Chief Executive Officer

Application Deadline Date
October 29, 2024

The employer is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, family status or disability.

The employer welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

The organization

viaSport BC (“viaSport”) is an independent not-for-profit organization and a legacy of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and Paralympic Games, operating as the provincial government’s lead agency responsible for promoting and developing amateur sport in British Columbia.

viaSport’s purpose is to lead the development and growth of amateur sports in BC by working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport to steward the provincial government investment in amateur sports. viaSport works collaboratively with all Designated Organizations in BC to build a stronger, more effective sports system while striving to work across the amateur sports eco-system and all stakeholders to build public trust and confidence in the BC sports sector.

The opportunity

Purpose of the position

Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has overall responsibility for providing strategic direction and leadership for viaSport. The CEO is future-oriented and primarily focused on external relationships. This role sits at the heart of the sports community in BC, supporting the benefits that sports participation offers in local communities across BC and Canada.

The CEO is a strategist, a relationship builder, a communicator and a visionary. As an advocate for physical activity and sport in B.C., the CEO will build strong relationships with the government, external stakeholders, partners and agencies to ensure viaSport fulfils its purpose, achieves its vision and mission, and enables a sustainable future.

Key responsibilities

Strategy development and execution

• Work with the Board and management to implement against the current strategic plan by leveraging government investment and develop the next strategic plan to support the organization from 2027-2032
• Proactively seek out opportunities to understand and represent the systemic opportunities and challenges in meeting government’s and viaSport’s strategic goals and priorities
• Collaborate with the provincial government and the BC Sport Sector to effectively support and advance goals and objectives within viaSport’s Strategic Plan in alignment with the BC Pathways to Sport
• Provide leadership across sectors to align priorities, initiatives and investment to drive increased participation in organized sport for all citizens of British Columbia

Financial growth and development

• Develop and lead a revenue diversification strategy that supports the current and future strategic plans, solidifies organizational sustainability, diversifies revenue, supports the existing sporting infrastructure
• Build a long term diversified and sustainable financial model
• Leverage the recent changes to CRA guidelines regarding “non-qualified donees” to secure grant funding and/or evaluate the opportunity for charitable or philanthropic giving.
• Develop, introduce and promote practices that support the sector to diversify revenue, increase sustainability, and address affordability
• Develop strategies and work with government to reaffirm the sector needs to increase the annual government investment in sport

Governance

• Identify, negotiate and actively manage strategic partners through documented Memorandum of Understandings and contracts
• Support the Board with its governance through effective practices, risk management, collaboration, engagement, and committee structures
• Ensure an effective governance framework is in place that is supported by approved policies to guide all areas of work
• Lead the development of best-in-class governance across BC sports organizations, offering support and guidance as required.

Leadership

• Lead and oversee the organization in accordance with the strategic direction set by the Board
• Support an environment of collaboration, peer learning and development between the designated organizations within the ecosystem
• Ensure all operations and activities are conducted in accordance with the values and sound business practices and approved policies
• Work with the Board to ensure effective strategies and plans are in place (i.e. Board, staff team)
• Guide staff, working collaboratively with the COO and senior staff to successfully implement balanced annual plans, monitor performance, and provide quarterly and annual impact reports to the Board, BC government, funders, partners, and broader sporting community
• Ensure a workplace environment that enhances the ability of employees to perform successfully, supporting high collaboration, professional development, and employee engagement

The candidate experience and professional qualifications

The successful candidate will be a leader with a proven track record of supporting a dynamic organization in a complex sector with multiple stakeholders. The ideal candidate will bring years of experience working in the sporting sector in BC and/or Canada. As a strategic thinker, the CEO will demonstrate skills in building partnerships, especially but not exclusively with government, to foster alignment and engagement at all levels and to attract financial contributions and in-kind support.

Skills and competencies

• Ten+years of senior leadership experience with a working knowledge of the issues and challenges facing the BC sports sector and a clear understanding of the provincial, national, and international sporting landscape.
• Has developed enduring partnerships with government, private and public sectors.
• In-depth working knowledge of government funding priorities, in specific reference to managing the objectives of the primary funder while remaining independent and focused on the needs of amateur sport in BC.
• Has led the development and growth of a not-for-profit or business.
• Has driven revenue growth through philanthropy, sponsorship, and effective negotiations with funders
• Demonstrated experience in creating alignment across a diverse set of stakeholders, breaking down silos and playing a key collaboration-building role, building effective working relationships at all levels of an organization and with community, businesses, and government.
• Experience working with an engaged and effective board of directors; understands governance issues
• Comprehensive knowledge of new revenue generation and its impacts on operational activities and budgets.
• Demonstrated knowledge of human resources and financial management principles and practices. Experience in overseeing and managing operating budgets.
• Experience in brand development and growth strategies.
• Experience working or volunteering in sport, recreation or social services is considered an asset.

Attributes

• Passionate about the impact sport can have on individuals and communities.
• Inspiring; visionary; outcome-focused
• Ability to work effectively independently and as a team leader
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written
• Ability to lead change and manage conflict
• Effective facilitation and mediation skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• High IQ/EQ
• Ethical, transparent, responsible

Education

A master’s degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent in education and experience.