Careers

Executive Director

About Vancouver Heritage Foundation

Vancouver Heritage Foundation (VHF) is a registered charity that promotes the appreciation and conservation of heritage places in Vancouver. VHF does this by creating opportunities and resources to learn about Vancouver’s history and diverse heritage places and by providing practical support for the successful conservation of historic buildings and sites.

Now in its 30th year, VHF is known for its award-winning educational programs and online resources that engage people of all ages with Vancouver’s history and diverse heritage places, and build local conservation skills and knowledge. VHF’s grant programs provide financial support and guidance to enable conservation of special places, energy retrofits and new publications.

Programs include the annual Heritage House Tour, Evening Lecture series, Virtual Strolls, Heritage Site Finder interactive map, Places That Matter, Vancouver House Styles web tool, True Colours historical paint palette, Heritage Study Guide for Schools, and the WALL public art platform. Current grant programs are the Yosef Wosk Publication Grants, School Grants, Heritage Conservation Grants, and Heritage Energy Retrofit Grants.

VHF was established in 1992 by the City of Vancouver Council. Councillors remain VHF’s honorary members, and appoint VHF’s Board of Directors. The City of Vancouver supports VHF’s work with an annual operating grant and funding for specific grant programs.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the strategic development and operational leadership of the organization. The Executive Director works with the Board of Directors to develop long-term strategies and annual plans and budgets.

Responsibilities

Organizational Development:

• Facilitate strategic planning to achieve VHF goals and sustain the organization.
• Develop and implement annual plans and budgets.
• Develop annual and long-term funding plans.
• Establish good working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and donors, volunteers, sponsors and media to maintain and further build support for VHF’s work.
• Assist the Board in maintaining the skills and expertise needed on the Board and in succession planning.

Programs:

• Oversee the development and implementation of an annual program of educational events.
• Maintain and further develop a depth of high quality online educational resources for the public.
• Oversee existing and new granting programs to support the conservation of heritage places.
• Advocate for government policy, process, programs and support that improve the framework for the conservation of heritage places.

Marketing and Communications:

• Speak effectively on behalf of the organization and heritage places and maintain the positive profile of VHF.
• Oversee the development and implementation of communications plans including websites, newsletters, social media and public relations.
• Ensure all communications and materials are of excellent quality, and are consistent with VHF’s mission, values and goals.

Finance:

• Secure funding including grants, sponsorships, and donations from established and new sources to sustain the organization.
• Organize annual fundraising activities.
• Manage annual and day-to-day accounting processes to maintain accurate records and cash flow.
• Commission an annual financial audit and ensure VHF complies with all reporting requirements to maintain its charitable and non-profit status.
• Ensure VHF’s investments for long-term purposes are well-managed and make recommendations to the Board for their further development and use.
• Prepare annual reports for City of Vancouver Council and other funders to maintain funding support.

Administration:

• Facilitate the work of the Board of Directors (up to 15 board members) including Board meetings, Annual General Meetings and committees.
• Hire and manage the staff team (currently 5 FTE), and support skills and career development in a rewarding and inclusive work environment.
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, engagement, community building, and recognition.
• Hire and mentor interns to contribute to local skills and career development.
• Engage contractors and consultants when needed to achieve project goals and support facilities and financial management.
• Oversee office facilities and operations.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation.

QUALIFICATIONS

As VHF begins its 30th year, the next Executive Director will bring strong leadership and organization management skills to further the mission of VHF, building on a solid foundation of innovative and effective programs. They will have an appreciation of the vital role of heritage places for Vancouver’s communities, and for cultural, social, economic and environmental sustainability. An ability to manage day-to-day responsibilities, and flexibility to respond to opportunities, while planning and implementing longer-term initiatives to meet VHF goals will be essential.

Candidates of all backgrounds are invited to apply, and to indicate how their demonstrated experience and skills align with the responsibilities outlined in this job description, including:

• Relevant post-secondary education and experience.
• Not-for-profit leadership experience including strategic planning and working with a Board of Directors.
• An appreciation of the diversity of Vancouver’s heritage including heritage buildings, sites and intangible cultural heritage, and of the connections with reconciliation, sustainability and climate action, and with inclusive and connected communities.
• Administrative skills including budgeting, finance, office systems and contracts.
• Ability to build relationships and work constructively with a wide range of stakeholders, partners, volunteers and funders.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to plan and meet objectives and deadlines with attention to detail, implement new programs, create and manage financial budgets.
• An entrepreneurial approach to organizational development, funding and programming.
• Effective communication skills including the ability to speak passionately in public, create written reports and develop informative communication materials.
• Experience managing employees in a professional environment.

REMUNERATION

This is a full-time position based in VHF’s downtown Vancouver office, and requires some evening and weekend work.
The salary range is $85,000 – $95,000 depending on experience and skills level.
The position can be eligible for VHF’s group benefits plan after three months.
A valid driver’s licence and access to a car is essential. Parking can be provided.

How to apply

Please send a cover letter and resume addressed to the VHF Search Committee at search@vancouverheritagefoundation.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

VHF thanks all candidates for their interest. All applications will be acknowledged so please contact the VHF office if you do not receive a confirmation email when you submit your application.
The position has an anticipated start date of August 03, 2021.