Executive Director, Western Canada

The Organization:

Muscular Dystrophy Canada – one of Canada’s leading voluntary health charities since 1954 – is a non-profit leader supporting people with neuromuscular disorders to gain independence; an advocate working for meaningful social change in the health and non-profit community; and a contributor in the search for the cure for neuromuscular disorders.

The Mission:

Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s mission is to enhance the lives of those affected with neuromuscular disorders by continually working to provide ongoing support and resources while relentlessly searching for a cure through well-funded research.

Primary Accountabilities:

Reporting to the CEO, the Executive Director will assist the organization in developing and executing the organization’s refreshed strategic plan and lead the regional implementation within the context of the organization’s overall mission, bylaws, policies and procedures. The incumbent will oversee the delivery of the mission including the planning and implementation of fundraising campaigns, and ensure the highest quality in program administration and delivery. The building of strong relationships in the community and liaising with outside supporters and stakeholders are key responsibilities. Managing day to day activities of the region such as finance, human resources and operations fall within the scope of responsibilities. The geographic scope of responsibility includes British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

Responsibilities:

  • Participates as a member of the Senior Management Team.
  • Promotes Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s brand and corporate image by ensuring that a positive public profile is presented at all times.
  • Acts as a spokesperson and is an effective ambassador of Muscular Dystrophy Canada within the Western CanadaRegion.
  • Promotes positive relations with external contacts including people with neuromuscular disorders, volunteers, donors, government, scientists and health professionals, partners, the public and the media.
  • Manages community partnerships, and in particular key Safeway campaign and external stakeholder relationships. Develops and supports key stakeholders in the Region, including chapters, volunteers and Fire Fighters.
  • Leads the regional implementation of the organization’s strategic goals by working with regional staff to developan annual business plan and budget for the Western Canada Region, which will include the implementation and growth of fundraising campaigns and the delivery of programs and services within a pan-Canadian framework.
  • Provides effective leadership in the development of Regional strategies, plans and priorities to achieve the goals and deliver the mission of Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
  • Ensures that sound financial plans, key performance metrics and internal controls are in place to ensure the region’s viability, including stewardship o f Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s assets in Western Canada.
  • Manages the annual budget for Western Canada, which currently amounts to approximately $3.2 million.
  • Creates significant financial growth through development of new and innovative revenue streams, as well as continuing to develop the traditional fund development programs such as Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Canada events and Firefighter programs.
  • Works with the National Campaign Director to develop and integrate the regional components of the I Can Leadership Campaign into the Western Canada fundraising program.
  • Manages the day-to-day operations of the Region and provides direction and coaching to a professional and support staff of eleven. The Executive Director has four direct reports.

Candidate Requirements

General

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned leader who is able to positively contribute todeveloping and implementing the strategic goals of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. The incumbent will be a person who has a demonstrable strong track record of success in fundraising, combined with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Specific Requirements

Education

The ideal candidate will have relevant post-secondary degree or diploma or equivalent work experience.

Experience

The ideal candidate will possess a minimum 8 years experience in a non-profit, public leadership position with an emphasis in the successful delivery of a variety of fund development activities including corporate partnerships and leadership giving.

Skills and Abilities

  • Is able to lead a staff team located across Western Canada with offices in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg and Saskatchewan through effective communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Has excellent organization and administrative skills, and can manage multiple tasks, conflicting objectives and changing priorities.
  • Possesses superior oral and written communication skills.
  • Is a strategic thinker, with the ability to conceptualize the business requirements of the organization; at the same time, be able to execute to produce results.
  • Possesses strong business acumen, and the ability to operate at both macro and grassroots levels.
  • Demonstrates strong people and organizational leadership skills. Able to recruit, develop and motivate employees, delegate responsibilities effectively and assess performance. Has the ability to lead a team to achieve objectives.
  • Has a working knowledge of financial control systems and procedures.
  • Possesses excellent interpersonal skills and is able to build effective working relationships.
  • Understands the issues that impact people with disabilities.
  • Can relate to people with disabilities, donors and corporate partners in a relaxed and amicable manner.
  • Confident and self-assured.

Personal Characteristics

  • Intelligent. A fast learner with a bright and inquiring mind.
  • High level of personal integrity; open and honest when dealing with others.
  • Transparent and embraces open discussion and dialogue with peers, superiors and staff.
  • Flexible with the ability to respond to immediate issues promptly.
  • Has an optimistic, enthusiastic attitude. Sees positive possibilities even in negative situations.
  • Takes calculated risks to achieve results.
  • Creates a healthy, positive and professional working environment.
  • Maintains a collaborative spirit among staff to achieve common goals and successes.
  • Energetic and motivated.

This is a permanentposition offering a competitive salary, benefits and pension plan. The position requires some evening and weekend work and travel across the region several times per year.

Please send your resume with salary expectations by May 30 2016 in confidence to .

Resumes will be accepted electronically in an MS Word or Adobe Acrobat PDF attachment at the above e-mail address.

While we appreciate all responses, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Muscular Dystrophy Canada is committed to employment equity, especially for persons with disabilities. We support equal opportunity and advancement in accordance with competence for all employees.

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