Summary
Description
Executive Director – JOB POSTING
About the Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade
The Ajax-Pickering Board of Trade (APBOT) is a not-for-profit, membership-based association and contrary to belief, is not a government agency. In addition to representing the views of the business communities of Ajax and Pickering, the APBOT is part of a broader provincial and national network of boards of trade and chambers of commerce and, as such, is proud to be an active member of both the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
As the voice of business in Ajax and Pickering, the APBOT is a small but accomplished team supported by a highly engaged council of directors and team of volunteers. We are proud of our ability to deliver strategic advocacy, quality programs and communications by working as a co-operative team, where no task is too big or small to support our members.
About the Position
Reporting to the council of directors, the Executive Director (ED) is the senior staff position in the APBOT who is responsible for providing leadership in, and direction to, the approved programs of the APBOT on a day-to-day basis. The ED plays a significant role in coordinating the planning of new activities, assisting APBOT committees and managing the APBOT staff.
Key Accountabilities:
1. Strategic Planning and Policies
- Working with the council of directors and the board executive committee, take a lead role in developing and executing APBOT’s strategic plan, annual budget and business plan.
- Ensure the integrity and viability of APBOT’s finances, including control of operating expenditures, monthly financial reviews/updates and recommendations to the council of directors and executive committee.
- Ensure full and complete compliance with APBOT by-laws, policies and government regulations and statutes.
- Collaborate with the council executive committee to ensure council development and succession planning.
2. Operations
- Direct and oversee the achievement of APBOT objectives with respect to membership, revenues, expenses, programs and services, public relations, employee relations, stakeholder relations, and APBOT’s overall image and standing in the community.
- In conjunction with staff, develop and maintain membership development and retention programs; diverse and relevant service offerings for members (including but not limited to events, educational programs, affinity programs) ensuring financial viability and quality standards.
- Ensure proper stewardship of all board assets and facilities.
- Provide guidance and direction to committee and task force chairs in relation to programs, seminars, meetings, events and policy activities.
- Monitor and provide input to council on all committee/task force activities.
- Identify and secure corporate sponsorships and guide fundraising activities for APBOT events.
- Represent APBOT whenever possible, at official APBOT events and functions (some irregular hours).
- Be a “hands on” member of the team, working closely with staff to ensure successful delivery of programs and events.
3. Human Resources
- Direct the activities and performance of all APBOT staff, in alignment with strategic objectives.
- Responsible for all aspects of human resources and staff management, including recruitment, training, performance evaluation, professional development, and disciplinary processes.
- Direct the development and establishment of adequate and equitable human resources policies as prescribed by the council, including salary administration and employee benefit plans throughout the organization.
- Lead annual staff performance review process, including setting of staff development and job objectives.
- Determine appropriate level of personnel and other resources required to achieve board goals, and the applicable organizational structure, subject to budget approved by council.
- Administer all Human Resources policies as prescribed by council.
- Encourage effective and positive working relationships and open communications and teamwork amongst staff. and.
4. Stakeholder & Public Relations and Communications
- In conjunction with the President, Chair and Government Relations Chairs, build and cultivate relationships and synergies with all stakeholders including: City of Pickering, Town of Ajax, Region of Durham, members of the federal, provincial and municipal governments, the Canadian and Ontario Chambers of Commerce, other local Chambers of Commerce, the media, volunteers, and the overall business community.
- Maintain positive relationships within APBOT, its members, volunteers, other clients and suppliers.
- Impartially represent APBOT on various partner and community organization committees and task forces.
- Ensure appropriate APBOT representation at any relevant business and public events, including representation by Chair, members of council, and staff.
- Oversee all communication programs from APBOT on any matters, including but not limited to, member communication vehicles, media releases, electronic newsletters, publications, marketing materials, and social media.
- Act as one of the two principal spokespersons for the board of trade with media and various publics.
5. Policy Advocacy
- In consultation with the Policy Advisory Committee and the council, develop and execute an annual policy advocacy plan representing the needs of APBOT members, ensuring formal positions and submissions are well researched, including policy submissions for Canadian and Ontario Chambers of Commerce.
- Keep abreast of issues, participate in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce/Ontario Chamber of Commerce calls and attend the conferences.
- Ensure that all board activities and operations are carried out in compliance with local, provincial, federal and governmental regulations and laws.
The Ideal Candidate Will Possess:
- Five to seven years’ experience in the not-for-profit or private sectors and/or with comparable business associations
- Previous experience working with boards of directors, volunteers, committees of boards, in the not-for-profit or private sector
- Post secondary education in business, public administration, political science, communications, commerce or a related discipline or equivalent work experience
- Solid business management skills with a strong working knowledge of a variety of business functions including finance, sales, marketing, communications, public relations and human resources
- Knowledge of the Region of Durham business and economic conditions and stakeholders is desired
- Proven team leadership abilities
- Superior organization skills including the ability to plan, organize and create long-term strategy with an appropriate work plan to accomplish strategic objectives
- Ability to simultaneously manage strategic and operational issues
- Ability to build and cultivate productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
- Superior interpersonal and negotiation skills
- Strong communication skills, including ease with public speaking
- Impartial political acumen and understanding of government and public policy
- Strong sense of and commitment to superior and ethical governance practices
- Willingness to be a “hands-on” member of the team
- Working knowledge of information communications technology, including computer software such as MS Office, Sage, CRM systems, and social media platforms
Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Ajax Pickering Board of Trade is an equal-opportunity employer, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
