OVERVIEW
Avenues of Change is an innovative, responsive and courageous approach by the United Way to support early childhood development. This project aims to enhance children’s well being in the neighbourhood of Guildford-West, as articulated by the Business Plan developed for the project.

Under the direct supervision of a Joint Leadership Team, comprised of public partners from the Children’s Partnership Surrey-White Rock (CP) and local agencies, the Project Director will be responsible for overseeing, coordinating and managing all aspects of the project, utilizing the principles of Collective Impact. The CP includes: the City of Surrey, Surrey Public Libraries, the BC Ministry for Children and Family Development, School District #36 (Surrey), Fraser Health (Population and Public Health) and the United Way of the Lower Mainland.

By providing a range of programs and supports for young children, this project seeks to enable the children of Guildford-West to realise their full potential.

POSITION HIGHLIGHTS
The Project Director will be responsible for ensuring all components of the Business Plan are managed, coordinated and implemented, on time and within budget. The key focus will be to ensure the successful launch of four Action Strategies and one Action Initiative, focused on increasing ECD awareness, reaching out and connecting parents through peers, putting tools in the hands of caregivers to support children, and implementing a coordinated systems approach to turn the dial on children’s vulnerability in Guildford West.

The Project Director will be responsible for designing and guiding processes to support Collective Impact. Occasional weekend and evening work will be required, regular travel within Surrey and some travel in the region are necessary. This is a Full Time Term Contract, 2-3 years duration.

This is a demanding position, requiring an individual with significant expertise in project management, outstanding organizational skills and exceptional competencies in the area of communication and collaboration.

COMPENSATION
Salary and benefits are very competitive and commensurate with experience.

QUALIFICATIONS

KEY COMPETENCIES
This position requires a unique individual who has expertise in six critical dimensions:

Making It Happen: Achieving results when faced by change, uncertainty or major obstacles
Creating a Shared Purpose: Inspiring others to contribute to the vision as part of a team
Being Accountable: Showing real dedication of the project, setting high standards, meeting deadlines Integrating Systems: Changing the nature of how organizations work together, utilizing the principles of collective impact
Working Together: Creating the environment in which others who have very different views can work together constructively
Connecting with Others: Building trust and understanding with people

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

Comprehensive knowledge of Early Years programs, services and challenges
Excellent project management and organizational skills
Strong financial management skills
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
Understanding of monitoring and evaluation methodologies
Competency using computer software, especially word and excel applications

EXPERIENCE

Experience managing initiatives related to the early years
Proven experience with community development and mobilization
Five to ten years experience managing municipal or regional level projects
Experience developing project plans and proposals, including co-creation with partners
Demonstrated success with project delivery with challenging timelines
Demonstrated success with collaborative program implementation
Experience identifying and pursuing revenue opportunities
Experience managing external consultants/subcontractors

QUALIFICATIONS

A Masters degree from a recognized university in the area of Social Planning, Business Administration, Public Administration, Early Childhood, Health or Education.
Equivalent experience, education, demonstrated success implementing collaborative initiatives and projects in a multi-sector multi-funder environment may be considered in lieu of a graduate degree

HOW TO APPLY
Candidates may forward questions by email to the email address below. Every effort will be made to connect candidates’ questions with a committee member who can provide further information. A detailed job description will be made available to all candidates long listed for further consideration.

A letter of application, along with a complete resume including full supporting documentation (including letters of reference, previous performance evaluations and names of at least five (5) professional references, including at least one superordinate/Board member, one subordinate, one colleague) may be submitted electronically by 12:00 noon on or before Friday, May 22, 2015 to: