive, respectful manner.
  • Makes the growth and development of the skills and competencies of the team a priority.
  • Has the ability to lead by example and can impart knowledge through teaching and training techniques.
  • Possesses a coaching and mentoring style that engages and motivates staff and a diverse group of volunteers.

Relationship Skills

  • Superior relationship builder – possesses the presence, stature and ability to generate respect and build relationships with various internal and external stakeholders and partners; committed to building positive, collaborative relationships.
  • Exhibits understanding and empathy, particularly when dealing with topics of public concern and cultural sensitivity.
  • Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with other agencies and various public, private and not-for-profit partners. Understands the value of building relationships for the long-term.
  • Ability to listen, understand and respond to donor needs; ability to build credibility and trust.

 

People First Solutions is one of Vancouver’s leading professional recruitment firms, dedicated to recruiting top talent.

If you possess the fundamental skills, experience and education required to be successful in this role then we invite to provide a cover letter and résumé in confidence to either Michael O’Brien or Bob Murray.

Contact Information:

Michael O’Brien e: michael@peoplefirstsolutions.com
t: 604.684.2288

Bob Murray e: bob@peoplefirstsolutions.com
t: 604.684.2288