Vélo Canada Bikes, founded in 2012, is a national non-profit organization that is working to build a bicycle friendly Canada. We are the national voice and organizing body for promoting cycling as a means of everyday transportation and recreation. We work at the federal level and collaborate with all levels of government, industry, academia, and social sector organizations to:
● Improve access to safe cycling for all people in Canada
● Promote the bicycle as a transportation mode of choice for moving people and goods
● Gather and disseminate the latest knowledge and trends related to cycling
● Influence policy and funding for cycling in Canada
● Educate Canadians regarding the benefits of access to safe cycling, and how this can transform our society into a healthier, greener, more equitable and prosperous place
● Support and amplify cycling advocacy efforts across the country
Job Posting: Reporting to Vélo Canada Bikes’ Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) will provide strategic leadership and direction for Vélo Canada Bikes (VCB) and its mission. Areas of focus will include cycling advocacy, knowledge mobilization, organizational development, and revenue development.
Skills and Attributes:
- Focused, trusted, and strategic leader with vision and the ability to translate vision into action
- Thorough knowledge of the Canadian cycling community, its resources, major stakeholders, relevant organizations, services, etc
- Demonstrated knowledge of cycling research, evidence, and policy
- Proven track record in fund development from institutional (government, foundations), corporate, and individual donors
- Strong financial management skills
- Exceptional oral and written communications skills, and comfort with public speaking and media relations
- Significant organizational leadership experience within the nonprofit sector, preferably at the national level
- Experience working with, and building strong relationships with, a volunteer Board of Directors
- Ability to inspire the cycling community, and the broader public in support of VCB’s mission
- Experience in building strong relationships with government officials (elected and non-elected) and advocating for policy change at the federal level
- Experience working with people of diverse economic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds
- Strong project management, time management, and organizational skills
- Strong active listening and conflict resolution skills
- Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team, and to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
- Computer proficiency in Google Drive and Google applications, Microsoft suite, Videoconference platforms, Website management, and Customer Relationship Management Software
- Permission to work in Canada (e.g., Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident)
- Willingness to travel throughout Canada as required
- Fluent in English and French
Key Responsibilities:
- Revenue Development & Stakeholder Engagement
- Identify, pursue, and secure funding for VCB
- Cultivate potential sponsors among corporations, businesses, service clubs, individuals, and philanthropists. Develop strategies to strengthen business/corporate relationships
- Develop strategies to increase the number of VCB members
- Ensure financial controls and procedures are in place
- Monitor, manage, and reconcile VCB’s financial records and ensure all statements and reports are prepared in a timely manner
- Ensure maintenance of up-to-date contact lists; implement and use a customer relationship management (CRM) software (or equivalent)
- Support, monitor, and grow VCB’s social media activities and media coverage
- Ensure regular engagement of VCB’s members through a variety of platforms
- Respond to media requests and foster positive relationships with media
- Advocacy & Knowledge Mobilization
- Develop and implement strategies for improving community presence while growing national awareness of VCB and the issues that are important to VCB
- Create and implement a knowledge mobilization, marketing, and communications plan that promotes VCB’s mission
- Act as VCB’s spokesperson, speaking about VCB’s mission, policy goals, and cycling issues
- Continue to liaise with and foster positive relationships with federal, provincial and municipal officials
- Work with VCB board members and other content experts to conduct data collection, data analysis, knowledge syntheses, and develop evidence-informed policy position papers
- Support the board in engaging stakeholders from academia, social sector, government, and private sector to develop 2-3 new policy directions for VCB and accompanying advocacy strategies.
Accountability: To VCB’s Board of Directors; with the point of contact being the Chair of the Board of Directors with support from the HR committee
Contract: Part-time contract (2-3 days/week, $35/hour)
Location: Remote, anywhere in Canada
Application Process:
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their application by February 28th, 2023 at 11:59pmET. Please submit a current resume and a cover letter, in one document (Word or PDF), to [email protected]
VCB champions Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Reconciliation and Accessibility, and a work environment that recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every person. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, especially those from racialized people/people of colour, women, Indigenous people, people with a disability, LGBTQ2S+ people, and others who may contribute to the diversification of ideas.
We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those selected to be interviewed will be contacted.
