
Role and Organization Overview
The Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users (VANDU), VANDU is a group of over 2000 users and former users who work to improve the lives of people who use drugs through user-based peer support and education. VANDU is committed to increasing the capacity of people who use drugs to live healthy, productive lives. VANDU is also committed to ensuring that drug users have a real voice in their community and in the creation of programs and policies designed to serve them.
The Executive Director (ED) works collaboratively with VANDU members and the peer-led board, made up of community members with lived experience. The ED’s primary role is to provide organizational administration, continue to diversify and strengthen funding relationships, and effectively support the peer-led board and members. The ED will play a key role in the program development and implementation of the Compassion Club. VANDU’s next Executive Director will also play a key role in working with the board to renew VANDU’s long-term vision and build a 3–5-year strategic plan.
Reports to: Board of Directors
Roles and Responsibilities
Governance and Finance
• Support the Board of Directors in their governance responsibilities, providing weekly reports to keep the board informed and engaged in decision-making.
• Collaborate effectively with the Board to assure a clear vision, mission, values, and priorities.
• Support Board Member recruitment and onboarding.
• Attend and participate in weekly VANDU Board of Director’s meetings, supporting the development of the Board’s capacity in governance: developing agendas, minute taking, facilitation, finance and public speaking.
• Gather, review and submit timely reports to Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and other funding bodies and government agencies as required by contract, and manage budgets.
• Develop and implement a long-term plan for financial sustainability that supports more diversified revenue sources.
• Work with Board Members in reviewing and editing articles, reports of meetings and conferences, preparation work for public presentations, and reporting to the Board and/or membership.
• Collaborate with VANDU Board Members on the liaison between VANDU and other community groups that deal with issues relevant to VANDU membership.
• Support the board to keep up-to-date or develop needed policies and procedures.
• Apply the policies and procedures to guide the agency.
• Assure all general meetings and all board meetings of the society are held in accordance with the Societies Act, assuring all necessary documentation is kept up-to-date and in compliance the Act.
Projects/Programs Development and Management
• Oversee VANDU projects and programs.
• Hire, train and provide ongoing leadership & support to project staff.
• Responsible for financial management including budget submission and management, payroll and program delivery, closely liaising with the VANDU bookkeeper and accountant.
• Be informed of research, consultation reports, city, provincial and federal studies and policies, in the areas of community development, illicit drug use, and health.
• Gather and develop source documents, reports, and research that VANDU is guided by for access by the staff and membership in hardcopy and on the website.
Member, Volunteer, and Staff Engagement
• Assist Members who represent VANDU at community meetings, boards, and consortiums.
• Accompany and empower VANDU Members selected for travel for speaking engagements and seminar delivery at conferences.
• Mentor VANDU staff and volunteers ensuring the goals and objectives of the Society are adhered to and conduct member volunteer and staff performance reviews.
• Identify workshops, trainings and resources that will build the capacity of VANDU Members. Maintain efficacy of CPR and First Aid certifications.
• Oversee performance and ongoing training & development of staff.
Qualifications
Knowledge and Experience
● Knowledge and experience of the Downtown Eastside (DTES) community, or similar population.
● Demonstrated understanding of the relevant landscape of drug policy on the DTES, including in the areas of community development, illicit drug use, and health.
● 3-5yrs leadership and/or management experience (e.g., as executive director or senior program manager related), ideally in a position related to harm reduction efforts, with direct supervisory responsibilities for staff and/or volunteers.
● Experience working with a not-for-profit board of directors.
● Experience developing and managing annual budgets of minimum $150k.
● Experience working in a community of peers with lived experience.
● Excellent written, verbal and digital communication skills.
● Confident public speaker.
● Ability to communicate in an accessible form to a variety of audiences (professional, community partners, public, funders and supporters).
Personal Competencies
● Interest and/or commitment to harm reduction work, with a deep compassion for helping others.
● Willingness to learn and openness to diverse perspectives.
● Collaborative leadership approach, with effective interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution capabilities.
● Excellent organizational and project management skills.
● Judgment and tact as required to guard credibility, integrity and reputation.
Employment Terms and Accountability
The hourly range for this full-time position, depending on experience, is $29.25 – $32.00 per hour, at 30hrs per week, plus benefits. Benefits include a Health Spending Account, vacation time, and paid sick time. A Criminal Records Check is required.
How to apply
Please submit your resume, a cover letter and a one-page essay on your understanding Harm reduction in PDF format attention: VANDU ED Selection Committee to [email protected] by end of day October 14th, 2024. Please note, first round interviews are anticipated to take place the last week of October 2024.
Only candidates that meet the minimum requirements will be considered. Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.