Executive Director

Salary: $30 – 40.00/hr negotiable based on skillset and experience 

Employment Type: Independent Contract (own computer and workspace required) 

Hours: Part-time (average 100 hrs per mo.) with flexible hours

Reporting: Position reports directly to the Executive Council of the Association or, between Council Meetings, to the President 

Closing: November 25, 2024, noon

About MALA: The Manitoba Association of Landscape Architects (MALA) is a not-for-profit organization representing approximately 200 dedicated members who play a vital role in shaping our outdoor environments. Our professionals are committed to the thoughtful planning, management, and design of public and private spaces, prioritizing responsible and sustainable stewardship of the land.

MALA actively collaborates with communities and First Nations across Manitoba, engaging in crucial land use planning initiatives that reflect our commitment to social and environmental responsibility. As a recognized authority, we establish professional standards for landscape architects in the province and are one of nine provincial, regional, or territorial bodies that form the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects.
Through our design and planning efforts, we strive to enhance the quality of life in our communities and foster a deeper connection to the natural world.

Position Overview: The MALA Executive Director (ED) is the chief administrator of the Association, responsible for leading daily operations, managing financial and membership functions, and coordinating and supporting the strategic goals of MALA. This role involves a balance of operational, financial and strategic duties, and requires strong leadership, financial acumen, digital literacy, and effective communication skills.

Key Responsibilities:

1.Strategic Leadership and Governance:

• Provide strategic guidance to the MALA Council.
• Able to lead the development of a strategic plan and effectively translate the goals and objectives into a set of cohesive, time-bound, measurable operations tasks needed for plan implementation.
• Ensure effective governance by organizing and facilitating Council meetings, Annual General Meetings, and special meetings, including preparing and distributing agendas, minutes, and related documents.
• Formulate and/or recommend policies to the Council.

2. Operational Management:

• Oversee and innovate the day-to-day operations of the Association, ensuring efficient processes and adherence to organizational policies, practices, and standards.
• Act as the primary liaison between Members, Committees, Taskforces, external organizations, and the public.
• Prepare and execute official correspondence on behalf of the Council.
• Maintain an organized and up-to-date digital filing system.
• Handle the ordering and purchasing of materials and supplies within approved budget.
• Complete annual review of bylaws, policies and procedures with recommendations for the Council’s consideration.
• Draft amendments to bylaws, policies and procedures as required.
• Negotiate and sign contracts.
• Liaise with solicitors, accountants, auditors and other as required.
• Engage and manage outside contractors.

3. Financial Oversight:

• Develop and manage the nonprofit Association’s budget, prepare and provide Council with financial updates and reports, and oversee all financial transactions.
• Ensure transparency and accuracy in financial reporting, including issuing dues invoices, processing payments, and managing receipts and cheques.
• Identify and pursues opportunities to secure funding to sustain or expand existing operations or discretionary activities approved by the Council.
• Monitor and approve expenditures within budgetary and policy restrictions.
• Ensure that the Council and the MALA carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage.
• Ensure compliance with all annual legislated reporting requirements.
• May be required to oversee an annual audit.

3. Membership Services:

• Oversee and innovate membership processes including coordination with Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA), receiving and processing applications, issuing membership certificates and seals, and maintaining membership files and records.
• Ensure compliance with membership requirements and initiatives.
• Work with MALA Council to develop and implement strategies to enhance member engagement and satisfaction.

4. Communications Functions:

• Manage the Association’s website and digital platforms to ensure up-to-date content and effective member engagement.
• Spokesperson for the Association, at stakeholder committees/groups, or at strategic meetings, forums or consultation sessions.
• Develop and implement the communications strategy.
• Event planning.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Proven experience in a leadership role, preferably within a nonprofit or professional association.
• Experience with financial management and operations, membership administration, and managing websites and/or web management software, and/or social media is highly desirable. 5 or more years experience is desirable.  Knowledge of Landscape Architecture is desirable.
• Skills: Strong organizational and project management skills, Microsoft Office and web management and social media tools. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.  
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Nonprofit Management, or a related field; advanced degree or certification in nonprofit management is a plus.

Competencies:

• Leadership: Demonstrates initiative, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire and lead a team.
• Financial Acumen: Skilled in budgeting, financial management, and reporting.
• Digital literacy: Ability to effectively understand, evaluate, and use information presented in various formats across multiple digital platforms. This includes navigating computers and online resources, critically assessing the credibility of information, and applying digital tools to communicate, collaborate, and solve problems in a technology-driven environment. In this role, digital literacy encompasses proficiency in using software applications, (word, excel, QBO) managing digital content, and adapting to new technologies to enhance workflow and productivity.
• Communication: involves effectively conveying ideas to diverse stakeholders through clear verbal and written interactions. An effective communicator tailors messages to different audiences, actively listens, and fosters collaboration to ensure understanding and meaningful connections.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making: Skilled in assessing situations to determine the importance, urgency, and risks, and make clear evidence-based decisions.
• Project Management: Effective in coordinating multiple interests and managing partners and/or contractors to achieve and manage project outcomes and deadlines.

Working Conditions:

• Will require occasional travel for meetings and events.
• Will require office space and computer.
• Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and experience in PDF format to Janet Thomas at mala@mala.net with subject heading: ED Search.
• The MALA thanks all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected to continue in the process will be contacted.

The MALA is committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage qualified applicants of all ages, races, colours, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, gender identities and sexual orientations to apply.