Writers’ Guild of Alberta Executive Director-Job Description and Employment Terms
Deadline: January 7, 2022
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Job Description
The Executive Director is responsible for the successful management of the Writers’ Guild of Alberta according to the mission of the organization and the strategic direction set by the members of the organization through the Board of Directors. The Executive Director is responsible for all aspects of the organization’s administration, personnel, financial, and legal management including all programming, and services, partnerships, and other writing related activities in which the WGA participates.
The Executive Director works under the direction of a policy board to design, develop and implement strategic plans for the organization in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner. The Executive Director is also responsible for the day-to-day operation of the organization. Responsibilities include overseeing all day-to-day functions of the organization including program development and delivery, financial management, personnel, communications, and acting as a liaison with funding bodies.
Responsibilities and Duties:
- Board Administration and Support:
- supports operations and administration of the Board
- participates with the Board of Directors in developing strategic organizational and financial plans for the WGA, and carrying out plans and policies authorized by the Board
- identifies, assesses and ensures that the Board is kept fully informed of internal and external issues that affect the organization
- advises the Board of Directors if, in the Executive Director’s opinion, the Board is not in compliance with its own policies of Governance Process and Board – Executive Director relationship. Reports in a timely manner any actual or anticipated non-compliance with any policy of the Board.
- manages the interface between policy and operations
- fosters effective team work between the Board and the Executive Director and between the Executive Director and staff
- conducts official correspondence on behalf of the Board, as appropriate, and jointly with the Board when appropriate
- in addition to the President of the Board, acts as spokesperson for the WGA
- provides support to the Board by preparing supporting materials when necessary
- participates in working committee meetings and activities when necessary
- presents an Executive Director’s Report to the Board of Directors at each board meeting. Meetings are held monthly, usually via teleconference.
- Operations Planning and Management:
- ensures that the operation of the WGA meets the expectations of its members, Board and funding sources
- oversees the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the WGA
- drafts policies for the approval of the board and prepares procedures to implement the organizational policies; reviews existing policies and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate
- ensures that personnel, member, donor, and volunteer files are securely stored and privacy/confidentiality is maintained
- maintains official records and documents, and ensures compliance with federal, provincial, and municipal legislation.
- Program Planning and Management:
- oversees the planning, implementation and evaluation of the WGA programs and member services
- ensures that the programs and services offered by the WGA contribute to the WGA’s mission and reflect the priorities of the members through the Board
- monitors the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the WGA to maintain or improve quality
- oversees the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of special projects
- ensures that the activities of the WGA, its programs, services, and goals are well-publicized and promoted
- contributes regular ED submissions to WestWord Magazine and the email newsletter, WriteClick. These submissions serve as communication tool between ED and members.
- Financial Planning and Management:
- prepares an annual comprehensive working budget to present to the Board for approval
- researches funding sources, and writes funding proposals to maintain and increase the funds of the WGA
- participates in fund development and fundraising activities as appropriate
- maintains and develops relationships with sponsors and donors
- approves expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board
- ensures that sound and timely bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed
- administers the funds of the WGA according to the approved budget and monitors the monthly cash flow of the organization
- provides the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditures of the WGA, as well as an accounting by program (the revenues and expenditures of each program)
- ensures that the WGA complies with all legislation covering financial matters
- Personnel Planning and Management:
- determines the staffing requirements for WGA operations and program delivery
- creates and implements personnel policies, procedures and practices, including the development of job descriptions for all staff
- ensures a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation
- recruits, interviews and hires staff that have the appropriate skills and teamwork abilities to help further the WGA mission
- ensures that all staff receive an orientation to the organization and that appropriate training is provided as required
- ensures that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound personnel policies and practices are in place
- disciplines staff when necessary and/or releases staff when necessary, using appropriate and legally defensible procedures
- Community Relations/Advocacy:
- establishes and maintains good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funding sources, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the WGA
- represents the WGA, its programs and points-of-view to agencies, organizations, and the general public
- communicates with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the WGA and to identify changes in the community served by the WGA
- Risk Management:
- identifies and evaluates the risks to the WGA’s people (members, staff, board, volunteers, participants), property, finances, goodwill, and image, and implements measures to control risks
- ensures that the Board of Directors and the WGA carry appropriate and adequate insurance coverage
- ensures that the Board and staff understand the terms, conditions, and limitations of the insurance coverage
Reports to: The Board of Directors of the WGA through its President
Employment Terms:
Anniversary Date: Date of hire. There will be an annual performance review conducted on or near this date. In the first year there will be a six-month probationary period, at the end of which there will be an interim performance assessment, at which time either party may terminate the relationship.
Hours of work: This is a full time, 40-hour week salaried position. Mondays – Fridays 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Time outside of office hours will be required..
Hours, Salary, Benefits: No hourly overtime rate. Minimal overtime will most likely be required. Accrued overtime may be compensated by days off after verbal approval by the Board in advance of accruing the overtime. It is also understood that there are various event attendance requirements for the position of the Executive Director that may take place in the evening. The employee may compensate for these evening hours by coming into the office later in the morning, etc.
Vacation and Vacation Pay: Three paid weeks plus the Christmas week when office is closed to the public.
To Apply:
Please email your resume with a covering letter (including salary expectations) to: [email protected].
Please include “ED application” in the subject line of the email.