[CLOSED] KAST is Hiring! Apply today for our East Kootenay Expansion Director

Job Description: East Kootenay Expansion Director

Reporting to: Executive Director

Type of Employment: Full Time, Permanent

Location: Cranbrook or surrounding area

Deadline to Apply: January 16, 2023 (Applications will be reviewed as received and you are encouraged to apply early)

Position Description:

The Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) is seeking a dynamic, future focused team member to serve as the East Kootenay Expansion Director for this thriving, growing Society. KAST, formed in 1998, works to foster a culture that values science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship as activities vital to maintaining and enhancing the competitiveness of the region and the wellbeing of its communities. KAST’s vision is to be a champion of innovation and valued partner in thriving sustainable technology communities across the Kootenays. Our mission is to foster inclusive economic opportunities and job creation through science, technology and innovation.

Over the last year KAST has focused on growth and had success in delivering impactful programs, events and services to the region. We are now searching for an Expansion Director to take this success to the East Kootenays as a key strategic goal for the organization. Reporting to the Executive Director, this person will be a strong leader, visionary and establish and maintain key services and stakeholder relationships in the East Kootenays. This position includes a key opportunity to work with our partners and approximately 1 day per week will be in-person in Cranbrook. The successful candidate will be skilled in a variety of areas including stakeholder engagement, financial management, business operations, communications, project management, human resources and demonstrate a commitment to the vision and success of the organization.

To support employment equity and diversity in the workplace, we welcome all applications. This includes women, visible minorities, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), and others who may contribute to our diversity. We also recognize unique styles, perspectives, beliefs and creativity that support a diverse, respectful, inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Who we are looking for:

• Visionary and strategic thinker
• Experience with supervision of staff/contractors/volunteers
• Non profit experience an asset
• Knowledge of the tech and entrepreneurial landscape in the region and beyond an asset
• Experience with project management
• Financial literacy and budget management
• Strong communication skills with stakeholder engagement and public speaking
• Strong leadership skills and ability to make decisions with the Executive Director in the best interest of the organization and the clients/communities we serve

Key Responsibilities:

Project Delivery:

• Planning, overseeing and leading seamless, professional and effective KAST programs from ideation through to completion
• Ensure that project deliverables are on time, within budget and at the required level of quality
• Evaluate the outcomes of programs as established during the planning phase.
• Develop program materials, design curriculum, coordinate all event logistics, and conduct evaluation and needs assessment related to initiatives 
• Manages the administrative infrastructure of the program including logistics, facilities, human resources, and communications
• Develop and track metrics to identify and measure success of the program; responsible for writing and submitting timely reports to program funders in collaboration with Executive Director

Finance:

• Develops and manages a cost-effective program and operational budget, monitoring revenues and expenditures and resource allocation frequently
• Researches and collaborates with Executive Director to identify and secure ongoing operational funding for the organization, including grant writing

Operations:

• Develop efficient systems to document project and operational activities
• Coordinate day-to-day aspects of programs, including activities of support staff, contractors, and community stakeholders engaged in KAST programs
• Continually provide polished, accurate and current information to the public about initiatives on website and social media 
• Provide effective staffing oversight, including management of contractors and recruitment and selection of necessary event volunteers

Leadership:

• Engage new industry, academic and community partners where necessary
• Identify, solicits and fosters stakeholder relationships
• Provide representation at events throughout the region
• Maintain and strengthen funder relationships, identify and secure additional sponsorships and funding to support initiatives
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, stakeholders and Board of Directors to introduce and maintain Objectives and Key Result (OKR)

Experience and Qualifications:

• Post secondary education in the areas of Business, Technology, Science, Engineering or a combination of relevant training and successful experience 
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial/business support skills an asset
• Is a future-focused strategic thinker who will identify opportunities for KAST
• Enjoys networking with funders, partners and entrepreneurs
• Has demonstrated financial management experience
• Experience in or knowledge of the Kootenay / B.C. technology incubator and accelerator ecosystem an asset
• Creativity in writing, digital design or photography/videography may be an asset
• Previous experience in non-profit environment

Location: Cranbrook and surrounding areas
Approximately 1 day per week will be located in Cranbrook and the remainder remote to start. A key responsibility of this position will be to identify opportunities for a physical location in the East Kootenays. Must be able to travel. Travel will occur throughout the East Kootenays and may occasionally be requested to the West Kootenays or beyond. A valid driver’s license and access to the use of a vehicle are required. Preference will be given to candidates in Cranbrook.

How to Apply:

Submit the following in Word or PDF format directly to melanie@kast.com by January 16, 2023 at 12pm PST.

• Cover letter – 1 page; format and content will be used for evaluation purposes. Please concisely articulate why you would be the best candidate for the position and why you are applying
• Resume – no longer than 3 pages

We thank all applicants however only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Professional reference checks will be conducted prior to appointing the successful candidate.