CIRES Community Impact Real Estate Society EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. executive profile. For more information, please contact:

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1 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR executive profile For more information, please contact: John Kay, CEO & Principal Consultant Bertine Stelzer, Consultant cires - executive profile November, 2016

2 Background and Organizational Profile The () is a new social enterprise initiative of the Vancity Community Foundation, BC Housing and the City of Vancouver. is the lead leaseholder for mixed-use commercial and retail spaces in Vancouver s Downtown East Side (DTES) and inner-city area. The portfolio, consisting of approximately 60 properties, will be operated as a mix of market and non-market rental spaces. The non-market social purpose sites will support social enterprises, non-profits and businesses that focus on reversing the impacts of social isolation, limited employment opportunities and unaffordable retail and service options for low-income residents in Vancouver s DTES. vision and mission works towards addressing and contributing to Vancouver s Community Economic Development (CED) strategy for the DTES. 1 is committed to ensure that the uniqueness of the DTES is recognized in its operations, and special tools and approaches are created to maintain the existing neighbourhood character and revitalize the area without displacement of residents, to achieve a healthy neighbourhood for all. Many organizations and levels of government have been working to improve the quality of life in Vancouver s Downtown East Side (DTES) for many years. The city of Vancouver and BC Housing are key partners in addressing community economic development and affordable housing for residents and business owners in the DTES. background In 2016, the City of Vancouver co-created and released a Community Economic Development (CED) strategy for the DTES. The CED strategy aims to advance the city s work towards a vibrant inclusive local economy and community well-being for DTES residents, communities, businesses and non-profits. BC Housing s mission is to make a difference in people s lives and communities through safe, affordable and quality housing. As such, BC housing develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options across the province, including the Vancouver DTES. As a funding partner for, BC Housing follows its commitment to partner with public and private housing providers to create the best system of housing and supports for those in greatest needs. 1 pdf

3 Position Responsibilities With a large property portfolio at hand located in the DTES, and an ambitious mission and vision to empower and develop low-income communities, the Executive Director plays the lead role in defining, planning and implementing stakeholder centred strategic goals and capital projects for. is seeking a business savvy, entrepreneurial and mission-driven Executive Director, who will establish and grow as an innovative social impact and community developer of Vancouver s DTES. Relationship building and values-driven strategic leadership will be critical to the overall success of this position. This role requires a seasoned, mission-driven entrepreneurial business leader with demonstrated knowledge of real-estate or commercial leasing, who understands how to work within the Vancouver DTES and how to advance the goals of community economic development, community social impact and poverty alleviation. specific responsibilities Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will be accountable for the overall strategic and operational success of. Specific areas of responsibilities include: Strategic Leadership and Planning Community, Stakeholder, and Media Relations Management and Administration of Finance and Risk Management Property Management and Social Impact Investment Strategy Governance and Compliance Innovative approaches are needed to build community capacity and resilience and reduce barriers to social services, housing and economic sustainability. Many committed residents, non-profit agencies, community organizations, faith-based organizations and private sector partners are busy in the [DTES] area and are involved in resourceful, social and spiritual initiatives that are already showing promising results when it comes to supporting change and alleviating. - Vancouver s Community Economic Development (CED) strategy for the DTES

4 The Executive Director will be responsible to grow the core team and make additional staffing. In partnership with the Board, the ED assures relevance to the community, the accomplishment of the organization s vision and strategic goals, and the accountability of to its diverse stakeholders and constituents. The ED oversees an initial property portfolio of 60 commercial properties and annual revenues of $1.25 million that, in turn, support the growth and development of social enterprises in Vancouver s DTES. Working in the framework of Vancouver s CED strategy for the DTES, the Executive Director will be tasked with addressing the following challenges and opportunities: Lead the planning and implementation of significant strategic and capital projects of the newly founded. Build and expand a high-performing staff team and mission-centred organizational culture to ensure that values, mission and vision are met. Build and expand a unique network and relationships with a very diverse group of stakeholders and partners, including private owners, business owners, property managers, the City of Vancouver, BC Housing, social services organizations, and residents of the DTES. Advance and promote a policy environment that addresses mission, strategic goals and the needs of its diverse constituencies by working with public officials, regulatory agencies, non-profits and local business leaders in the social impact and social enterprise sector. Actively nurture and expand the social impact and social enterprise sector in the Vancouver DTES as a key strategic asset for long-term benefits of and empowerment of the communities it serves, by investing annual operating surpluses into strategic program activities, including the financing, development and growth of social enterprises in the Downtown Eastside Explore opportunities that ensure that the uniqueness of the Downtown Eastside (DTES) is recognized, and special tools and approaches are created to achieve a healthy neighbourhood for all. This includes maintaining the existing neighbourhood character and revitalizing the area without displacement of residents

5 reporting relationship Reports to: The Board of Directors Partners with: City of Vancouver, BC Housing, private owners, property managers, the BC Housing, social service organizations and business owners working in or for the Vancouver Downtown Eastside Direct Reports: Staff to be hired candidate profile The ideal candidate for this Executive Director position is a mid to senior career-level leader with a strong skill set in business management, relationship building, commercial property management or leasing experience and an unbridled passion for mission and vision. The ED demonstrates strong knowledge and experience working within the concepts of community economic development, social enterprise and social impact. The Executive Director is a strategic thinker who is stakeholder-focused and goaldriven. The Executive Director will have an entrepreneurial mindset and the ability to build strong relationships that inspire trust and collaboration. The Executive Director will have experience building and leveraging a diverse property portfolio to achieve strategic business and social impact goals and outcomes that contribute to the empowerment and development of low-income communities in Vancouver s DTES. The ED is sensitive to values and mission and to the need to build and nurture strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. The Executive Director can work with and relate to individuals from all walks of life, from the sidewalk to the boardroom.

6 education, experience & skills A graduate degree in business administration, property management or related field; Demonstrated experience in commercial property management or related experience, such as real estate management or commercial leasing; Demonstrated experience negotiating and administering contracts and contractors; Demonstrated experience and ability to navigate and negotiate agreements in complex multi-stakeholder environment; specific requirements Strong ability to identify relevant information and transform it into concrete action that enhance ability to deliver on its mission, vision and values; Strong experience or familiarity with the politics, dynamics and communities of the Vancouver DTES that allow the ED to address challenging questions and foster collaboration; Solid track record of effective leadership and hands-on operational management in all facets of an organization, including: contract negotiations, finance, human resources, planning and evaluation, systems, communications, and non-profit governance; Accomplished at delivering a compelling message to stakeholders, media, business owners, public officials and the broader community; Demonstrated experience in or knowledge of the real estate sector; experience in commercial leasing is considered an asset; Demonstrated ability in client and/or partner relationship liaison and management; Demonstrated experience working in a senior leadership position, initiating and successfully implementing innovative solutions and scaling social impact; Strong understanding of and experience with the politics, dynamics and communities of the Vancouver DTES; Experience with or knowledge of the Vancouver social enterprise and social impact sector, particularly business and organizations operating in the Vancouver DTES; Experience working with a non-profit organization or board of directors; Exceptional communication and writing skills, demonstrated through experience in networking, relationship building, public relations, media and social media. Strong people skills: Demonstrated experience in building efficient, effective and mission-driven teams, as well as exceptional stakeholder relations that contribute to reputation, growth and impact on its clients and communities.

7 Personal Characteristics Motivated. Energetic. Impactfully ambitious. Politically savvy and astute. Able to identify and manage diverse interests with diplomacy, modesty, creativity and respect. Courageous and confident. Not afraid of tackling conflicts and responding to changing dynamics in a fast-transitioning neighbourhood. Innovative and entrepreneurial. Curiosity drives your creativity. Well organized, structured and professionally competent. Personally modest. Mission-driven and focused on purpose Influential, empowering and motivating leadership style How to Apply This search is conducted by Realize Strategies. To learn more about this opportunity, please contact John Kay or Bertine Stelzer at To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume in one pdf document to executivesearch@realizestrategies.ca. Applications should be submitted by January 13th, Early applications are strongly encouraged. All applications will be kept in strict confidence. thanks all applicants for their interest in this position.