Compensation:  $23.67/hour, plus benefits 
Hours of Work:  Full-time, 40 hours per week 
Work Term:  3 years 
Start Date:  August 29, 2016 

Embark is a student-led non-profit that provides resources that empower SFU students to be inspired changemakers in their communities. We offer grants, events, and training opportunities to students, operate a community garden and sustainability leadership program, and work with the university and elected officials to advance social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Our work is supported by the 30,000+ undergraduate and graduate student members that we represent. 

We are seeking a new Executive Director who will be responsible for the successful leadership and management of the society, working closely with the SFU students and alumni on our Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

Leadership and mentorship

• Act as professional advisor to the Board of Directors
• Identify, assess, and inform the Board of relevant internal and external issues
• Foster effective working relationships among student leaders, staff and volunteers
• Serve as a spokesperson and represent the organization at community events
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of or jointly with the Board
• Develop external partnerships that support the organization’s strategic direction
• Coach and mentor student leaders, staff, and volunteers

Operational planning and management

• Oversee day-to-day operations and programming of the society
• Develop an operational plan that advances the strategic direction set by the board
• Ensure the society meets the expectations of its student members through evaluation and consultation
• Draft and revise policies with the Board, review and recommend changes when needed
• Oversee our involvement in university-led operational sustainability initiatives, like the Green Office Certification Program and Zero Waste Initiative
• Assist student leaders in planning, implementing and evaluating the society’s activities
• Assist the Board Chair and Secretary in preparing meeting agendas, motions, and supporting materials
• Serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member of all Board and organizational committees, attending meetings when needed

Staff planning and management

• Determine staffing requirements and a develop a staffing plan with the Board
• Oversee and participate in all hiring decisions
• Provide training and orientation to all staff
• Maintain staff policies and procedures, including on-going performance evaluations and professional development
• Approve employee timesheets and liaise with our payroll management firm to ensure remittances and benefits are appropriately issued and recorded

Financial planning and management

• Prepare an annual budget with Directors and staff and oversee expenditures
• Develop and implement fundraising and grantseeking plans  
• Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed
• Report regularly to the Finance and Audit Committee on the financial management and projections of the society
• Ensure that the organization complies with all legal regulations and requirements and successfully completes an annual third-party audit

Community relations/advocacy

• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization and delegate this task when appropriate
• Establish effective and collaborative relationships with community groups, partner organizations, others student societies, funders, and Simon Fraser University departments  
• Represent the society as a permanent member of the SFU Senior Sustainability Council
• Regularly liaise and work with the SFU Sustainability Office  

Risk management

• Identify and evaluate the risks to the society’s people (members, staff, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks
• Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage
• Ensure that the Board and staff understand the terms, conditions and limitations of the insurance coverage

Ideal Candidates Have

• A bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s degree would be an asset
• Transparent and high-integrity leadership
• Proven organizational management experience, including staff management
• Direct financial management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making and reporting
• Strong organizational abilities including planning, delegating, program development and task facilitation
• An ability to effectively convey Embark's goals, mission, and vision internally and externally
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Knowledge of board governance and ability to advise, develop, and collaborate with student and alumni board directors
• Experience with university student societies or sustainability planning in higher education
• Knowledge of environmental, social, and economic sustainability issues and how they relate to universities or communities

To apply, submit your resume and cover letter to josh at embarksustainability.org with a subject line of the following format: "First name Last name, Executive Director, Application 2016." Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until August 16, 2016 at 11:59 p.m.

SOURCE: Embark