Executive Director

Association of British Columbia Land Surveyors (ABCLS)
Sidney, BC

“Regulating the practice of land surveying in British Columbia in the public interest.”

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Association of BC Land Surveyors (the “ABCLS”) is seeking its next leader, to assume responsibility in the Fall of 2024. Reporting to the Board of Management (“Board”) and working collaboratively with the Secretary-Treasurer-Registrar (“the Secretary”), the Executive Director (“ED”) is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the Association and its staff, according to the strategic direction set by the Board.  The Executive Director acts as a professional advisor to the Board on all aspects of the ABCLS’ activities and oversees the staff complement of 7 including those providing staff support for the Secretary duties in accordance with the Land Surveyors Act (the “Act”).

This position is based in beautiful Sidney, BC, and requires that the ED live in the immediate travel vicinity and work at the office location as required.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Association of British Columbia Land Surveyors governs the profession of land surveying within the Province of BC. Incorporated in 1905, the ABCLS is governed by the Land Surveyors Act, a Provincial statute that sets out the framework within which the ABCLS and its registrants operate.

The ABCLS is a self‐regulating body which:

• develops bylaws and guidelines for the conduct of its registrants;
• provides for the governance, discipline, and professional standards of its registrants;
• establishes and administers the requirements for entry into the profession;
• maintains rules and guidelines for the conduct of legal surveys and resultant plans;
• ensures a viable profession that meets the needs of the public and protects the public interest; and
• liaises with government bodies and other regulatory bodies in a continuing effort to improve the quality of service to the public.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

This is an excellent opportunity for an executive director or general manager, ideally with experience in a regulatory body or similar professional or business association. Preference will be given to candidates whose experience includes working in a regulated sector.  The successful candidate will hold a post-secondary degree in public or business administration, law, commerce, land use tenure; and at least five years’ experience at a mid to senior management level with progressively senior leadership skills.  The role requires excellent collaboration and interpersonal skills, business acumen and strategic planning skills, and authentic and transparent communication skills along with demonstrated project, contract management and negotiation skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES

This role oversees all ABCLS staff and registrants to fulfill the goals and priorities of the organization under the guidance of the Board, including ensuring the operational duties of the Secretary are resourced and responsively served. The ED operates in partnership and collaboration with the Secretary, who oversees specific staff functions within the organization.  The Secretary is an appointee of the Board, with specific responsibilities as per the Land Surveyors Act, and is a member of the Board. The relationship between these two roles is a critical factor for organizational success, relying on mutual trust, common goals, and proactive and transparent communication with each other and with the Board.

A.     Strategic Plan Leadership

• Collaborate with the Board to develop the 3-year strategic plan and secure Board approval of the goals and measurements; engage the Board in reviewing the plan each year to adjust course as needed;
• Support staff to operationalize the strategic plan towards achievement of the goals and metrics; report on progress each quarter;
• Support the Board and organization in implementing the ABCLS commitment to Truth and Reconciliation;
• Act as a professional advisor to the Board on statutory matters, governance issues, and external affairs to support sound decision making on matters affecting the ABCLS, its staff, registrants;
• Increase ABCLS visibility and influence to advance strategic initiatives and build public relations awareness and support;
• Identify, assess, and inform the Board of internal and external issues that affect the ABCLS;
• Foster effective teamwork between the Board, its Committees, and ED; and between the Board, and staff;
• Act as a spokesperson for the ABCLS as authorized by the Board;
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board and jointly with the Board as appropriate;
• Represent the ABCLS at government and business activities to enhance the organization’s profile.

B.     Operational Management and Planning:

• Develop an operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the ABCLS;
• Oversee and ensure operational functioning of the Practice Advisory group;
• Resolve concerns or complaints regarding administrative matters;
• Act as the Clerk of the BC Land Surveyors Foundation;
• Ensure appropriate response to inquiries from registrants, government agencies and the public regarding direction and interpretation of ABCLS Bylaws;
• Advise the Board on issues related to the Act and Bylaws and make recommendations to the Board for change, seeking legal advice as appropriate;
• Ensure the operation of the ABCLS meets the expectations of the Board;
• Oversee the efficient and effective day‐to‐day operation of the ABCLS;
• Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate;
• Ensure all files are securely stored, privacy/confidentiality is maintained, and act as a privacy officer for the ABCLS;
• Provide support to the Board by preparing meeting agendas, support materials and performing other related duties as requested by the Board.

 C.     Program Planning and Management:

• Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the ABCLS’s programs and services;
• Ensure the programs and services offered by the ABCLS contribute to the organization’s mission and reflect the priorities of the Board;
• Monitor the day-to‐day delivery of the programs and services of the ABCLS to maintain or improve quality;
• Oversee the planning, implementation, execution, and evaluation of special projects.

D.    Human Resources Planning and Management:

• Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery;
• Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development and/or maintenance of job descriptions for all staff;
• Establish a positive, healthy, and safe workplace in accordance with appropriate legislation, regulations, ABCLS values and the ABCLS commitment to embrace the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, cultural safety, and humility;
• Plan, recruit, interview and select staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the ABCLS’s goals and objectives;
• Ensure that all staff receives an orientation to the organization and that appropriate training is provided;
• Ensure a performance management process is in place for all staff and conduct annual performance reviews, coaching and mentoring staff as appropriate to improve performance;
• Collaborate with the Executive Committee on a performance management process for the Secretary and ED as appropriate;
• Undertake performance management of staff and conduct progressive discipline when necessary, using appropriate techniques; release staff when necessary, using appropriate and legally defensible procedures.

E.     Financial Planning and Management:

• Work with staff, the Secretary and the Board to prepare a comprehensive budget;
• Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization;
• Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board;
• Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed;
• Administer the funds of the ABCLS according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization;
• Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditures of the ABCLS;
• Support the Secretary and the Board in the preparation of the annual financial statements;
• Ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments.

F.     Government and Community Relations/Advocacy:

• In collaboration with the Secretary, the Executive Committee and the Board, represent the ABCLS or ensure the ABCLS is represented in discussions with government, other provincial and national land surveying associations and other related professions and regulatory bodies for all matters relating to the profession and the practice of land surveying;
• Proactively strengthen trusted working relationships and collaborative arrangements with government, the LTSA, other regulatory bodies, appropriate community and business groups, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of the ABCLS;
• Ensure appropriate response by staff or Board to inquiries from registrants, government agencies and the public regarding matters pertaining to the practice of land surveying;
• Increase visibility and apply influence and persuasion to strategic initiatives that support strong public trust and understanding of the value of land surveying in the province;
• Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the ABCLS.

G.    Risk Management:

• Identify, evaluate and report to the Board on the risks to the ABCLS’s people (registrants, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control and mitigate risks;
• Ensure that the Board and the ABCLS carry appropriate and adequate insurance coverage;
• Ensure that the Board and staff understand the terms, conditions, and limitations of the insurance coverage.

H.    Board and Governance Support:

• Understand the Board’s governance model and the role of the ED, Secretary, Executive Committee and Board;
• Maintain a respectful and collaborative relationship with the Chair, Executive Committee, Board Committees and individual Directors;
• Act as a professional advisor to the Board on all aspects of the ABCLS’ activities;
• Ensure appropriate information flow to the Board, including high quality, timely and consistent Board reporting and communication between Board meetings;
• Strive to support the Board in adhering to best practices in Board governance for professional regulators;
• Ensure the efficient and effective administration of Board activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in a related field (such as public or business administration, law, commerce, land use tenure)
• A minimum of five years’ experience at a mid to senior management level, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
• Registration or past registration as a practising land surveyor with the ABCLS (or other sister land surveying Association in Canada) would be an asset but is not required;
• Demonstrated success in working with a Board of Management, Board of Directors, or a Council and a committee structure;
• Experience managing people in a regulatory environment or regulated sector;
• Experience working with varied stakeholder groups (staff, the Board, registrants, government, etc.), developing consensus and effective working relationships through excellent interpersonal skills;
• Experience in policy development and/or program development and delivery;
• Experience managing multiple projects and assignments;
• Experience conducting complex research and analysis related to land use, resource management, or land development issues would be an asset.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with influencing and negotiating abilities;
• Professional and enthusiastic, goal-orientated attitude with political astuteness.

Compensation: The current compensation range for this position is $130,000 – $150,000 per year, dependent on education, training, experience, and internal equity.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your current resume and a well-crafted cover letter explaining why you are a great fit for this unique leadership opportunity to: opportunities@kmclaughlin.com

The ABCLS and McLaughlin & Associates are committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in all of our recruitment and hiring practices, and to partnering to create equal and inclusive working environments for people of all backgrounds.

We truly appreciate all applicants. We will be in contact with only those selected for an interview.

 For more information please contact:

Tracy Josling, Senior Associate

778.847.2388              |   Tracy@kmclaughlin.com

Kathy McLaughlin, Managing Partner

604.728.0080              |   Kathy@kmclaughlin.com

ABOUT MCLAUGHLIN & ASSOCIATES

Founded in 2007 on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples–Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations, McLaughlin & Associates works at the intersection of strategy and governance to help boards and leadership teams align towards desired goals and outcomes. Our commitments to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors, to Truth and Reconciliation, and to health and wellbeing, inform our work and govern our lives.

We work for a wide variety of public sector, private sector and not for profit organizations, with deep expertise in charities, professional associations, member-based societies, regulatory bodies, co-operatives, NGOs, crown agencies, private and family enterprise.

The McLaughlin team of Senior Associates each bring complementary skills to our work in executive recruitment, strategic planning, governance consulting, executive coaching, performance development and leadership assessment.

For more information, please visit our website.