Manager, Special Initiatives

Position Title: Manager, Special Initiatives (BILINGUAL French/English)

Location: Halifax, NS

Type: Full time Reports to: Executive Director

Direct Reports: 3 to 5

**Salary**: $63,240 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package

**THE OPPORTUNITY**

The Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA) is seeking a Manager, Special Initiatives (BILINGUAL French/English) to join its growing team. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager, Special Initiatives leads the development and management of projects and activities that support sector organizations' capacities to respond to the settlement and integration needs of newcomers and have a positive impact on policies and practices. Working closely with and providing direction to a small team of dedicated staff, the Manager, Special Initiatives works collaboratively to design, develop, implement, and assess projects and activities that support ARAISA's strategic and operational plans. The Manager engages with a broad range of stakeholders, develops and monitors budgets, and manages and evaluates initiatives to ensure the delivery of quality outcomes.

**ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION**

ARAISA is a non-profit umbrella association that serves as a collective voice and forum for its members who are committed to the settlement and integration of immigrants and refugees in the Atlantic Region. ARAISA works to increase the effectiveness of its members through its initiatives to support the sector and its contributions to regional and national forums. ARAISA provides professional development and networking opportunities, facilitates information and resource exchange, hosts sector-specific working groups, convenes meetings with key stakeholders, and represents its members through national bodies, with the goal of having a positive impact on settlement and integration policies and practices.
- **Responsibilities**_

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Work collaboratively with ARAISA staff, members, and other key stakeholders in the development, design, and oversight of assigned special initiatives, which may include events, consultations, research, capacity building, knowledge mobilization, and resource and policy development
- Engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from other umbrella organizations, settlement professionals, Francophone and Anglophone service providers, community organizations, federal and provincial governments, and funders
- Working closely with the Executive Director, play a leadership role in advancing priorities to funders, and other key stakeholders, and develop opportunities to collaboratively address them
- Develop and manage project workplans, budgets, and human resources to meet KPIs of operational and strategic plans in alignment with the identified needs of the sector, and funder requirements
- Procure, direct, and oversee the work of third-party consultants and external vendors as required
- Prepare or oversee the production of written and oral materials (i.e. briefs, reports, presentations, and publications) for internal and external audiences
- Ensure communication occurs in both official languages, including translation of texts and simultaneous interpretation during meetings, where required
- Assist in the preparation of funding proposals, annual reports, and financial and narrative reporting to various funders and partners
- Directly supervise staff working in areas related to special events, projects, and initiatives
- Establish deliverables, assure quarterly staff work plans are in place, provide coaching support, and prepare probationary and annual performance reviews for all direct reports
- Contribute to a positive team environment where diversity, trust, learning, and well-being are valued
- The Manager, Special Initiatives is also responsible for:

- Providing support to ARAISA's broader programs and operations as required
- Representing ARAISA at events or on regional and national committees, where requested
- Other duties or projects as assigned by the Executive Director Qualifications

**POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES**
- 5+ years of relevant professional work experience
- University degree(s) in a relevant field(s)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both French and English required
- Significant program management experience, including work planning, priority setting, service procurement, financial management, writing reports and proposals, monitoring, and evaluation required
- People management experience required

Other competencies:

- Experience in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, event planning, knowledge mobilization, and collaboration
- Strong relationship-building and networking skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
- Knowledge and experience in the areas of social research and development, evaluative methods, and collective impact
- Understanding of intercultural learning and equity, divers