Vice President, Corporate Services

Key Responsibilities

Information Technology

• Oversees the establishment of a short term and long-term renewal plan for information technology, with regular updates to executive and the Board;
• Oversees a team responsible to direct and implement hardware, software, website support and contract services required to maintain necessary information technology systems for all departments and operations of the programs and organization;
• Oversees the development, tracking and control of the annual IT operating and capital budgets;
• Keeps abreast of new trends and best practices in the technology landscape;
• Takes initiative in thought leadership, innovation, and creativity;
• Works closely with operations to define and deliver new products and enhancements;
• Drive the development and implementation of IT strategies to optimize technology infrastructure and systems in alignment with organizational goals; and
• Lead the adoption of emerging technologies to enhance operational efficiency and innovation.

Human Resources Planning and Management

• Determine and recommend a staffing structure, including succession planning, to reduce and manage operational risk;
• Recruit, interview and select staff to further the organization’s mission and goals;
• Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices;
• Follow best practices in employee orientation, training assessment, performance management and compensation;
• Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance;
• Discipline staff when necessary using appropriate techniques; release staff when necessary using appropriate procedures;
• Establish a positive, healthy, and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations; and
• Maintain confidentiality of all internal matters pertaining to the organization and its operations.

Project Management, Reporting & Analytics

• Provide strategic oversight to project portfolios, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives;
• Develop and implement project management methodologies and best practices;
• Monitor project progress, identify risks, and implement mitigation strategies;
• Develop and implement a robust reporting and analytics framework, utilizing tools like Power BI and potentially AI;
• Provide actionable insights through data analysis to support informed decision-making;
• Develop dashboards and comprehensive analytics and KPI’s to support operations and corporate decision making; and
• Support compliance function and reporting at all levels in the organization.

Marketing & Communications

• Oversee the development of external communications, including annual reports, business plans, newsletters, bulletins and other reporting as needed;
• Create, manage, coordinate, and execute high quality marketing strategies, programs and tactical plans that support the achievement of the organization’s goals;
• Develop marketing strategies and tactics that increase public awareness of the organization, recycling programs and our purpose;
• Oversee marketing communications and activities including: branding, advertising, conferences, and seminars; market research analysis, and website design and content related to the marketing of the organization and its programs;
• Develop and track metrics and success criteria for all marketing programs and activities;
• Continuously enhance and build on quality stakeholder relationships across all provinces and industry associations; and
• Oversee website content, ensuring content is current, relevant and correct.

Administration, Procurement & Contract Management

• Provide leadership for administrative functions, including facilities management and office operations including budget development and management;
• Develop and oversee office filing systems, ensuring the organization maintains adequate records retention, segregations and confidentiality and is compliant with Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPPA) in Alberta.
• Support corporate events like the AGM, strategic planning, Board/Committee/Council/Staff meetings;
• Optimize administrative services to support overall organizational efficiency;
• Develop and implement procurement strategies to optimize costs and ensure quality; and
• Oversee vendor selection, negotiation, and contract management processes. Ensure compliance with procurement policies and ethical standards.

Qualification & Requirements

Education & Experience

• University degree in business, marketing or related discipline is required.
• Hold a designation which could include Project Management Professional Certificate, Chartered Professional Accountant, or others.
• Educational programs aimed at providing additional depth to finance, project management, human resources, and marketing/communications would be an asset.
• Minimum ten (10) years of progressively senior leadership experience and an understanding of the government sector, ideally within a professional organization, or related to the environment industry.
• Significant knowledge and experience in change management, strategic planning, business process management, marketing, and financial management principles.
• Additional exposure to public communications, information systems and accounting principles is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team in a fast-paced environment with a commitment to providing increased levels of customer service and satisfaction and overall improvement to the organization.
• Ability to think prospectively and adapt to a rapidly changing environment.
• Excellent management skills and ability to manage and deliver upon multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in applying internal controls while maintaining a strategic focus.
• Must be able to handle confidential information in an ethical and professional manner.
• Effective problem-solving, conflict resolution and negotiation/mediation skills.
• Must be able to travel both locally and regionally.
• Must be available to work evenings and weekends, as required, to accommodate activities such as Board meetings and representation of the organization at public and industry events.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Leadership & Navigation: Uses information, personnel, time, and other resources necessary effectively and efficiently to accomplish tasks within the parameters of organizational hierarchy, processes, systems, and policies and establishes appropriate courses of action for self, teams, and individuals to accomplish specific goals. Motivates team and provides coaching and assistance as required.
• Strategic Thinking: Understands the strategic relationship between effective financial, risk and compliance management and core business functions.
• Technical Capability: Knowledge of principles, practices, and functions of effective operational management and proven experience leading operational planning and reporting.
• Business Acumen: Understands and applies information to contribute to the organization’s strategic plan leveraging business knowledge, strategic agility, systems thinking, and metrics/analytics to measure performance.
• Communication Proficiency: Provides clear, concise information to others in verbal, written, electronic and other communication formats. Listens actively and ensures effective communications throughout the organization.
• Critical Evaluation: Uses critical thinking and problem solving to assess and interpret information to make business decisions and recommendations.
• Relationships Management: Builds engaging relationships with all internal and external parties through trust, teamwork, and direct communications. Demonstrates approachability and openness.
• Ethical Practice: Integrates core values, integrity and accountability throughout all organizational and business practices and acts with personal, professional, and behavioural integrity.
• Intellectual: Strong conceptual skills and the ability to create strategies, as well as to understand and quickly interpret economic and internal performance indicators so that actions for continuous improvement are undertaken. Demonstrated ability to review and synthesize information and provide appropriate strategic advice to staff and the Board.
• Interpersonal Skills: Ability to relate to and communicate with the Board, Councils, staff, government and other key stakeholders. Develop and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders and promote a highly effective management team.
• Autonomy: Ability to work under broad guidelines, constrained by principles and ethics of the function, and still provide a high degree of stakeholder satisfaction. Such is accomplished with an acute understanding of stakeholder needs and utilizing sound judgment and making informed decisions.
• Communication: A good speaker with strong listening skills who can effectively communicate strategies and plans across a broad spectrum of audiences. Ability to write effectively and develop policy and strategies from a conceptual understanding.
• Job Stress: A high energy level is mandatory to keep pace with significant stakeholder interfacing while striving for Board, government, and stakeholder satisfaction; notwithstanding, the major time demand and pressures associated with organizational dealings and other conflicting issues and requirements related to the position

Benefits

• Company events
• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care