JOB DESCRIPTION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PIVOT LEGAL SOCIETY

Transcription

1 JOB DESCRIPTION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PIVOT LEGAL SOCIETY Pivot works in partnership with communities affected by poverty and social exclusion to identify priorities and develop solutions to complex human rights issues. Our mission is to work on behalf of marginalized communities to create a just, fair and equitable society through litigation, law reform, research and legal education. Pivot s work is currently focused in four policy areas: police accountability, health and drug policy, homelessness, and sex workers rights. We combine strategic litigation with high-impact public education and advocacy campaigns to maximize our effectiveness. Our deep collaboration with marginalized people and grassroots movements, combined with our unique approach to social change, makes Pivot the only human rights organization of its kind in Canada. The Executive Director (ED) is responsible for the successful leadership and management of Pivot. The ED is the public face of the organization and is responsible for overseeing strategic direction and impact, people and culture, fundraising and donor relations, operations (finance, governance, administration), communications and advocacy. Key duties include the implementation of and accountability for the strategic plan. The position reports directly to the Board of Directors. This is a complex and demanding position, requiring a wide range of competencies, as outlined below. Competencies: The Executive Director should demonstrate all of the following competencies (listed alphabetically, not in order of importance): Competency & Definition Level 1

2 Achievement Having the sustained energy and determination in the face of obstacles to set and meet challenging targets, in compliance with quality and time standards, and delivering the required results. ASSESSES AND TAKES RISKS TO MAKE SIGNIFICANT GAINS. Makes decisions through weighing up the cost-benefit and risk implications. Acts entrepreneurially to make performance gains. Engages in this process with conscious reference to the core organizational values of justice, fairness and equality. Analytical Thinking Bringing disciplined analysis to data and situations, to see cause and effect and to use this to make effective decisions. DOES COMPLEX ANALYSES Undertakes complex analysis and traces performance implications through complex data, or in dealing with complex situations. Applies analytical tools or techniques to analyze a range of data. Community Orientation The willingness and ability to give priority to Pivot s stakeholders, delivering high quality services which meet their needs. SERVES LONG TERM INTERESTS Always works closely and collaboratively with clients, staff, contractors and the board, developing an independent view of the community s needs, and acting in their long-term interest. Intersectional Approach Understands the historical, social and political context of distinct forms of discrimination based on multiple identities that include factors such as gender, race, class and ability, and recognizes the unique experience of the individual based on the intersection of all relevant grounds. WORKS FROM INTERSECTIONAL LENS Has a commitment to building an organization that ideally reflects the identities and lived experiences of the communities Pivot serves. Is able to develop an organization that responds to the impacts of colonization, street economies, and centres the communities at the heart of Pivot's mandate. 2

3 Indigenous Cultural Competency Possesses Aboriginal-specific knowledge, enhanced individual self awareness and strengthened skills to work directly or indirectly with Indigenous people. IS CULTURALLY COMPETENT Has worked closely with Indigenous peoples and communities, and other marginalized groups, and has developed advanced cultural awareness and understanding in order to work from a place of cultural competence and cultural safety. Is able to develop within the organization a cultural competency mandate to ensure Pivot s work considers the history of and ongoing impacts of colonization and the oppression of Indigenous peoples and communities, particularly through the law and Canadian legal system. Entrepreneurship The ability to formulate new ideas or to adapt or use existing ideas in a new or unexpected way to solve problems, and to think ahead to spot or create opportunities and maximize them. CREATES OPPORTUNITIES & ACTS FOR THE LONG TERM Sees and acts on longer-term opportunities and problems. Formulates completely new and outside-the-box ideas and strategies, which create a potential opportunity, and uses innovative approaches to allow them to be realized. Ethical behaviour and integrity An understanding of ethical behaviour and business practices. Actions are consistent with what one says is important. WALKS THE TALK Ensures that behaviour of self and others is consistent with ethical standards and aligns with the values of Pivot. Walking the talk by communicating intentions, ideas and feelings openly and directly and welcoming openness and honesty even in difficult situations, without losing focus on long term goals and objectives. 3

4 Flexibility The ability to adapt to and work with a variety of situations, individuals and groups. Being able to think on your feet, and not being disconcerted or stopped by the unexpected. MAKES ORGANIZATIONAL CHANGE Changes the overall plan, goal or project to fit the situation. Creates and supports flexibility by introducing procedures which ensure quick turnaround and encourage flexibility in others. Holding people and organization accountable The ability to be totally clear and consistent with others about what has to be achieved, to what standard, by when, within what budget, and then make clear their accountability for delivery. ADDRESSES LONGER TERM ISSUES Ensures follow-through and implementation of best practices. Addresses longer term performance problems. Clearly states consequences. Provides guidance and support as well as challenge and constructive criticism. Leading and developing others Leading, encouraging, inspiring and supporting others to develop confidence and capability to help them realize their full potential. Commitment to developing and modelling a healthy workplace that prioritizes balance for employees. GAINS COMMITMENT & INSPIRES OTHERS TO ACHIEVE Communicates and gains team commitment to a vision of what is to be achieved. Delegates fully and creates opportunities which help others to develop their potential. Identifies inequalities of opportunity within the workplace and takes steps to address them. Inspires and empowers others to overcome difficulties and achieve goals. Nurtures strong team identity and pride. 4

5 Professional confidence A justified belief in one s ability to do the job, providing an opinion or advice when necessary and being prepared to take a decisive course of action. PREPARED TO CHALLENGE AND TAKE RISKS Speaks out for a course of action even when others disagree. Takes significant personal or professional risks to accomplish important goals. Challenges others with respect. Relationship Building for influence Building relationships with key stakeholders and using these to persuade, convince or gain support in order to achieve positive outcomes for Pivot. EXTENDS NETWORKS & USES INDIRECT INFLUENCE Identifies and builds relationships with those who will be useful now and in the future in achieving Pivot s strategic plan. Actively lobbies and wins support behind the scenes. Assembles and sustains coalitions to get support and influence others. Self-awareness An understanding of emotions and triggers and how they impact on behaviour and/or the behaviour of others. Understanding strengths and limitations. MANAGES EMOTIONS Uses coping mechanisms to deal with difficult or emotional situations over time. Sets up support structures to manage stress levels on a proactive basis. Understands the need to be strong and positive in the face of adversity but also recognizes areas of one s own weaknesses and when to seek guidance and support. 5

6 Team working Working collaboratively, across organizational boundaries to achieve shared goals. CREATES TEAM WORKING Creates new opportunities for individuals to work together, breaking down barriers that may get in the way of effective team working. Challenges others to do the same. Is a model of collaborative behaviour. Commits time and resources to team- based projects. Key Responsibility Areas The ED is highly-visible position in Vancouver and BC, requiring a leader that is able to work with both internal and external stakeholders to advance our collective agenda. Key responsibilities include: Strategic Direction and Impact: The ED is responsible for ensuring that all of Pivot s activities further its mission and mandate, with the support of the Director of Strategy and Legal Director: Collaboratively develops, implements and evaluates Pivot s strategic direction and engages key stakeholders in collaborative annual and long-term planning to increase the organization s impact. Maintains regular long-term planning cycles and brings issues of strategic import to the Board as these may arise. The Board is accountable to approve strategic plans. Develops annual operational plans which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of Pivot. Identifies the required resources to achieve the goals and objectives of the operational plan. Has the ability to say no to projects/ideas that are beyond the scope and/or resources of the organization - holds people accountable to realistic goals. Oversees and supports the Directors to achieve campaign objectives, responds to emerging issues and ensures excellence in all areas. Oversees and supports the Managers to achieve operational goals, responding to emerging issues and ensures excellent organizational management. 6

7 People and Culture The ED is responsible for creating a culture of leadership within the organization where every staff member is supported to be an accountable expert in their role: The ED is ultimately accountable for all HR functions in the organization, including recruitment and retention, termination, performance management, professional development, and ensuring HR administration such as benefit administration, payroll, etc. Provides leadership and mentorship across the organization, modelling best practices. The ED has four direct reports, and is responsible for ensuring consistency of HR best practices across organization, supporting the directors and managers to sustain effective and compliant people practices. Identifies situations where specific staffing requirements would be most appropriately accomplished by retaining the services of a contractors and, as required, locates and retains such services. Supports and encourages staff development initiatives which are consistent with Pivot s goals. Fundraising and Donor Relations The ED is accountable for overseeing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports Pivot s strategic plan and organizational growth. With the support of the Fundraising Manager: Determines long-term funding goals for the organization that adequately resource the scope of work. Oversees and monitors a robust fund development plan for Pivot s fundraising goals and activities (including government and foundation grants, sponsorships, private donations, special events etc.). Supports the Fundraising Manager to develop and execute the plan. Establishes, builds and sustains positive relationships with all significant funders (individual and institutional), including relations between the Pivot Foundation and its donors. Develops strong relationships with all Pivot advocates and other top donors. Identifies prospective donors and funders. In collaboration with the fundraising manager, determines the best strategies for the effective stewardship of individual, corporate donors and institutional donors. Ensuring that all legal reporting requirements are satisfied. 7

8 Operations: Finance, Governance and Administration The ED is accountable for Pivot s financial, governance and administrative processes including oversight and management of the activities of the Pivot Foundation and Pivot Society boards: With the support of the Manager of Operations and Finance: Oversees the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of Pivot. Ensures the integrity of Pivot s internal controls, financial management systems (including monitoring) and financial wellbeing. Develops an annual operational budget for Board approval and analyzes financial results of the organization relative to established objectives on a monthly basis. Keeps Directors informed of Pivot s financial and operational condition and of major issues and developments that may affect the organization; assesses need for mid-course corrections; reports regularly to the Board of Directors on performance and trends. Manages the relationship between and administration of Pivot and the Pivot Foundation (annual filings, board meetings, AGMs, audits). Supports and advises Directors with fulfilling their fiduciary and strategic responsibilities; ensures annual Board approval of the auditor. Communications and Advocacy The ED is accountable for Pivot s communications and public advocacy, which will be led by the Director of Strategy with support from the Communications and Digital Engagement Manager: Oversees and monitors a comprehensive organizational communications strategy. Supports the Director of Strategy to develop and execute the plan with support from the Communications and Digital Engagement Manager. Acts as a spokesperson and representative for Pivot. Works to ensure Pivot is maximizing its voice and presence before diverse and new audiences locally, nationally and internationally. Ensures public perceptions of Pivot s reputation are effectively managed. Communicates with key stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of Pivot and to mobilize media around key issues that intersect with Pivot s work. Participates in networking and community relations on behalf of Pivot. 8

9 Builds strong working relationships and collaborative arrangements with both internal and external stakeholders at Pivot, and enlists their support for accomplishing tasks. Professional Qualifications: Education and Experience Graduate level degree in social justice related discipline, a law degree, OR an equivalent combination of experience and training. Senior management experience in leading a successful social change organization(s). Demonstrated understanding of Pivot s core values of justice, fairness and equality, and can understand, reinforce, adjust and support a culture that reflects Pivot s values. Technical Competencies Subject matter expertise in a minimum of one of Pivot s four policy areas: police accountability, health and drug policy, homelessness, and sex workers rights. Operational experience with knowledge of HR, finance, governance, strategic planning, communications, technology, impact measurement, and a history of successfully delivering on operational goals. Proven track record of successful fundraising strategies and managing key funder relationships. Understanding of financial management best practices. Understanding of nonprofit and charitable regulatory frameworks. Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing, and is skilled at communicating with a broad range of audiences. Exemplary interpersonal skills. Leadership Competencies Has shown the ability to lead a team or organization to achieve high staff performance and accountability. Experienced in facilitating a framework for collaborative leadership; proven ability to synthesize and communicate a vision developed through consultative processes. Has stewarded an effective working relationship with an elected Board of Directors. Able to manage multiple competing stakeholder relationships. Able to make challenging decisions respectfully and effectively. 9

10 How is Success Measured? The Board of Directors is responsible for evaluating the performance of the ED. The Board holds the ED accountable for Pivot s organizational performance. The organization's performance is disclosed by a monitoring system that, on a continuing basis, provides the board with relevant data. General Diversity: Pivot is committed to employment equity and prioritizes applications from underrepresented groups including people with lived experience in our areas of work (police accountability, health and drug policy, homelessness, and sex workers rights), trans and gender variant persons, Indigenous persons, persons of colour, and persons with disabilities. Salary Range: $90,000 - $105,000 annually subject to qualifications and experience, + comprehensive benefits package + 20 days vacation + 2 weeks off during December holidays when the office is closed. Hours of work: This position is a full-time (40 hours/week) exempt Management position. It is expected that the Executive Director will work the hours required to fulfill the responsibilities of the position, which will include some evenings and weekends. Accountability: The Executive Director is directly accountable to the Board of Directors. Start date: The expected start date for this position is April, Resumes will be accepted until February 16, We encourage candidates to submit their applications early. Accessibility: Please note, Pivot's main office space is accessible for a standard (hospital issue) wheelchair, but not a larger mobility scooter or custom chair. Please contact us regarding this or other accommodation needed. To apply: Please send a cover letter and resume in one document to jobs@pivotlegal.org by Friday February 16, While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 10