Interim Executive Director

About this position

The Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region (BEP) is a charity dedicated to ensuring all young people in Waterloo Region can build their path to fulfilling careers. We do this by empowering youth to explore and prepare for the world of work in partnership with their parents, educators and our local workforce. Since 2002, over 130,000 youth in our community have participated in our programming.

Reporting to the BEP Board of Directors and with support of the Associate Director, the Executive Director is responsible for the management and operations of the BEP in accordance with its Mission, Vision, and Strategic Objectives. This role is to cover a parental leave starting in January 2024 and ending in May 2025. While the scope and complexities of responsibilities may change from time to time depending on the organization’s needs, the  Interim Executive Director is generally responsible for the following:

Leadership & Human Resources

• Set the tone and direction for a healthy, positive and collaborative work culture
• Build and lead effective teams dedicated to fulfilling the organization’s mission
• Identify and address staffing requirements for efficient operations
• Follow HR policies and practices
• Administer the organization’s group benefits plan

• Execute fundraising activities including soliciting donations, sponsorships and preparing grant applications in support of our mission
• Build and maintain positive relationships with supporters and aligned stakeholders, participating in relevant groups and committees and organizing engagement activity
• Coordinate with staff to ensure organizational branding and communication activity effectively supports the attraction and retention of financial support
• Participate in media interviews and other promotional activity
• Prepare relevant reports for funders and other stakeholders

• Design, develop and evaluate programs in partnership with staff and other stakeholders, with the goal of maximizing organizational impact
• Set goals for program delivery in collaboration with staff team
• Lead the delivery of specific program activities and events as required, including promotion, registration, recruiting partners and volunteers, organizing logistics, facilitation and collecting feedback
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of program results for reporting purposes

• Direct the annual budgeting process with participation from staff and in consultation with the board of directors
• Monitor the financial health and performance of the organization
• Report financial performance on a quarterly basis to BEP board of directors
• Create and distribute invoices
• Coordinate the preparation of cheques, bank reconciliations, payroll and financial statements with bookkeeper
• Coordinate the review of cheques, bank reconciliations and other financial records with the Board Treasurer or other authorized signor on a monthly basis
• Lead the annual audit process, including scheduling, providing accurate data to auditors, organizing the presentation of audited financial statements to the board of directors and filing an accurate annual charity return to the CRA
• Issue tax receipts to donors as required
• Complete annual filing for Corporations Canada

• Schedule and prepare agendas / supporting documents for quarterly Executive Committee meetings, Board of Director Meetings, the Annual General Meeting and other committee meetings as required
• Report on operational status and provide timely information, assistance, and advice for decision-making
• Inform the Board on all essential matters to support sound governance including goal-setting, policy development, risk mitigation   
• Participate in the development of a strategic plan that conveys the organization’s mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives.
• Facilitate the selection and onboarding process for new directors
• Maintain current records of board of directors with CRA and Corporations Canada as well as other required annual filings
• Maintain accuracy and completeness of BEP Board minute book

• Administer the organization’s IT systems including Google Workspace, constituent relationship management software and phone system
• Lead the organization’s health and safety program, ensuring compliance with standards
• Procure and maintain office supplies and equipment
• Act as point of contact with landlord, addressing issues as needed
• Monitor the organization’s insurance coverage
• Draft and implement policies relating to workplace health and safety

• 5+ years of industry experience – experience in paid or volunteer work with charitable / not-for-profit  organizations is an asset
• Proven fundraising or business development experience; grant writing experience considered an asset
• People leadership experience, including with staff and volunteers, with demonstrated care for the wellbeing of others
• Experience managing events ranging in size from 20 – 2000 people
• Experience with reviewing financial statements and preparing budgets
• Knowledge of non-profit accounting and obligations of registered charities is an asset
• Demonstrated time management and project management skills
• Advanced written and verbal communication, including presentation and facilitation skills
• Results oriented with proven ability to identify, analyze and resolve problems / conflict quickly
• Able to interpret and effectively manage multiple and competing priorities and deadlines
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships and partnerships
• Passion for helping students prepare for their careers
• Positive, proactive attitude

• 35 hours per week
• Flexibility required for occasional evening events and meetings (typically 1-2/month)

• 74-B Queen St N., Kitchener, ON

• This is a temporary full-time position at 35 hours a week with a preferred start date in early January 2024 and ending in May 2025.
• Salary (based on experience)