West Coast Environmental Law is seeking an experienced operations professional to strategically guide all aspects of our operations including finance, human resources, information technology and security, office management and administration at West Coast, so that we may fulfill our mission and values in our work for environmental and Indigenous justice.
This is an immediate opening for a full-time staff position based at our Vancouver office. Flexible work hours and periodic work from home are possible.
Responsible to: Executive Director and Senior Counsel (ED/SC)
Direct reports: Finance Manager, Administrative Coordinator, Accountant (contract), Information Technology (IT) consultant (contract)
Compensation: Annual salary $85,000 - $100,000 /year commensurate with experience; competitive vacation and benefits package, including pension (RRSP contribution) after one year of employment.
Application Deadline: 11:59 PM PST on May 24, 2024
ABOUT WEST COAST
Since 1974, West Coast Environmental law has been harnessing the power of law to solve complex environmental challenges. We work to transform environmental decision-making and strengthen legal protections for the environment through collaborative legal strategies that bridge Indigenous and Canadian law. We approach our work through an environmental justice lens, conscious of the importance of breaking down silos between environmental and other social justice movements. Our work seeks to address environmental harms while simultaneously promoting an equitable society. By putting the law into the hands of communities and creating legal risk for those who would harm the land, air and water, we are building the collective power to build a more sustainable future for all. Read West Coast’s values statement here.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Organizational Leadership (as member of the senior leadership team)
- Strategy: Contribute to organizational strategy, execution and decision-making in alignment with the organization's mission and strategic plan;
- Planning: Contribute to organization-wide planning initiatives to ensure cross organizational collaboration and implementation; and
- Values Alignment and Culture: Ensure alignment with West Coast’s values and cultivate a supportive, inclusive organizational culture.
Planning and Governance
- Planning: Develop and implement a planning framework linking the organization’s strategic plan to operational implementation across all programs;
- Reporting: Lead the staff process for reporting on Strategic Plan objectives and operational plans;
- Governance: Support the ED/SC in ensuring the organization’s organizational structure and governance processes function effectively, including development and implementation of relevant policies and procedures; and,
- Compliance: Ensure that all requirements regarding the Societies Act, Income Tax Act, election advertising, lobbying and similar regulatory compliance requirements are met.
Human Resources and Culture
- Culture: Proactively nurture an inclusive, respectful, trauma-informed, justice-oriented culture at West Coast that supports employee well-being and the long-term health of the organization;
- Strategy: Implement and periodically update the organisation’s People and Culture Strategy;
- Policies and Procedures: Ensure that all necessary HR-related systems, policies and procedures are in place and periodically updated, and that policies, procedures and practices reflect the organization’s values, including promoting Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (JEDI) and belonging;
- Recruitment: In conjunction with hiring teams, implement recruitment and selection processes that are accessible, equitable, and handled in a timely manner, reaching a diverse audience of potential candidates;
- Professional Development: Manage and support fair and equitable employee career development opportunities for all staff;
- Performance Reviews: Oversee the process for performance reviews, including developing and/or updating related policies, procedures, templates and practices;
- Issue Management: Support managers with employee relations and performance issues, such as conflict resolution and workplace/incident investigations, by providing guidance, mediation and other support and interventions; and,
- Administration: Oversee employee onboarding and orientation, including related policy, procedures and templates, in partnership with the Administrative Coordinator, IT and relevant managers.
Finance
- Strategy: Contribute to the development and execution of the organization's financial strategy;
- Analysis: Conduct financial analysis, identify trends and make financial recommendations;
- Budget: Lead the development of comprehensive annual budgets and financial forecasts;
- Reporting: Ensure that financial statements are produced monthly for ED/SC presentation to Finance Committee and Board of Directors;
- Policies and Procedures: Ensure policies and processes for finance and accounting are developed, implemented and periodically updated;
- Compliance: Ensure compliance with audit and regulatory requirements and ensure financial reporting transparency with government and other regulatory and funding bodies;
- Risk and Controls: Ensure adequate internal controls and risk identification and management systems are in place; and
- Financial systems: Ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of organizational accounting and financial systems.
IT and Administration
- IT strategy: Work with the senior leadership Team, IT and the Digital Strategy Coordinator to develop and update information system strategies for each area, including cross-functional data and information requirements;
- Privacy and Security: Ensure that the organization is in compliance with privacy and security legislation;
- Office Management: Oversee all matters related to West Coast’s physical office space and remote work policies, including related leases, contracts and agreements;
- Records Management: Ensure that West Coast’s digital and physical records management systems, policies and procedures are compliant with relevant regulatory requirements and organizational needs; and
- Office Administration: Work with the Administrative Coordinator to ensure that our office systems operate efficiently and effectively to meet organizational needs.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 7 years of progressive operations experience, including through a JEDI lens, and demonstrated management experience;
- Inspiring leader and engaged team player with experience working across a diverse and complex environment;
- Post-secondary education with a focus on business administration or equivalent experience with a focus on HR, finances and IT;
- Strong oral and written communication skills;
- Exemplary judgment and discretion when dealing with sensitive and confidential information;
- Experience and skills in managing difficult conversations, trauma-informed facilitation, and mediation;
- Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment;
- Ability to prioritize and handle a diversity of tasks and meet deadlines;
- Ability to work independently and take initiative, while thriving in a collaborative environment; and
- Proficiency with MS Office programs and comfort with learning new tools and platforms.
TO APPLY:
At West Coast Environmental Law, we aim to promote equity and challenge discrimination. We recognize the value of diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, races, nationalities, gender identities, sexual orientations, religions and beliefs. We strongly encourage Indigenous, Black and racialized folks to apply.
We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices. Applicants with a disability or any special needs may make a request for accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, and we will work with you to meet your needs. Such requests should be communicated to admin@wcel.org.
NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.
We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
We gratefully acknowledge that West Coast’s main office is located in xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) & səl̓ilwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) territory.