Chief Executive Officer
West Vancouver Foundation

GENERAL

The Chief Executive Officer of the West Vancouver Foundation provides leadership to a growing and highly respected organization that aims to become one of Canada's finest community foundations. The CEO provides dynamic vision and intelligent leadership, working in partnership with the Board of Directors, and is at the forefront of the Foundation's work to celebrate and grow the generosity of the community. Focused on the vision and mission described in the Foundation's strategic framework, the CEO is dedicated to organizational excellence to improve the quality of life for citizens of West Vancouver.

The CEO provides an inspirational vision to both staff and the Board, and through leadership, exemplifies the values of the organization, including integrity, honesty, and trust. A champion for philanthropy and impact within the community, the CEO plays a leadership role as a convener/mobilizer, capacity builder, and philanthropic advisor.

MANDATE

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer is responsible for executing the Foundation's strategic framework as well as implementing the governance and risk management strategies that ensure the strategic objectives are achieved, the operations are run effectively and efficiently, assets are protected, and funds are spent appropriately. Furthermore, the CEO facilitates the operations and deliberations of the Board of Directors.

Board of Directors:

• Ensures that members of the Board of Directors and its Committees have all the information necessary to exercise their responsibilities. Upon the appointment of each new Board member, coordinates a program of orientation, including providing new members with background information on the WVF and the general issues facing the organization.

Strategy/Strategic Framework:

• In collaboration with the staff of WVF, key constituents and the Board formulates and recommends to the Board regular updates to the organization's Strategic Framework. This plan identifies the needs of the community and its partners and the Foundation's role in meeting those needs; it will also set out a future vision of the organization, identify critical issues that must be addressed in order to realize that vision, and establish short, medium and long-term objectives and strategies. This includes leadership to advance WVF's commitment to Truth & Reconciliation and Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion to advance in the Foundation's approach to meaningful community engagement.

• Submits to the Board a quarterly analysis of progress in achieving objectives, sets out a rationale for variances and recommends modifications to the plan for the remainder of the year; and works with the Board of Directors to develop the mission, vision, values of the Foundation.

Annual Operating Plan:

• Develops and presents to the Board an annual operating plan which establishes the goals, objectives, and Budget for the upcoming year. Ensures that plan is in line with the objectives established in the strategic framework.

Governance and Risk Management:

• Provides organizational support for and input to Board and committee meetings, in partnership with committee chairs and Board Chair.

• Ensures that all matters requiring Board consideration or approval are provided to the Board in a timely fashion and in accordance with good business practices.

• Works closely with committee chairs to ensure that the objectives of that committee are achieved.

• Ensures monthly financial statements and year-end audits are completed and that financial transactions are consistent with policies established by the Board and prudent financial management practices.

• Ensures appropriate culture that encourages ethical behavior with internal and external stakeholders, debate of ethical issues, transparency, and compliance with risk management and internal control strategies.

• Provides an effective link between the Board and staff and works well as a team with the Chair and Directors implementing Board decisions.

• Reports on a timely basis any significant negative event affecting the Foundation.

• Ensures the Foundation meets all statutory, regulatory, and reporting requirements under the Income Tax Act, the BC Society Act as well as all other relevant legislation and regulations.

• Ensures preparation and review of all flow-through and endowment fund agreements; and

• Inspires and challenges the Board (individually and collectively) to respond to the opportunities and challenges of Board membership; alerts board members to opportunities in which they might support Foundation activities.

Operations:

• Ensures effective and efficient management of all day-to-day operations and financial aspects of the Foundation as well as maintenance of the appropriate books and records.

• Initiate policy recommendations, interprets, and implements board policy decisions.

• Administers an annual grantmaking and scholarship program that offers equal opportunity to all sectors of the geographical area covered by the Foundation.

• Coordinates the annual budgeting process.

• Supervises evaluates, and hires staff in accordance with Board policies; and

• Develops and nurtures contacts with current and future fund holders.

Communications, Public Relations, and Foundation Development:

• Acts as the prime "face" and spokesperson of the Foundation to the Board, staff, the community, and all other stakeholders.

• Ensures that all print and digital communications designed to promote the Foundation are current, professional, and engaging. These communications include press releases, newsletters, the Foundation website, and all forms of social media.

• Actively promotes the Foundation's goals and objectives, broadening the level of understanding and support for the Foundation and its activities.

• Maximizes revenue opportunities and new sources of growth in alignment with the priorities and milestones in the strategic framework.

• Actively seek out potential donors to increase the capital funds of the Foundation.

• Develops, implements, and monitors the Foundation's annual communications and marketing plan in alignment with the strategic framework.

• Enthusiastically and effectively serves as the spokesperson for the Foundation.

• Builds and maintains good relationships with key constituents who have an integral role in advancing the Foundation's strategic priorities.

• Clearly and accurately communicates the community foundation concept.

• Actively seeks to attain and maintain the most current technical knowledge relating to CRA tax laws and their implication on current and deferred gifts.

• Leverages Foundation staff and volunteers related to community relations; and

• Provides leadership and/or participates on relevant community-based committees and takes an active role nationally in the community foundations movement to both glean best practices and help drive initiatives that will benefit the movement in general.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to:                                              Board of Directors

Direct Reports:                                        VP Philanthropy and Partnerships Grants and Digital    Communications Finance and Fund Administration

Executive Assistant

                        *all staff, including CEO, currently work a 60% schedule

2021 Administrative Expense Budget:         $557,000

Number of Employees:                              5, including CEO and one (1) contractor (3 FTE                                                                             equivalent)