Executive Director

Executive Director of the British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPA)

BCPA is the advocacy organization for all Psychologists in BC and promotes the profession within the province. 

The Executive Director (ED) plans, manages, and oversees the operations of the BCPA at the direction of the Board. This involves managing office staff and budget, lobbying on behalf of psychologists with politicians, liaising with relevant organizations (including, but not limited to, Canadian Psychological Association, American Psychological Association, College of Psychologists of BC, Doctors of BC), and promoting the profession with non-governmental agencies, such as insurance companies. 

The position requires significant interpersonal skills. A depth of knowledge of the profession of psychology, and the ability to accurately and articulately speak about a range of issues involving psychologists are assets. Candidates should be informed of public policy trends and provincial realities impacting the profession, and committed to lobbying on behalf of psychologists so that psychology is appropriately and effectively positioned in BC. 

A comprehensive job description is below.

This is a permanent full-time position. Salary will depend on qualifications and experience in association management. Experience in professional association leadership an asset.

Job Purpose

The Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

The Executive Director performs the following:

Leadership

·         Participate with the Board of Directors in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization

·         Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organization

·         Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Director on all aspects of the organization's activities

·         Foster effective team work between the Board and the Executive Director and between the Executive Director and staff

·         Act as a spokesperson for the organization

·         Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate and jointly with the Board when appropriate

·         Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization's community profile
 

Operational planning and management

·         Develop an operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization

·         Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its members and Board

·         Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization

·         Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate

·         Ensure that personnel, member and volunteer files are securely stored and privacy/confidentiality is maintained

·         Provide support to the Board by preparing meeting agenda and supporting materials
 

Program planning and management

·         Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization's programs and services

·         Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization's mission and reflect the priorities of the Board

·         Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the organization to maintain or improve quality

·         Oversee the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of special projects
 

Human resources planning and management

·         Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery

·         Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of job description for all staff

·         Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations

·         Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization's mission

·         Ensure that all staff receives an orientation to the organization and that appropriate training is provided

·         Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review

·         Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance

·         Discipline staff when necessary using appropriate techniques; release staff when necessary using appropriate and legally defensible procedures
 

Financial planning and management

·         Work with staff and the Board (Finance Committee) to prepare a comprehensive budget

·         Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization

·         Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board

·         Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed

·         Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization

·         Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditure of the organization

·         Ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments
 

Community relations/advocacy

·         Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization

·         Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, partners, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization
 

Risk management

·         Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization's people (members, staff, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks

·         Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage

·         Ensure that the Board and staff understand the terms, conditions and limitations of the insurance coverage

Qualifications

Education

·         University degree in a related field

Knowledge, skills and abilities

·         Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit/ voluntary organizations

·         Knowledge of all federal and provincial legislation applicable to voluntary sector organizations including: employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, charities, taxation, CPP, EI, health coverage etc…

·         Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization

·         Knowledge of human resources management

·         Knowledge of financial management

·         Knowledge of project management
 

Proficiency in the use of computers for:

·         Word processing, Financial management, E-mail, Internet

Personal characteristics

The Executive Director should demonstrate competence in some or all of the following:

·         Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.

·         Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices, and ensure that own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.

·         Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.

·         Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.

·         Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities.

·         Focus on member needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of members to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.

·         Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.

·         Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.

·         Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.

·         Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities

·         Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.

·         Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

·         Think Strategically: Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and values of the organization.
 

Experience

·         5 or more years of progressive management experience in a voluntary sector organization preferred, professional association management experience an asset
 

Working Conditions

·         Full time permanent position

·         Usually work in an office environment

·         A standard work week, but additionally will sometimes work evening, weekends, and overtime hours to accommodate activities such as Board meetings and representing the organization at public events.
 

Compensation

·         Salary will depend on qualifications and experience in association management.

·         Extended health benefits and parking are provided