Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST) is seeking a dynamic and strategic leader to serve as the Executive 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.
The Executive Director represents and leads the Kootenay Association for Science & Technology and its staff; maintains a viable level of funding; designs and implements projects; accountable for programs, events and operations delivery in a manner consistent with KAST’s strategic goals and mandate as set by the Board within available resources.
KAST Press Release- Change in Leadership
Job title: Executive Director
Reporting to: Board of Directors
Type: Full-time (40hrs/wk) Permanent
Location: Based out of the Nelson Innovation Centre
Salary: $75,000-$90,000 + benefits
Who we are looking for:
- Visionary and strategic thinker
- Proven grant-writing and reporting skills
- Strategic organizational planning and risk management skills
- Develops and maintains close relations with funders and strategic partners
- Human resources management skills
- Demonstrated financial management experience
- Knowledge of the tech and entrepreneurial landscape in the region and beyond
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
- Experience in or knowledge of the Kootenay / B.C. technology incubator and accelerator ecosystem an asset
- Previous experience in non-profit environment
Location: Nelson and surrounding areas. This position will need to be based out of the Nelson Innovation Centre.
Must be able to travel. Travel will occur throughout the Kootenays or beyond. A valid driver’s license and access to the use of a vehicle are required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Set annual staff goals/priorities, with an emphasis on professional development
- Delegate staff supervision for ongoing projects and programs to Managers as required
- Responsible for staffing and contracting decisions on recruitment and compensation in keeping with financial and strategic constraints and goals
- Conduct probationary and annual staff evaluations
- Create and implement a Succession Plan
- Recognize and address missing or under-resourced skill sets
- Nurture an employee culture that emphasizes quality, career opportunity and engagement
- Lead staff meetings and other forms of communication with staff regarding funding opportunities, budget management, new programming, customer visits, etc
- Act as a liaison between the board and the organization
- Meet regularly to keep board informed of operational issues, and work with board to conceive strategic solutions to challenges
- Ensure KAST operates in compliance with the Constitution and Bylaws and the Governance Policies.
- Report on monthly financials
- Introduce and maintain Objectives & Key Results (OKRs) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Ensure a full, diverse regional and sector representative Board
- Participate with the Board of Directors in developing an annual Strategic Plan
- Develops and maintains close relations to existing and emerging program funders and strategic partners
- Participate in community meetings and events related to Economic Development and the Technology and Science sectors
- Engage with clients and partners to understand emerging needs and opportunities
- Identify and evaluate emerging project opportunities in key sectors
- Design joint projects to leverage regional resources and avoid unnecessary duplication
- Network and carefully evaluate new ideas to maintain KAST’s reputation as a credible economic development driver within the region and beyond
- Oversee project execution on plan, on time and on budget
- Ensure projects are measurable; all metrics met and submitted
- Communicate meaningful project evaluation to funders with brave recommendations
- Ensure strong levels of public and stakeholder awareness, participation and support
- Nurture relationships with funders, prospective funders
- Actively and open-mindedly seek new funding opportunities
- Obtain new project and partnership/sponsorship funds
- Create and implement projects that leverage existing KAST resources and activities
- Ensure ongoing progress toward increased financial sustainability
- Create and implement an achievable annual budget
- Produce accurate and timely financial reporting and records
- Enhance organization’s professionalism
- Ensure Regulatory compliance
- Stays up to date with upcoming funding opportunities
- Manage financial, administrative, funding and human resources records
- Oversee bookkeeping and payroll, ensure compliance with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and other regulatory bodies including maintaining accounts with CRA and WorkSafe BC, filing T4s, bill payments and annual GST with support of the CFO
- Maintain all records necessary for reporting to funders and the Board
- Ensure office security and safety
- Identify and research funding opportunities and write funding proposals and grant applications
- Gather funding data and prepare final reports for funders
- Complete an Annual Report
- Enhance KAST profile as an agency that helps entrepreneurs commercialize innovative ideas
- Oversee a creative, consistent and professionally executed in region and external & talent attraction marketing strategy
How to Apply:
Submit the following in Word or PDF format directly to the Chair of the Board of Directors (exec@kast.com). Applications will be reviewed as received and you are encouraged to apply early.
- 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.
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.
