Opportunity Profile. Executive Director, VIU Initiatives Trust

Transcription

1 Opportunity Profile Executive Director, VIU Initiatives Trust

2 Page 1 Opportunity Profile Executive Director, VIU Initiatives Trust The Location Nanaimo is a city of approximately 90,000 residents, located on Vancouver Island a tourist destination blessed with the natural beauty of mountains, forests and seashore, a mild climate, and many opportunities for year-round outdoor sport and recreation. Nanaimo is close to the major metropolitan areas of Vancouver and Victoria, providing the best of all worlds to its residents. Mid-Vancouver Island is an excellent place to live, work, and do business. The region enjoys the friendliest climate in Canada, is surrounded by some of the most beautiful wilderness in the world, and is one of the fastest growing regions in British Columbia. The combination of a clean, appealing environment, a highquality lifestyle, a talented workforce, and responsive public services attracts diverse, value-added industries that provide the stability associated with wellpaying jobs. In the process, revenues are generated for a quality infrastructure network and many cultural and recreational amenities.

3 Page 2 Opportunity Profile Executive Director, VIU Initiatives Trust Background Vancouver Island University ( VIU ) has structured an independent corporation (VIU Initiatives Corporation) whose sole purpose is to operate as the sole trustee of the VIU Initiatives Trust ( Trust ). The Trust will operate as a profitable business enterprise that will evaluate and undertake various income-earning business opportunities, ultimately benefiting VIU and the VIU Foundation, the sole beneficiaries of the Trust. The Opportunity Reporting to the Trust Board of Directors (the Board ), the Executive Director will be responsible for the development of initiatives to foster development of new ventures and net income generating opportunities and partnerships. Future initiatives that are possible but not yet developed include market housing/student housing/retail complexes, food services, First Nation economic partnerships and social innovation enterprises. The incumbent will liaise and build relationships with a network of researchers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, investment funds and investors, industry representatives, industry associations and community groups and institutions across Canada and internationally. The Executive Director will work with the Board to lead the organization and supervise a growing complement of staff to ensure that the Trust generates net income, is effective, impactful, financially sound and sustainable.

4 Page 3 Opportunity Profile Executive Director, VIU Initiatives Trust Responsibilities Grow revenue and generate net income Develop the priorities, goals and objectives of the Trust within the parameters established by the Board and submit an annual plan to the Board. This plan will be developed within the longer-term vision for the Trust as developed in consultation with appropriate stakeholders Regularly evaluate the progress of the Trust and report on significant variances from the plan to the Board with recommendations for addressing them The Executive Director is accountable to the Chair of the Board and maintains regular dialogue with the Chair on important and strategic issues facing the Trust, and ensures bringing these issues to the Board s attention Represent the Trust in an open and consultative manner Lead in the strategic planning and operationalization of approved initiatives Provide strong leadership to the Trust in a collaborative style that establishes and maintains a highly effective relationship base Ensure that the initiatives undertaken consider environmental, social and economic factors, that they meet the Board s priorities, that they provide demonstrated leadership in socio-economic development, and that they are sources of pride for the Trust Optimize Trust assets in the best interests of the beneficiaries Develop and recommend by-laws and policies to the Board as necessary Prepare reports for the Board and the annual general meeting Develop and manage the operating, capital and any special-purpose budgets for the Trust

5 Page 4 Opportunity Profile Executive Director, VIU Initiatives Trust Responsibilities, cont d Manage day-to-day operations including the best-practice start-up requirements for establishing appropriate business supports for information management, financial management and employee relations Oversee and proactively manage consultants and contractors who have been engaged to ensure that: proposals, propositions and plans as submitted to the Trust are evaluated to ensure that innovative options are seriously considered and that due diligence is conducted on such proposals to ensure that they fit within the Trust s mandate and have a reasonable expectation of profitability within a pre-determined timeframe the Trust is responsive to market demands by conducting and/or reviewing primary and secondary market research to ensure initiatives meet stated objectives the developers that participate in initiatives are well regarded, and have well-earned complimentary reputations in the applicable sector or industry, and have values that align with those of the Trust all initiatives are profitable for the Trust and that commitments made by contractors are monitored and honored the necessary and appropriate consultations with appropriate regulatory approval agencies take place with integrity

6 Page 5 Opportunity Profile Executive Director, VIU Initiatives Trust Core Competencies A visionary who appreciates Vancouver Island University s global leadership and can inspire and motivate so the Trust delivers sustained profit (net income distributions to the beneficiaries) on initiatives and possibilities A change agent who can embrace an evolving environment and lead organizational growth to respond effectively to new opportunities and challenges A relationship builder with the exceptional interpersonal skills needed to grow successful partnerships that both build the Trust and financial success An astute interpreter of the social and political environment who can engage with people with diverse perspectives and draw investment and financial resources to Trust initiatives A community creator who can engage with external stakeholders and build partnerships and collaborations A resource manager who can ensure sound financial management and operational best practices A skilled communicator with the ability to distill complex topics, find a narrative and deliver a consumable message.

7 Page 6 Opportunity Profile Executive Director, VIU Initiatives Trust Desired Qualifications Master s degree in Business and a professional designation in finance or accounting (CPA) and/ or certification in board governance/directorship. Ten years of related experience including entrepreneurial experience at a senior management level in technology management, capital management, business development, strategic planning, financial management, investment fund management, capital formation, contract negotiation, marketing, industry engagement, joint ventures, public-private partnerships. A combination of education and equivalent work experience will be considered. 5-7 years of substantive and relevant executive leadership experience with a track record of success Excellent and demonstrated business development and investment management skills Ability to evaluate and respond appropriately to complex legal and business risk management situations Excellent financial management and financial modeling skills Ability to recognize and manage situations representing potential conflict of interest Excellent leadership, team-building, coaching, and mentoring skills A strong reputation and network among organizations and leaders in the investment, government, and/or for-profit sectors Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills and a track record of building and maintaining strong organizational partnerships Leadership experience, able to set a clear vision and motivate diverse groups to work collaboratively under changing and uncertain conditions Ability to create and thrive in a team environment and work in partnership with a variety of people and organizations Demonstrated ability to think strategically, develop and manage complex projects from start-up to completion, and adopt new approaches in response to changing circumstances. Ability to learn and translate information into action Demonstrated success working with diverse funding partners, and communicating a compelling and inspired sense of purpose with a focus on generating profitable growth Strong written and verbal communication skills, a persuasive and passionate communication style, and experience with social media Demonstrated success in working closely and constructively with a Board of Directors Excellent and demonstrated negotiation skills with the ability to structure and conclude commercial agreements A high level of diplomacy and pragmatism and the ability to collaborate with a wide range of individuals, organizations, and agencies Maintains professional expertise through continuing professional development

8 Page 7 Opportunity Profile Executive Director, VIU Initiatives Trust Total Compensation A competitive compensation package will be offered, including an attractive base salary and a comprehensive benefits plan. Further details will be discussed at a personal interview. Contact & Information For further information or to apply for this career opportunity, contact Dan VanderSluis, Associate Vice-President, Human Resources at dan.vandersluis@viu.ca by November 27, The Board of the Trust hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. The Board welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. The board is strongly committed to a respectful, diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applicants who respect differences and who will contribute to the diversity of the community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.