Introduction

The Kanata North Business Improvement Area (KNBIA) is a not-for-profit organization that was established to support and strengthen the local business community and help create the conditions for Kanata North businesses and their employees to grow and prosper both locally and globally.

The KNBIA is one of the City of Ottawa’s newest BIAs, having been designated a Business Improvement Area by Ottawa City Council in October 2012.  The KNBIA represents more than 500 businesses and commercial property owners.

The KNBIA is administered by a 12 member volunteer Board of Management, in accordance with the requirements of the City of Ottawa and the Ontario Municipal Act. The KNBIA invites applications for the new contract position of Executive Director.

Scope of Work

The Executive Director will operate under the direction of the KNBIA Board of Management, reporting to a 3-person Executive Committee that will include the Board Chair. The role of the KNBIA Executive Director position is an exciting and challenging position that will be responsible for the day to day operations of the BIA in an ethical and professional manner in compliance with the KNBIA Code of Conduct. Amongst the duties assigned, the Executive Director will initiate, coordinate and direct KNBIA services and programs, hire and supervise staff, planning of BIA activities, provide outreach services to local BIA members, manage city, government and business relationships and promote Kanata North as one of the best places in Ottawa and Canada for technology and knowledge based business and associated commercial business enterprises to locate and prosper.

1)    Member Services:

Act as the face-to-face contact person of the KNBIA and when required, be the spokesperson for the KNBIA.

Promote and foster the business and commercial environment in Kanata North. Develop a dynamic and inter-connected community amongst all BIA businesses and stakeholders (open, inclusive, connected and collaborative) through proactive, ongoing member services, advocacy and communications initiatives.

Advocate on behalf of the Board of Management and its members, by providing day-to-day stakeholder relations and services to  Kanata North businesses.

Email distribution of information and resources to BIA members from the City of Ottawa, and dissemination of other pertinent information as required.

Initiate, promote and facilitate regular business to business meetings and special member events as directed by the Board, including amongst others, Annual General Meeting, networking sessions, social and similar events relevant to the members in accordance with the direction and goals of the Board.

2)    Board of Management:

Prepare for review and approval by the BIA Board and sub-committees, Multi-year Strategic Plan, budgets and work plans to effectively implement the business of the BIA.

Participate and contribute to external working groups & committees as directed by the Board.

Provide regular updates to the Executive Committee and to the Board of Management on the ongoing BIA work plan, local events and upcoming deadlines, as well as bringing forward issues, recommendations and matters of importance to the business community to the board’s attention, for its input and/or approval.

Supervise the administration of the BIA office including; budget planning, hiring and development of BIA staff and volunteers, contractors, following sound financial management and accounting principles, bill payments, petty cash, and control of expenditures.

Schedule monthly board meetings, collaborate and draft agenda with the Chair and Executive member, and prepare special reports as required by the Board.

Coordinate logistics of the Board meetings, prepare minutes for distribution, and follow-up on board decisions and key issues as appropriate.

Provide support and input to Board sub-committees (or ad-hoc committees) established to deal with specific BIA issues.

3)    Marketing & Communications:

Promote the BIA through member outreach, marketing, media and public relations events, and other special projects and initiatives.

Coordinate and manage with the interactive website service provider, business listings and website content posted to support ongoing communications both internally to members and externally to the public, to promote the area to visitors, to recruit new businesses and to market Kanata North to attract and retain talented and skilled workers and entrepreneurs.

Communications include updates to members, online listings, monthly blog posts, Facebook and other social media channel updates, and regular newsletter distributions.

Oversee design/creation of ads, flyers, and marketing collateral for all BIA initiatives including business directory & map, banners’ design, production and installation, and other such similar special projects.

Work with the Board to develop new marketing initiatives, develop RFPs, administer the procurement as required to implement and manage special marketing initiatives.

Develop and manage special events and partnerships as directed by the Board to promote Kanata North, with the short-term goal of increasing customer visits, increasing local sales, and longer-term recruiting of new businesses, employees, investors, partners and entrepreneurs.

Foster and maintain strong relations with media, provide timely response to media queries, write relevant articles & timely press releases to promote the KNBIA.

BIA sponsorship of events: Coordinate payments and paperwork for sponsorships approved by the Board.

Other duties as directed and assigned by the Board of Management.

4)    Qualifications:

Proven leadership abilities, excellent inter-personal and effective communications skills

Experience working with and providing support to boards of directors

Proven planning, organization and project management skills

Proven ability to manage staff, service providers, strategic partners and volunteers.

Proven ability to interact positively with business and property owners, and facilitate meaningful consultation between stakeholder groups with different mandates and priorities.

A practical understanding of the technology sector and the needs of the local business community.

Effective group facilitation and networking skills.

Marketing and event management experience and competency in web-based communications strategies

(blogs, FB, Twitter).

Education – Post-secondary diploma/degree in business administration, marketing, economic

development or related field and/or equivalent, having minimum of 5 years related work experience.

Languages – English oral, reading and writing. Additional working knowledge of other languages is considered an asset.

5)    Work Conditions:

Develops work plans and budgets, manages multiple tasks, resolves problems and

meets deadlines.

Must establish and maintain effective working relationships with business and government executives, BIA working committees and KNBIA members, while at all times remaining fully accountable to the Board of Management for actions taken in accordance with their terms of employment contract and professional code of conduct.

Shall direct staff and coordinate contractors to execute and fulfill the requirements of the Scope of Work.

Has capacity to maintain a flexible work schedule to meet the demands of KNBIA. Attendance at meetings and social functions outside of normal business hours is a requirement of this position.

Compensation and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Kanata North BIA believes in equal opportunity in employment practices without discrimination on grounds of race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, sexual orientation, physical and mental disabilities, ancestry, place or origin, marital status, source of income or family status.

To apply, send your résumé and cover letter to KanataNorthBIA@gmail.com  by the deadline, April 5, 2013; 5:00 pm, EST.

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in KNBIA, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.