Executive Director

About this position

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is the senior operating officer of the Alberta Hospice Palliative Care Association responsible for ensuring that the operations of the Association are transparent and conducted in accordance with accepted business management practices.

The Executive Director is responsible for the planning, development and maintenance of programs and services that support the mission of AHPCA and organizational goals established by the Board, and for implementing policy decisions and directives of the Board.

This position works a flexible four-day work week, including occasional evenings or weekends to accommodate activities such as Board meetings or attendance at public events to represent the organization.  In addition to the Executive Director, the Association employs four part-time program and administrative staff.  The role offers an opportunity for creativity and growth while making a meaningful contribution to society.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

MEMBER SERVICES AND MARKETING

The Executive Director will:

• Have overall responsibility for membership activities including recruitment and outreach, benefits and services, educational programs and oversight of a secure and confidential membership database.
• In collaboration with the Board, develop, implement and sustain a marketing and communication plan to increase public awareness and membership of the Association.
• Maintain current knowledge of trends and issues in hospice and palliative care.
• Oversee external communications across websites, marketing materials, newsletters, and social media content.
• Work with staff to develop and carry out annual fundraising events.
• Maintain constructive and collaborative relations with community partners, service providers, donors, government and relevant advocacy groups.
• Communicate with key stakeholders to identify the changing needs and conditions of the community being served by the organization.
• Together with the Board Chair, act as the official spokesperson for AHPCA.
• Represent the Association at hospice and palliative care events and conferences in order to enhance the profile of the organization.
• Manage the Association’s reputation in support of its philosophy, goals and direction, ensuring that the Association’s image and message is presented in an accurate, consistent and professional manner.

OPERATIONAL PLANNING AND PROGRAM MANAGEMENT  

The Executive Director will:

• Develop an annual operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives derived from the strategic direction of the organization.
• Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the Association’s programs and services.
• Ensure that the programs and services offered by AHPCA contribute to the organization’s mission and reflect the priorities of the Board.
• Draft operational policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate.
• Oversee the daily operations of the Association, providing direction to staff on strategy, compliance, quality assurance and program efficiency.
• Ensure that member, client, and staff files are securely stored and privacy/confidentiality is maintained in accordance with relevant statutory requirements.
• Manage legal issues in consultation with legal counsel and the Board.
• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of special projects.
• Initiate and manage contracts required to deliver the program and carry out improvements and innovation. 

HUMAN RESOURCES PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

The Executive Director will:

• Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery.
• Oversee the implementation of human resources policies, procedures and practices, including the development of job descriptions for all staff.
• Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with appropriate legislation and regulations.
• Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization’s mission.
• Ensure all staff receive an orientation to the organization and appropriate training is provided.
• Maintain a performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review.
• Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to provide support and improve performance.
• Create an open environment that promotes communication, self-development, training, and continuous learning.

FINANCIAL PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

The Executive Director will:

• Set and meet annual fundraising goals to secure financial support from foundations, corporations, individuals and other funding sources.
• Develop an annual budget for approval by the Board prior to the start of each fiscal year.  Provide information on assumptions used to prepare the budget to assist in the review and approval process.
• Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board.
• Administer the funds of the Association according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization.
• Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed.
• Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditures of the organization.
• Ensure compliance with legislation covering taxation and withholding payments.
• Ensure that the Board and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage.
• Identify and evaluate the risks to people, property, finances and reputation and implement measures to control these risks.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Executive Director will:

• Participate with the Board of Directors in developing a strategic plan and annual goal setting to guide the organization.
• Keep the Board informed of emerging and anticipated issues, events and other concerns that could have a significant impact on AHPCA’s operations or reputation.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, relationship building and building the profile of AHPCA in the hospice and palliative care community.
• Act as a professional advisor to the Board on all aspects of the organization’s activities.
• Foster effective team-work between the Board and the Executive Director.
• Prepare an operational report summarizing the activities of the Association, and the work of the Executive Director, for each Board meeting.
• Participate in an annual evaluation of the Executive Director by the Board.
• Provide ongoing assistance to the Board by preparing the monthly meeting agenda and supporting documents in consultation with the Board Chair.  Attend all Board meetings.  Ensure that appropriate administrative assistance is provided to facilitate the work of the Board.   
• In consultation with the Board, organize and oversee annual events such as the annual general meeting, election of Directors, preparation of annual reports, etc.
• Ensure reporting required by legislation, including the Alberta Societies Act and the Income Tax Act, are prepared and submitted by the reporting deadlines.
• Ensure statutory payroll deductions are remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency by the applicable due date and that insurance and business licenses are fully paid and in good standing.

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Advanced degree in business, nursing or social work or equivalent combination of education and experience
• A minimum of three years of experience in a senior leadership/Executive Director position working collaboratively with a Board of Directors
• Knowledge of not-for-profit operations, administrative and organizational structures, and business management practices
• Exceptional verbal, written and visual communication skills
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Board, staff, members, donors, government and the general public
• Prior success in revenue development and fundraising
• Information literacy and computer skills appropriate for a digital workplace (e.g. MS Office, membership database, website management, etc.)
• Knowledge and experience in hospice and end of life care preferred

The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and qualification, plus flexible hours and a benefits package. 

Please submit your resume and cover letter to the attention of the Board Chair by 4:00 pm on March 26, 2023.