Position: Executive Director
Location: Downtown Kelowna, BC
ABOUT US:
The Downtown Kelowna Association (DKA) is not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering a vibrant and thriving downtown business community through leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. We play a pivotal role in the continued development of Downtown Kelowna as a safe and desirable place to live, work, and enjoy.
Our initiatives focus on advancing the interests of over 1100 businesses and 210 property owners, helping to shape a dynamic and prosperous downtown for the entire community through:
- Advocacy on behalf of our members
- Fostering collaboration among members and other community stakeholders
- Producing innovative programs and events that promote Downtown Kelowna businesses and activities
POSITION OVERVIEW:
We are seeking an experienced, visionary, and forward-thinking Executive Director (ED) to lead the Downtown Kelowna Association into its next phase of growth. The ED will be responsible for overseeing the strategic, operational, and financial health of the organization, ensuring alignment with the mission, and achieving long-term goals.
This role requires an exceptional leader with expertise in organizational leadership, relationship building and stakeholder engagement, financial management, and not-for-profit operations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Leadership & Strategy:
- Lead the development and execution of the strategic plan, ensuring alignment with DKA’s Mission and Vision.
- Provide overall leadership and direction to achieve short, medium, and long-term goals.
- Develop and manage an annual operating plan, including marketing, advocacy, and program delivery, within budget constraints.
- Oversee the development and implementation of programs and initiatives that meet the needs of DKA members, stakeholders, and the public.
- Lead and mentor staff, fostering a positive organizational culture and a high-performing team.
Financial Management & Fundraising:
- Oversee financial management, including the preparation of annual budgets, financial forecasts, and reports.
- Prudently manage resources within approved budget guidelines and ensure legal and regulatory compliance.
- Lead efforts to secure diverse funding sources, including grants, sponsorships, and member contributions.
- Manage financial risks and ensure the sustainability of the Association.
Relationship Management:
- Serve as the principal spokesperson for DKA, representing the organization to the public, media, and key stakeholders.
- As the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, responsible for facilitating meetings, providing timely information to support informed decision-making, and ensure governance compliance.
- Maintain and build relationships with partners, including members, the City of Kelowna, RCMP, Bylaw Services, Tourism Kelowna, and other key organizations.
- Advocate for the interests of DKA members in public policy decisions, media relations, and community outreach.
- Foster collaboration with other Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) and community stakeholders.
Oversight of Operations:
- Lead day-to-day operations of DKA, ensuring successful execution of programs, services, and initiatives.
- Oversee human resource management, including recruitment, training, and development.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of DKA’s programs, ensuring alignment with the needs of members and the community.
- Ensure compliance with contractual obligations and proactively address organizational challenges.
KEY STRATEGIC AREAS:
1. Safe, Clean & Inviting Downtown: Maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment.
2. Membership Engagement: Continue to engage members through communications and programs.
3. Advocacy & Relationships: Advocate for businesses, foster relationships with key stakeholders.
4. Marketing & Promotion: Execute promotions and events that reflect the dynamic nature of Downtown Kelowna.
5. Expansion: Research the viability of expanding DKA’s boundaries to include new commercial/retail developments.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Proven senior leadership experience, ideally within a not-for-profit or business association environment.
- Strong understanding of not-for-profit management, financial oversight, fund development and program delivery.
- Experience in developing and implementing strategic plans and budgets.
- Experience working with a Governance Board of Directors or equivalent senior level committee
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
- A passion for DKA’s mission and commitment to Downtown Kelowna’s continued development.
- Strong decision-making skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
WHY SHOULD YOU APPLY FOR THIS EXCITING ROLE WITH THE DKA?
- Be part of a dedicated team making a tangible difference in the local community.
- Lead a respected organization with a significant impact on the future development of Downtown Kelowna.
- A competitive salary and compensation package value of $82,000 – $95,000.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development in the not-for-profit sector.
- Work in a collaborative, results-driven environment where your contributions directly influence the organization’s success.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and three professional references to admin@downtownkelowna.com
by Friday March 14th, 2025 at 4:00 pm.
We are an equal-opportunity employer and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. While we value the interest in this opportunity, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $82,000.00-$95,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Wellness program
Flexible language requirement:
- French not required
Schedule:
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Application question(s):
- Are you located in the Okanagan?
Experience:
- Not-For-Profit: 5 years (preferred)
- Public Relations, Media: 3 years (required)
Language:
- English (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 2025-03-14
Expected start date: 2025-05-28
