Executive Director

About FIRST Robotics British Columbia

FIRST Robotics British Columbia (FIRST BC) is the provincial operator of FIRST programs. FIRST inspires young people to be science and technology leaders and innovators by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

With the support from our corporate partners, donors and government partners, FIRST BC operates three distinct programs for different age groups across the province and the Yukon. FIRST LEGO League is made of three divisions stretching from PreK to grade 8, FIRST Tech Challenge is for grades 7-12 and FIRST Robotics Competition is for high school students only. These programs create a sport like atmosphere and use the spirit of competition to engage students and create the desire for self directed learning.  Each year over 2000 students across British Columiba participate in one of the programs operated by FIRST BC.

Position Summary

We are seeking a new Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization into a new growth phase. The new ED will be responsible for the administration and management of FIRST BC, oversight of all programs and staff, business development initiatives, partnership management, and any other tasks that may come up. 

The new ED will work with the Board of Directors (BoD) to define the business plan and update the strategy to achieve significant growth in all FIRST programs, while ensuring the experience for all participants, volunteers and partners with the program is always improving. 

Responsibilities(including but not limited to)

Society Manager and Strategy

• The Executive Director will be ultimately responsible for all administrative tasks related to the management of FIRST BC.
• Work with the Board of Directors to develop, conceptualize and operationalize the strategic plan for the organization.
• Continue to professionalize the organization with appropriate reviews of management systems, practices and policies in preparation for accreditation with Imagine Canada.
• Developing and updating systems, practices and policies with input from stakeholders when necessary.
• Lead strategic and operational planning and implement major strategic initiatives and ensure that the organization's administrative processes and practices are consistent with strategic directions and meet applicable legislative requirements.
• Effectively manage staff, volunteer staff and contractors according to authorized personnel policies and procedures that conform to current laws and regulations.
• Oversee preparation of annual business plan and yearly operating budget for Board of Directors approval. Manage the organization's resources effectively and prudently within those budget guidelines.
• Support the operations and administration of Board of Directors activities by advising and informing Board members and interfacing between Board and staff.

Fundraising and Sponsorship Management

• Oversee fundraising planning and execution for the organization, including identification of resource requirements; researching funding sources; establishing strategies to approach funders; submitting proposals and documentation and fulfilling reporting requirements.
• Continue to raise awareness of the opportunities in STEM related fields and the significant positive impact of a skilled workforce in the British Columbia economy.

Marketing

• Lead all marketing efforts, including development of positioning, personas, marketing resources and other marketing related work to promote and sell FIRST BC's programs.

Program Delivery

• Oversee design, promotion, delivery and quality of FIRST BC programs, including competitions, professional development, outreach and community events.
• Including oversight and management of Program Delivery Partners in their delivery of FIRST programs at each level.
• Responsible for all portions of the FIRST Robotics Competition program as the Program Delivery Partner for British Columbia.
• This includes, but is not limited to, managing event planning, program administration and budget management, team recruitment and support, and volunteer management.

Other duties may be needed from time to time based on BoD requests or the needs of the organization as determined by the ED.

Location and Travel Requirements

• Fully remote position, in person events are event specific.
• It is preferred that the successful candidate be located in the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia
• Travel requirement of about 5-10% of time, depending on location of candidates home.
• The majority of travel is limited to the event season between December and April.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in nonprofit management, preferably as an Executive Director.
• Bachelor's degree in business, education, or related field.
• Strong experience in public relations, fundraising and/or marketing.
• Proven success working with a board of directors.
• An entrepreneurial mindset and strong self-starter, ability to work well independently and in an ambiguous environment.
• Proven experience managing a team, and working with others to achieve business and program objectives.
• Experience in managing budgets and bookkeeping.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Previous experience with FIRST programs in a strong plus
• Strong knowledge of the non-profit landscape in Canada.
• Understanding of the STEM Education and nonprofit landscape is preferred.

Pay Range and Benefits

• Expected Compensation of $70,000 to $80,000 CAD
• Extended healthcare benefits reimbursement up to $100 per month (Choose your preferred plan)

Reporting Structure

Reporting to:

• FIRST BC Board of Directors, including its representatives, the President and Vice-President.

Direct Reports:

• All FIRST BC Program Delivery Partners and Contractors with the following reporting directly to the ED:
• FIRST Robotics Competition Program Delivery Partner (PDP)
• FIRST Tech Challenge PDP
• FIRST LEGO League - Challenge PDP
• FIRST LEGO League - Explore PDP
• Fundraising and Partnerships Manager
• Any additional Program Delivery Partners, contractors or employees of FIRST Robotics British Columbia that may not be defined above.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion are core FIRST Robotics British Columbia values. We value the diversity of the people we employ and work with and we strive to provide an inclusive and equitable workplace in which we recognize the unique characteristics, skills, and experiences of all employees. We are committed to engaging our employees in our diversity, equity, and inclusion work, and together we aim to create a workplace where all staff feel they belong and can grow.