Job Description of the
Executive Director of
Confederation of University Faculty Associations of British Columbia
(CUFA BC)
General Mandate
The Executive Director provides a broad range of services to the Confederation, its member associations, its elected officers and Council. The Executive Director has particular responsibility for providing advice and counsel to the Executive Committee and to the President, with whom the Executive Director is expected to maintain a close working relationship. Further, the Executive Director is expected to maintain contacts with government, legislative and media personnel. The ED establishes and maintains internal (with member associations) and external (government, civil service, media, other organization, public) relations essential to meeting the goals and objectives of the organization – under the direction of the Council and Executive.Reporting Relationships
The Executive Director reports directly to the President and will ensure that the President is fully briefed at all times on the work of the Confederation. The Executive Director will report staff activities and responsibilities to the President, and will be responsible for the effective staffing and performance of the office in consultation with the President. While the President and the Executive Director work jointly in developing work plans and setting priorities, the final determination and assignment of duties resides with the President. In matters relating to Confederation finances, the Executive Director reports directly to the Secretary/Treasurer.Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Executive Director generally include, but are not limited to, the following:Research
- study proposed legislation and policy statements and advise the Executive Committee on their implications
- research and draft briefs, proposals, and legislative amendments
- prepare other research material as may generally be useful to the member associations and the Confederation
- monitor the activities of elected and appointed officials in British Columbia who influence policies respecting universities and establish and maintain personal relationships with such individuals as necessary
- advise on and coordinate the implementation of formal and informal lobbying activity carried on by the Confederation and its member associations
- share with the President the major lobbying and public operations of the Confederation, and act on behalf of the President when required by that official.
- establish and maintain contact with journalists in newspapers, news websites, radio, and television
- develop a social media strategy
- prepare Confederation news releases and backgrounders
- subject to the authority of the President, act as spokesperson for the Confederation
- ensure that the members of the Confederation receive efficient services, appropriate information, and reliable advice and counsel.
- keep member associations informed of issues and the activities of the Confederation
- prepare the Confederation’s print and electronic publications
- assist individual member associations with local activities subject to other obligations and time commitments
- ensure that the work of the Confederation is known and understood throughout the membership.
- at the request and direction of the President, act as spokesperson for the Confederation;
- channel information and liaise on the Confederation’s behalf with partner organizations and relevant external agencies such as CAUT, FPSE, the Research Universities’ Council, and other provincial confederations;
- ensure that the Confederation and its various constituent parts are informed of the significant developments in the external environment;
- work with Canadian Association of University Teachers officials and staff on federal issues and with officials and staff of other provincial confederations as necessary;
- subject to the authority of the President, represent the Confederation in meetings with external organizations.
- arrange, in consultation with the President, the efficient conduct of Executive Committee and Council meetings;
- attend and cause to be recorded the deliberations of the Executive Committee and Council;
- report on matters of interest and concern to the Executive Committee and Council;
- contribute to discussion at the Executive Committee and Council as appropriate;
- have responsibility for the implementation of the decisions of the Executive Committee and Council;
- operate the Confederation office;
- manage the Confederation accounts;
- prepare briefs, reports, agendas, and other materials as directed or co-incidental to other duties;
- prepare budgets and financial statements under the direction of the Secretary/Treasurer.
- act on behalf of the Confederation to fulfill employer responsibilities to the staff of the Confederation, as expressed in contracts of employment.
Preferred qualifications
Education- relevant post-graduate degree, preferably PhD or equivalent
- 5 or more years of progressive experience in a voluntary sector organization
- Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit organizations
- Knowledge of provincial legislation applicable to post-secondary education in BC and Canada
- Knowledge of current challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of CUFA BC and its member organizations
- Knowledge of financial management
- Knowledge of project management
- Experience with academic labour issues, and with unionized faculty associations
- Experience in policy analysis and development
- Experience in communications and contact with media outlets
- Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
- Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices, and ensure that one’s own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
- Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve CUFA BC’s goal.
- Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
- Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities for leadership, partnership and collaboration.
- Focus on Member Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of CUFA BC member organizations, meeting or exceeding their expectations within the organizational parameters.
- Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance CUFA BC’s effectiveness.
- Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of CUFA BC and its member organizations.
- Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of CUFA BC and its member organizations.
- Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities
- Plan: Working with Council and Executive, determine strategies to move CUFA BC forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
- Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
08 August 2014
