Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports Executive Director Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports (VASS) is seeking an individual to fulfill the position of Executive Director. The successful candidate will report to the VASS Board of Directors. VASS provides skiing and snowboarding programs for people with disabilities at Grouse, Seymour and Cypress Mountains www.vass.ca. VASS and its Mandate Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports runs skiing and snowboarding programs for persons with a disability at Grouse, Seymour and Cypress Mountains. VASS makes the mountain experience accessible to all. VASS is a registered non-profit society, operated by volunteers, which includes an active Board of Directors, program coordinators, instructors and administrators. We welcome students of all ages and disabilities and utilize adaptive equipment and/or specialized teaching techniques to maximize a person s independence on the snow. To meet the needs of its members, VASS offers programs from beginner to advanced, which includes snowboarding, sit-ski, stand-up skiing and advanced adaptive ski racing. Our instructors must complete The Canadian Association for Disabled Skiers (CADS) instructor certification, which utilizes the Canadian Ski Instructors Alliance certification methodology. We have offered programs at Grouse Mountain since 1974. VASS is affiliated with The Disabled Skiers Association of BC (DSABC) and The Canadian Association for Disabled Skiers (CADS). We are funded through community partnerships with local businesses, clubs/foundations, private donations and fundraising initiatives. About 17% of people in the Metropolitan Vancouver (roughly 357,000 people) have some kind of disability whether it is a visual impairment, spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, brain injury or some other kind of physical or cognitive disability. Given these statistics, it is easy to imagine how the demand for our programs has grown faster than our ability to meet it and the potential for growth is significant. VASS has a vision to better meet the needs of our community with a disability. We wish to create a strong and sustainable infrastructure of support to take the load off of the volunteer base, for which establishment of a robust funding base will be required. We also have a goal to establish a permanent headquarters for VASS locally, currently conceived as a facility with multiple uses giving us a place to meet, train and expand beyond our current scope of operations. Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports Role of the Executive Director (ED) A. Job Purpose of the Executive Director The purpose of the ED s job is: To work with the VASS Board of Directors to prepare and implement short, medium and long-term strategic planning goals.
To build and maintain partnerships with members, volunteers, sponsors and other stakeholders. To be an inspirational leader, with a passion for VASS mission and be able to articulate it to all community partners. Create a co-operative culture of performance and innovation in order to build a sustainable organization and to provide members, volunteers and students with world class programs and services. B. Key Responsibilities of the Executive Director 1. Operations / Program Delivery: To deliver well organized programs each winter on the North Shore mountains (Grouse, Seymour, Cypress) that help people with a disability learn and develop their skiing and snowboarding skills. ED Responsibility #1: Reports to the Board Description Provide regular, consistent, accurate and timely operational reporting to the Board. Seek input for report from key members of VASS. Track and manage data required to complete monthly and quarterly Operations Report. Provide input on how reporting can be improved to best reflect the state of VASS. Prepare and submit monthly and quarterly Operations Report to the Board of Directors. To be distributed to Board Members by email 1 week before Board meetings. Monthly and quarterly ED Responsibility #2: Administration Undertake general Administration duties related to the position, including timely response to phone and email inquiries. Timely response to inquiries. ED Responsibility #3: Operational Plan Prepare annual Operational Plan outlining specific actions to be taken that will allow long and short term strategic initiatives to be achieved. Develop and track metrics for assessing progress of initiatives. Seek direction from the Board as appropriate. Maintain records of the following metrics with comparative statistics from previous years: Enrollment levels, lessons delivered, waiting list; Volunteers registered, volunteers trained, proportion of volunteers returning. Metrics database; Operational Plan; monthly and quarterly Operations Reports Monthly and quarterly updates - 2 -
ED Responsibility #4: Lead VASS Day-to-Day operations Oversee student experience - student registration, lesson booking, assignment, collection of student details, etc. Work with Sian to support the Program Coordinators; o Provide class lists to program coordinators; o Inform project coordinators of cancellations; and Serve as point of contact for school group bookings by connecting student with paid instructor. Program lists and student information provided to program coordinators; monthly and quarterly Operations Reports; current database of volunteers, students, and community partners. ED Responsibility #5: Volunteer Management Ensure volunteers are supported at VASS. Through volunteer recruitment, retention and their program placement. Volunteer metrics. Respond to volunteer inquiries. Volunteer recruitment plan and delivery Volunteer exit surveys annually Report recruitment numbers via monthly and quarterly Operational Report. September April ED Responsibility #6: Manage Risk Work with designated Board Member to educate membership on risk management issues, implement policy and procedures for accidents and injuries, and maintain accurate records of any incidents. Current risk management policies and procedures; incident reports. 2. Fundraising: VASS will develop sources of funding from sponsors, donors, benefactors, government grants etc. and apply them appropriately to the strategic priorities. ED Responsibility #7: General Fundraising Assist the designated Board Member in seeking out new sources of funding, writing grants, and pursuing sponsors. Liaise with Board and coordinate the VASS involvement with JSR event in November Support the Board with Sponsorship agreements; monthly Operations Report. September November - 3 -
ED Responsibility #8: VASS Cup The VASS Cup is the primary fundraising event for VASS. Manage and coordinate all aspects of the day of operations of the annual Grouse Mountain VASS Cup. Work with Board representatives and committee to deliver the VASS Cup. Recruit volunteers, assign tasks, collect sponsors, and encourage participation. Provide VASS Cup update in at each Board meeting via the Operations Report Sept-Apr - event in March 3. Equipment & Facilities: To ensure that we are able to purchase, operate and maintain the best equipment and facilities to support VASS activities. ED Responsibility #9: Budgeting Description Assist the Treasurer to set annual budgets and operating plans to agree with the Board and monitor results against budget in order to achieve targets approved in the annual business plan. Annual budget November and then monthly and quarterly updates ED Responsibility #10: Identify & Delivery on Spending Priorities Review Strategic Plan generated at the annual strategic planning day. Identify initiatives that the ED and Board mutually agree should be advanced in the current year. Deliver and report on obligations made in funding requests. Report on these efforts to the Board. For 2011-2012, these include: 1. Work with the Board representatives to ensure installation of the Yurt at Grouse Mountain by October 2012. 2. Advance development of the VASS Adventure Centre Monthly and quarterly update report - 4 -
4. Outreach & Advocacy: outreach to our communities creating awareness of VASS, promoting VASS volunteer opportunities, disability options and VASS programs to potential students with disabilities in our community. ED Responsibility #11: Maintain website & other electronic media Oversee the maintenance and improvement of the VASS website. Including social media and other electronic content. Ensure content remains current, update with current program and training dates. Ensuring alignment, consistency and timeliness of all messaging. Current website, social media, e-mailing ED Responsibility #12: Communicate to membership and public Write and disseminate information through press releases, website and email communications. Work with Board Member to deliver purposeful and thoughtful communications campaign to members and the public. communications to VASS membership and public in cooperation with the Board representative.. ED Responsibility #13: Champion VASS s development in the community Establish, organize and manage key external relationships with members, volunteers, sponsors, North Shore mountains and other key stakeholders to enhance the reputation of VASS. New relationships, Quarterly Operations Report, Operational Plan (as appropriate). 5. Training: The organization of training courses for new instructors and the development of existing instructors through higher level training and qualification opportunities. ED Responsibility #14: Support Volunteer Training Training for new and existing VASS volunteers. Schedule and coordinate CSIA & CADS training. Generate attendance lists for training programs and provide to instructors in a timely manner. Organize instructors for training programs. September April - 5 -
6. Removing Barriers to Participation: Remove organizational and funding barriers for students wishing to join courses but who are limited by financial or other constraints ED Responsibility #15: Fund Distribution Management of VASS funds to support access for those with barriers. Recommend activities and maintain awareness of students who may need support from VASS to participate in our programs or to participate in activities that support their development. September April 7. Supporting Regional, Provincial and National Disabled Skiing Efforts: Working closely with DSABC and related organizations (Tyee Ski Club, North shore Mountains, Whistler/Blackcomb mountain and WASP (Whistler Adaptive Sports Program) to co-operate in reaching VASS goals. ED Responsibility #16: Liaison with DSABC, CADS and other disability organizations. Maintain good working relationships with our umbrella organizations. Keep Board aware of the world outside of VASS. Report on any beneficial activities or discussions with outside organizations. Executive Director - Qualifications & Experience Strong working knowledge in computers including Word, Excel, Internet, and Access. Must be able to work efficiently, independently and be able to multi-task. Substantial experience in fundraising and marketing for a nonprofit society. Experience across a range of business functions, including operations, marketing, finance, and human resources. Excellent communication skills verbal and written. Knowledge and experience working with a volunteer-based organization is an asset. Previous knowledge and commitment to VASS, DSABC or adapted sport in BC an asset. A degree, diploma and/or equivalent 5 years experience in a nonprofit environment, preferably in a management or leadership role. Extensive industry contacts and network of advisors to call upon as required. Event management experience an asset. - 6 -
Ability to present the organization s message to others with impact both personally and through the media, and to act as a PR agent for the organization. Must be willing to have a criminal record check. Location & Hours A home office in the lower mainland is required. Seasonal (September - April) part-time, flexible hours. Remuneration Commensurate with education and experience Deadline for Application Monday, April 30, 2012 SUBMIT COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO: Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports, Human Resources Committee, Email: edvass@haygroup.com Note: Only individuals chosen for an interview will be contacted. - 7 -