O.U.R. Ecovillage – a 25-acre sustainable learning centre and demonstration site in Shawnigan Lake, BC – is pleased to announce an opportunity for a General Manager. This is a half-time contract position scheduled to begin in May/June to allow for overlap with outgoing personnel.
Reporting to and working with the Board of Directors, the incumbent will help coordinate the implementation of the Business Plan and Strategic Plan and work towards the overall health and viability of OUR Ecovillage, establishing outcomes in the following areas:
1) Business and Strategic Plan
Track progress toward Business Plan and Strategic Plan goals
Adjust strategies as necessary
Lead/participate in creation of a new 2017-2021 Strategic Plan
Develop and implement GRI (Global Resource Index)
Ensure that all programs and projects operate within organizational regulations and set parameters, according to O.U.R. goals and mission statement
2) Financial Oversight:
Financial budgeting and forecasts – creation, tracking and reporting
Authorize overall expenditures, including payroll, based on budget and current finances
Authorize expenditures and financial commitments up to limit set by board
Oversee book-keeping and reporting
Ensure compliance with all financial and legal requirements
3) Funds Development
Co-ordinate, authorize, and participate in grant writing
Oversee and engage in donor and business relations
4) Human Resources
Work with Management and Team Leads to ensure proper communication, progress toward goals, and communication and coordination between teams
Facilitate/coordinate management team and General Circle meetings
Develop and monitor agreements for management team, and ensure that agreements for all other team members are signed and followed
Ensure that personnel evaluations and exit interviews are done
Ensure employees are acting according to standards set out by the organization, contracts, and job descriptions
Conduct regular employee evaluations
5) Partnerships and Public Relations
Oversee and contribute to outreach to members and the public through newsletter, written communications, public events, website, blog
Serve as one of OUR spokespersons for events and media
Nurture relationships with significant donor, partners and government
Develop and maintain positive relations with community partners and the community at large, in coordination with Education Coordinator
Attend and present at workshops and conferences on behalf of O.U.R. Ecovillage
6) Board Relations
Submit board reports and updates
Serve as ex-officio, non-voting member of board of directors
Ensure AGM, member meetings and directors meetings are held, recorded and reported in compliance with laws and regulations
7) Policies
Ensure existing policies are followed
Assist the Board in identifying policy needs and developing policy to meet these needs
At the time of hiring, the organization will be in a period of adjustment following a transfer of property ownership from the owner-in-trust, and transfer of management of OUR educational programs and social enterprises from O.U.R. Community Association to OUR Ecovillage Co-operative. It is expected that s/he will play an important role in managing this transition and the operational and cultural changes it will precipitate.
The incumbent will also work with the management team and the Board of Directors as required to assist with:
Property and Infrastructure Management
Education Program and Events Coordination
Social Enterprise Development
Property Development and Maintenance
Manager will take care not to do or appear to do anything to garner any personal gain outside of agreed-upon compensation.
Application Instructions
Deadline: May 20, 2015
Submissions and Inquiries to:
Management@ourecovillage.org
NO phone calls please.
Please submit (in a single PDF document if possible, or otherwise in 2 documents):
Cover letter (maximum 2 pages, 11 or 12-point font) outlining your:
capacity and philosophy in relation to each of the first five job functions listed above
understanding/experience/commitment to permaculture and sustainability as referenced in OUR Ecovillage’s vision, mission and work
Resume (maximum 2 pages, 11 or 12-point font) including:
Employment/volunteer history, including brief explanation of why you left each position
Relevant education, training and certification
Three references, ideally one each from a supervisor, co-worker and employee. For each, briefly say why you have chosen that person; what they can tell us about you.