Executive Director

As the Executive Director, you will be the key leader of the organization and will be responsible for managing the staff, overseeing the fund development, programming, administration, and strategic planning of the organization alongside the board of directors.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Leadership

  • Participate with the Board of Directors in maintaining the 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 Directors on all aspects of the organization's activities

  • Foster effective teamwork with the Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers

  • Act as a spokesperson for the organization

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

  • Ensure that YAC is in compliance with legal and financial laws and all activities are insured

  • Carry out duties as the board may reasonably request from time to time

Operational planning and management

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

  • Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its stakeholders

  • Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operations of the organization

  • Oversee the drafting of 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 organization and security of detailed digital and paper files

  • Provide support to the Board by preparing meeting agendas and supporting materials

Fundraising

  • Research funding sources, work with the board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization, and develop and implement a fundraising strategy.

  • Develop and maintain relationships with funders, sponsors, and donors

  • Write grant proposals, conduct funding pitches, and ensure an adequate income for the organization to meet its budgetary needs

  • Financial planning and management

  • Work with staff and the Board Executive to prepare a comprehensive budget

  • Develop sound bookkeeping and accounting procedure manual for the boards’ approval and ensure that these procedures are duly 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 expenditures of the organization

Program planning and management

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

  • Oversee the delivery of existing programs and work to develop special projects and new programming as opportunity and capacity allow

  • Support and manage all program staff with community program partners

Public Relations

  • Oversee electronic communications including email and social media

  • Ensure communication materials and brand reflect current organization and programming activities

  • 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, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization

  • Human resources planning and management

  • Oversee human resources policies, procedures, and practices

  • Determine staffing/volunteer requirements for program delivery

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

  • Recruit, interview, and select staff and program managers that have the right skills and experience to help further the organization's mission

  • Ensure that all staff and volunteers receive an orientation to the organization and that appropriate training is provided

  • Coach and mentor staff/volunteers as appropriate to improve performance

What are we looking for?

  • A real appreciation for the arts, whether it be a side hobby as a drummer or a past or present job in the arts sector. YAC uses an experiential arts education approach to carry out workshops, an ongoing artist HUB, art festivals, and public forums to empower young people to build skills, confidence, and knowledge related to their creative art practices

  • Sufficient organizational and administrative experience to ensure the organization and its staff flourish

  • Fundraising and relationship building experience

  • Ability to get things done while functioning independently, and frequently under pressure, with multiple priorities

  • Must be a strong public speaker, comfortable in front of donors, large senior executive groups, and a solid communicator

  • Excellent people and engagement skills to interact with stakeholders, colleagues, cross-functional teams, and third parties. Team player 🤝

  • Hands-on experience in both financial and facility management

  • A deep understanding of pedagogical philosophy and practices as it relates to art and creative learning

  • Demonstrated ability as a facilitator who will have the strength of character and conviction to work with youth and the community to create a bright future for many

Are there bonus points?

Absolutely! We’ll give your application extra credit if you have:

  • Experience building effective youth program development and delivery

  • An awesome track record of successfully raising or exceeding funding goals

  • A successful track record in designing and executing strategic business plans

Salary - This is a permanent position. The salary range is $45,000-50,000 per annum depending on experience and qualifications

Please send CV and cover letter to ryan@youthartconnection.ca

We are focused on building a diverse and inclusive workforce. If you’re excited about this role, but do not meet 100% of the qualifications listed above, we encourage you to apply.

The deadline for applications is August 5th