The Community Impact Real Estate Society (CIRES) is a new social enterprise initiative of the Vancity Community Foundation, BC Housing and the City of Vancouver. CIRES 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.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is accountable for the following:

• 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;
  • Leading the planning and implementation of significant strategic and capital projects of the newly founded CIRES;
  • Building and expanding a high-performing staff team and mission-centred organizational culture to ensure that CIRES’ values, mission and vision are met.
  • Building and expanding 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.
  • Advancing and promote a policy environment that addresses CIRES’ 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 CIRES 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.

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 CIRES’ mission and vision. The Executive Directors demonstrates strong knowledge and experience working within the concepts of community economic development, social enterprise and social impact.

The successful candidate will have:

• 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;
• 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;
• This is a full-time opportunity within a strong values-based organizational culture, with a competitive salary and benefits package.

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 604.718.8292.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume in one pdf document to executivesearch at realizestrategies.ca

Applications should be submitted by January 13th, 2017. Early applications are strongly encouraged. All applications will be kept in strict confidence.

CIRES thanks all applicants for their interest in this position.

SOURCE: Realize Strategies