The Executive Director (ED) will report to the Board of Directors and provide overall strategic and operational leadership to the Verna J. Kirkness Education Foundation. The ED is responsible for ensuring the effective operation of the organization, including overseeing all aspects of program delivery, administration, and strategic planning.
The ED will work closely with the Director of Programs, who is responsible for the design and delivery of the Foundation’s programming. The Director of Programs will report directly to the ED, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic objectives. The ED and Director of Programs will collaborate to support each other in advancing the Foundation’s goals, fostering a cohesive and effective working relationship.
The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit culture, with the ability to articulate and promote the mission and values of the Foundation while inspiring others to become involved. Preference will be given to individuals of Indigenous ancestry.
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Executive Director |
Financial● Manage contracts of part time support, including accounting, IT and fundraising. ● Active member of the Communication, Finance and Fund Raising Committees ● Develop an annual budget and operating plan to support the program, in consultation with the Director of Programs and accountant/finance. ● Monitor and approve all budgeted program expenditures ● Monitor cash flow projections and report actual cash flow and variance to the Board on a monthly basis ● Manage all project funds according to established accounting policies and procedures ● Ensure that all financial records for the program are up to date ● Identify and evaluate the risks associated with program activities and take appropriate action to control the risks, in consultation with the Director of Program. ● Work with the accountant and auditors for the year end reports and annual audit. Support the Program & Program Delivery● Attend all meetings of the Program Committee ● Attend and run one-week programs at various universities, normally in May and summer each year ● In consultation with the Director of Programs and IT support personnel, maintain a data base of Kirkness Scholars, university partners, other partners, stakeholders, etc. ● Arrange transportation of all students and staff attending programs, as well as chaperones and board members when requested ● Be available during all programs weeks to deal with issues as they arise Information Technology● Maintain the Foundation’s computer systems, user accounts, etc ● Make recommendations on software and hardware ● Develop and recommend IT-related policies to the board. ● Ensure all records, forms, etc conform to appropriate privacy policies ● Work with IT support to maintain website, communications materials, software, etc. | Support the Board● Attend open meetings of the board ● Prepare open board meetings’ agendas, minutes and all related records. ● Maintain the corporation’s financial books, and records of meeting agendas and minutes ● Develop a suite of corporate policies. ● Liaise with the corporation’s legal counsel. ● Organize all aspects of board meetings, including local arrangements, travel, zoom invitations, etc. Communications● Attend all meetings of the Communications Committee ● Take and record minutes ● Prepare annual reports, newsletters, brochures, etc ● Ensure web site, social media posts, etc, conform with best practices from both technical and communications perspectives ● Prepare and, when appropriate, make presentations to organizations and conferences ● Support Kirkness Scholars making presentations ● Communicate to media on a regular basis ● Promote and communicate successes Development Support● Work with and support the external fundraising company ● Identify fundraising opportunities ● Write grant proposals, funding requests, acknowledgements, and donor reports ● Attend all meetings of the Fundraising Committee and provide full support ● Take and record minutes ● As appropriate, make new contacts ● Establish relationships with key donors, departments of education, school districts, high schools, and individual educators. |
Qualifications
● An undergraduate or higher degree, preferably with a business, financial, communications or IT concentration.
● Expertise in IT matters, both technical and policy-wise
● Expertise in fundraising and producing communications materials
● Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.
● Demonstrated ability to create attractive and informative publications such as newsletters, brochures, reports, etc.
● Proven ability to develop trusting relationships with volunteers through valuing their input, following through on commitments, and using a collaborative style.
● Excellent communication skills (oral and written) and a sensitivity to cultural differences.
● An understanding of, and commitment to, improving, secondary and post-secondary education opportunities for Indigenous students.
● Awareness of the challenges faced by FNMI students in both urban and rural areas of Canada.
● Proven ability to build and maintain community partnerships.
● Able to travel extensively, with extended absences to support program delivery.
Compensation and Benefits
● Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications.
● Vacation: two weeks paid vacation during the first two years of work, three weeks thereafter. Vacation may not be during program weeks
● Benefits: The Foundation does not currently have a benefits or retirement program. In lieu of benefits and pension, a payment of 15% of base salary will be paid.
● Annual performance reviews to evaluate performance and leadership skills
● The Executive Director will be subject to an Employment Agreement which includes confidentiality policy and adherence to foundation expense policy. The incumbent will be required to pass background checks related to working with minors, criminal record check and child abuse registry, and having financial responsibilities.
Applicants must hold a valid Canadian driver’s license. A comprehensive benefits program and competitive salary is provided. Salary $87,500 Benefits 15% of salary in lieu of benefits plan.
Applicants interested in this unique opportunity are invited to submit a detailed resume and three professional references by 4:00 pm on Friday, May 30, 2025, to jobs@vjkf.org
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to provide a clear Criminal Record Check, including a Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Abuse Registry Check, at their own expense as a condition of employment.
| To increase the number of Indigenous students graduating from pure and applied science, engineering, and mathematics programs in Canada. Charity Registration #822843629 RR 0001 |
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