Interim Executive Director

 BYTE – Empowering Youth Society is looking for an Interim Executive Director! This is an exciting and diverse role for anyone with a passion for empowering young people in the North. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Interim Executive Director is responsible for implementing the direction set by the Board of Directors through the effective management of BYTE – Empowering Youth Society (BYTE).

 The Interim Executive Director will lead staff, manage relationships with funders, oversee the finances and generally keep the organization running smoothly.

 This is a 15 month contract from March 2021 to May 2022. The position is full-time (37.5 hours/week) compensated at $30 to $32.50/hour. The successful applicant will also have access to our self-directed benefits plan and a generous paid vacation package.

About BYTE

BYTE is one of the Yukon’s most dynamic charities. Our mission is to create spaces for Northern youth to lead, we do this through a variety of innovative programming such as workshops, gatherings and conferences, on the land activities and advocacy. Currently, our focus is on community outreach where our team travels to communities throughout the Yukon and to some areas of Northern BC and NWT to deliver innovative and relevant programming to northern youth as well as youth empowerment opportunities through the Yukon Youth Panel on Climate Change and Communities Building Youth Futures project. We also host events and workshops that foster creativity, cultural awareness, and sport. Everything we do is about helping youth to develop confidence, skills, openness, and a sense of belonging.

Due to Covid-19, we have had to modify much of programming but have still been able to support youth through workshops (virtual and in person) as well as through other opportunities. The successful applicant will need to be flexible and creative during this uncertain time!

Please note: Given the context in which BYTE works, we welcome Northern and Indigenous applicants to apply.

Interested applicants should sent their cover letter and resume to hr@nullyukonyouth.com by Sunday, January 10 2021. If you have any questions about the position, please don’t hesitate to contact Shelby at ed@nullyukonyouth.com. 

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

  • Lead and set a clear direction for staff. Provide support and mentorship to the team
  • Lead the implementation of BYTE’s strategic plan, this includes reviewing it regularly with the Board of Directors and making modifications to the plan to fit the current contexts
  • Represent BYTE as a spokesperson, in conjunction with staff and the board as relevant
  • Act as an advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects of BYTEs activities.
  • Attend and prepare monthly reports for the Board meetings
  • Work regularly with Board of Directors committees such as the Personnel committee, Policy committee, etc.
  • Represent BYTE at community activities to enhance BYTE’s community profile
  • Serve as a liaison with BYTE’s partners, including First Nation and non-First Nation communities, government departments and non-profit organizations

Operational Planning and Management

  • Work with staff team to develop an operational plan which incorporates goals and actions that advance the objectives of the strategic direction of BYTE for the 2021-2022 fiscal year and the 2022-23 fiscal year
  • Ensure that BYTE’s operations remain relevant to clients and meet the expectations of the Board, Corporate Affairs and funders
  • Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of BYTE
  • Ensure BYTE is in good standings with Corporate Affairs and the Canada Revenue Agency
  • Assist the Policy committee in drafting policies for approval by the Board and ensure adherence and implementation of BYTE policies/procedures

Program Planning and Management

  • Oversee the implementation and ongoing self-evaluation of BYTE’s programs and services
  • Acquire and share information regarding youth issues and programming in the Yukon
  • Ensure that the programs and services offered by BYTE contribute to BYTE’s mandate, reflect the changing needs of youth, and reflect the priorities of the Board
  • Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services in order to maintain and improve their quality
  • Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of special projects

Human Resources Planning and Management

  • Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery
  • Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with applicable legislation, regulations and policies
  • Recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further BYTE’s mandate
  • Implement a performance evaluation process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review
  • Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to improve performance, build confidence and capacity  

Financial Planning and Management

  • Prepare comprehensive annual budgets with the assistance of staff and Board Members
  • Prepare funding requests and financial reports with the assistance from staff and Board Members
  • Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for BYTE’s operations, this will include negotiation with Yukon Government prior to January 2022 for core funding
  • Research funding sources, oversee the development of fundraising plans and write funding proposals to increase BYTE’s funding
  • Complete payroll procedures, code all expenditures and regularly meet with BYTE’s bookkeeper and Treasurer to generate updated financial statements
  • Participate in and organize fundraising activities as appropriate
  • Administer BYTE’s funds according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow
  • Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on revenues and expenditures
  • Ensure that BYTE complies with all legislation covering taxation and withheld payments

 Community Relations

  • Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of BYTE’s work and to identify changes in the youth client sector
  • Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve BYTE’s goals

Risk Management 

  • Identify and evaluate the risks to people (Board, clients, staff, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image
  • Ensure that the Board of Directors and BYTE have appropriate and adequate insurance coverage
  • Ensure that the Board and staff understand the terms, conditions and limitations of the insurance coverage

Ongoing Duties

  • Help and attend BYTE events and/or meetings
  • Contribute to daily office operations such as answering the phone, faxing, photocopying, responding to public inquiries etc.
  • Maintain office, office equipment and vehicle
  • Ensure a clean work environment – participate in the rotation of chores, water plants, take out garbage, organize work space as needed, this also includes making decision around procedures and precautions regarding Covid-19
  • Any other duties as they arise

Education and Experience

  • Experience managing a non-profit organization
  • Experience managing a team of people
  • Experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds and creating accessible programming
  • Valid Driver’s License
  • Ability to work in a busy, fast paced office
  • A strong knowledge of youth issues
  • Successful experience developing, planning, promoting and implementing programs, services and events
  • Experience overseeing and managing budgets over $500,000 annually
  • Ability to work flexible hours including some evenings and weekends
  • Familiarity of BYTE and its work in Northern regions
  • Familiarity of Yukon First Nations and Northern Indigenous peoples
  • Successful completion of post-secondary education, preferably in Business Administration, Education, Social Sciences or NGO management is an asset
  • Standard First Aid & CPR or Wilderness First Aid an asset
  • Mental Health First Aid and ASIST is an asset

Management Skills

  • Strong organizational and time management skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, social media platforms and other Internet applications
  • Strong networking skills
  • Ability to prioritize work requirements and seek direction when required
  • Strong collaborative leadership and conflict resolution skills
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision

Interpersonal Skills

  • Strong interpersonal skills: ability to deal respectfully and non-judgmentally with everyone (colleagues, youth, general public)
  • Ability to steward and sustain meaningful relationships with community partners

Conditions of Employment

  • A clean Criminal Record Check, as work with youth and vulnerable people will be part of the role
  • Mandatory confidentiality is a condition of employment for all personnel. Failure to meet this requirement could result in dismissal.

Positions Supervised

The Interim Executive Director is responsible for the direct supervision the Community Outreach Manager, the Manager of Special Projects and the Communities Building Youth Futures Project Manager – this includes performance managing and mentoring. The Interim Executive Director will assist the Managers in overseeing their own staff teams made up of Community Outreach Coordinators, Programs, summer students and other contract staff such as Leaders in Training Conference Coordinator as they arise.

For some larger projects, temporary staff members can be hired to coordinate the project. These temporary staff may report directly to the Interim Executive Director.

 Working Conditions

This position is located in an open office environment, as well as in many community venues around Yukon Territory, the Beaufort-Delta region, NWT and Northern BC.  Due to the nature of the role, the position should expect to work some weekends and evenings with a positive and willing attitude. The position may experience stress or fatigue as a result of demands.

Direction/Decision Making

The Board of Directors establishes general goals, objectives and expectations.  The position is expected to meet the responsibilities of the position by following established practices and procedures.  The position is expected to consult with the appropriate personnel when instructions or information provided is unclear.  The position is expected to establish priorities and schedules to ensure work commitments are met. 

Impact and Accountability

The Interim Executive Director represents BYTE – Empowering Youth Society in communities and the general public. The Interim Executive Director is expected to be mindful of the ways in which their behaviour can impact communities and relationships. Poor communication skills or delays in responding to inquiries can impact the reputation of BYTE with the public.

Additionally, the Interim Executive Director is a role-model for staff and youth. The Executive Director is expected to model appropriate behaviour and the BYTE Code of Conduct when visiting communities and at all BYTE events.

 

 

 

 

     

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