The Friends of Fort Steele Society seeks a mission-driven and experienced nonprofit business leader in successfully executing strategic plans and empowering a dedicated staff.  

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will be based at our offices on the Fort Steele Heritage site.  The position will have the overall management responsibility for growing an authentic and impactful heritage conservation organization with a million dollar annual budget, and 50+ employees during the high season. The Society oversees the management and operation of both Fort Steele Heritage Town and gold rush ghost town, Fisherville.

Fort Steele Heritage Town is located just a 15 minute drive from Cranbrook BC, 35 minutes from Kimberley and one hour from Fernie, surrounded by the Rockies to the East and the Purcell Mountains to the West. The region is defined by its outdoor activities, small mountain town culture and thriving arts community.

The Friends of Fort Steele Heritage Society’s mission is to spark curiosity for times past while sharing and conserving the region’s heritage by bringing history to life with remarkable and vibrant programming for present and future generations.

Position Overview

This full-time permanent position is for immediate hire and reports to a supportive and professional Board of Directors.  This dynamic leadership position is responsible for overseeing the administration, programs, and strategic plan while serving as the first impression for our organization. It requires a dynamic, mission-driven leader who is passionate about heritage conservation while leading hands-on operations, fostering growth, as well as developing and managing multiple and diverse programs throughout the site adhering to the principles of preservation, conservation, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Position Responsibilities
If you are the right person for this position, you will:
• Oversee the day to day activities of the organization and ensure its overall successful long-term operations while adhering to the Heritage Conservation Act and the Heritage Site Management Agreement conserving and sharing the wonders of Fort Steele Heritage Town
• Assure that the organization makes consistent and timely progress in achieving its mission and strategic plan
• Provide leadership in developing program, organizational and financial plans and execute on the policies authorized by the Board
• Plan, actively manage, and oversee the organization's operations, programs and fundraising operations while ensuring the organization's financial sustainability
• Oversee and report on the organization's results for the Board of Directors and the Province of BC
• Drive development and fundraising in collaboration with senior staff, leveraging the Board as needed
• Establish goals, objectives and operational plans in collaboration with the Board of Directors, staff and other leadership
• Contribute to the strategic plan and drive its implementation
• Communicate effectively with the Board by providing members with all information necessary to continually function properly and make informed decisions in a timely and accurate manner
• Support the Board of Directors, attend all board meetings and provide reports and updates on staff as well as all current site activities, project timelines and progress, and overall organizational status
• Lead, manage and guide the organization to attain continued growth, success, and optimal mission impact for multiple programs
• Actively engage in complex fiscal management through business planning, budgetary development and oversight to ensure that financial resources are available to meet organizational goals
• Provide thoughtful executive leadership that is inclusive, transparent and empowering in a manner that supports and guides the organization's mission as defined by the Board, sharing Fort Steele’s history with the world
• Foster a collaborative working environment, encourage professional development and champion accountability among staff
• Effectively represent the organization and promote a positive organizational image to ensure adequate community, provincial, national and international representation
• Organize, motivate and mentor internal team leaders to strategically grow the organization's programs and fundraising and to effectively fulfill its important mission
• Apply innovative thinking and performance measurements to analyze and support strategic decision-making
• Continually foster a culture that encourages collaboration between departments and recognizes positive contributions
• Manage and motivate staff, overseeing processes such as hiring, separation, ongoing staff development, performance management, and compensation and benefits
• Develop and oversee a robust volunteer program
• Inspire a business-oriented, professional, results-driven environment across the organization
• Perform general management duties ensuring the successful operation of the organization
• Liaise with members, governments, other organizations and the public; maintain strong relationships with the Heritage Branch, Columbia Basin Trust, BC Museums Association, and other stakeholders

Minimum Qualifications

The ideal candidate for this role embraces servant and intent based leadership as well as a thoughtful approach to day-to-day operational management, strategic planning and organizational culture.  Qualified candidates should have:

• A degree in business or equivalent combination of education and experience; heritage/cultural resource management and/or tourism degree or experience an asset
• Experience and understanding of how non-profits operate
• An understanding of the process of working with a policy and governance board
• Extensive experience in management and supervisory experience with a bias to proactive problem solving and  conflict resolution skills
• Superior communications skills and the ability to work well with media, staff, government stakeholders and the   community
• Strong writing and analytical skills
• Ability to review current organizational programs/structures and make recommendations that empower programmatic refinements
• Knowledge of how to foster an environment of accountability, healthy work relationships, partnerships, and    inclusiveness among organizational staff in order to maintain a positive and collaborative work environment
• Experience in creating and establishing clear, measurable business goals
• Computer literacy including Microsoft Office, video conferencing and MailChimp, or similar programs and the ability to quickly learn these skills and other computer programs as needed
• Satisfactory driver’s abstract, adequate vehicle insurance and access to a safe reliable vehicle
• Clear criminal record check with annual re-evaluations

Compensation
This exciting opportunity offers the ability to make a significant impact leading and sharing the experiences of times past of Fort Steel Heritage Town and the Fisherville Ghost Town while creating and implementing vibrant programming which portrays a day in the life of the 1890’s. We offer a strong starting base salary and a team oriented, rewarding atmosphere.  
• Starting compensation includes a very competitive salary commensurate with experience and a bonus structure
• Strong Benefits package
 

A laptop and cell phone will be provided for the duration of employment.

How to Apply
For consideration please send your resume and cover letter in a WORD or PDF document to Board@fortsteele.bc.ca with the naming convention of Last_First_ED_2023 and with an email subject line of FORT STEELE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH.