Executive Director

Job Description
The Aqua Foundation for Women’s Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for all aspects of organization operations. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Fundraising: Develop resources sufficient to ensure and enhance the financial health of the organization, including grants, private and corporate donations, and event sponsorships.

Board Administration and Support: 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 teamwork between the Board and the Executive Director and between the Executive Director and staff. Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate and jointly with the Board when appropriate.

Financial and Facility 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. Research funding sources, such as grants, and oversee the development of fund raising plans and write funding proposals to increase the funds of the organization. Participate in fundraising activities as appropriate. 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.

Program Management: Oversee the design, marketing, and management of all AFW programs. (Scholarships and Mentors, Grants, LGBTQ Homeless Initiative and Events)

Community and Public Relations: As the main spokesperson for the organization, assure the AFW mission, programs, and services are consistently presented in a positive and strategic manner, while representing the organization at community activities to enhance the organization’s community profile.

Human Resource 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 descriptions for all staff. Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations. Recruit, interview and hire 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 in order to support high-level performance and maintain a positive working environment. Release staff when necessary using appropriate and legally defensible procedures.

Event Management: Plan, produce, and manage events designed to support the organization’s budget (i.e. Aqua Girl, Aqua Affair, Aqua Ally Awards, Family BBQ and more).

Qualifications

Education
University degree in a related field or minimum of 5 years of related experience

Knowledge, skills and abilities
Proven success in fundraising with medium to large organization
Ability to write and manage grants
Experience in leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit/ voluntary organizations
Knowledge of all federal and provincial state legislation applicable to voluntary sector organizations including: employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, charities, taxation, and health coverage
Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization
Knowledge of human resources management
Proven financial, project, and event management

Proficiency in the use of computers:
Word processing, Excel, PowerPoint
Financial management
E-mail
Social Media
Internet

Personal Characteristics:
The Executive Director should demonstrate competence in 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 behavior and business practices, and ensure that own behavior and the behavior 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.
• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Leadership: 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, and 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

Working Conditions
Executive Directors usually work in an office environment, but the mission of the organization may sometimes take them to non-standard workplaces.
Executive Directors work a standard workweek, but additionally will often work evening, weekends, and overtime hours to accommodate activities such as Board meetings and representing the organization at public events.

* To apply send an e-mail cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to Nicole Waters, Aqua Foundation for Women, Board Chair, at Nicole@aquafoundation.org