Position Title: Sector Engagement Lead (Bilingual EN/FR)

Location:  Halifax, NS

Type:Full-time (35 hours/week)

Reports to:Program Manager

Salary:Starting salary $68,000-$71,000/annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package

Start date:As soon as possible

Working conditions:ARAISA staff work in a hybrid environment, which includes a minimum of 3 days per week in the ARAISA office.

Travel within the Atlantic Region may be occasionally required.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA) is looking for a Sector Engagement Lead to join its growing team.

The Sector Engagement Lead reports to the Program Manager and will act as a liaison between ARAISA and its members and the wider settlement sector in the Atlantic region to enhance ARAISA’s support to the sector and its contributions to regional and national forums.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

ARAISA is a non-profit umbrella association which serves as a collective voice and forum for its member organizations 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.

WHY ARAISA

• Collaborative Culture: ARAISA is not just an organization; it's a community of passionate individuals committed to transforming lives. Join a collaborative and supportive work environment where your ideas are valued, and teamwork thrives.
• Inclusive Work Environment: ARAISA is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We are proud to be a Rainbow Registered organization. Your unique background and perspectives are not only welcome but celebrated. Join a workplace that recognizes and values the richness of diverse experiences. 
• Professional Development: ARAISA believes in nurturing talent. As a team member, you'll have access to professional development opportunities, ensuring your skills stay sharp and you continue to grow in your career.
• Impactful Initiatives: ARAISA is at the forefront of initiatives that make a real difference in the immigrant settlement sector. Be part of projects that contribute to positive changes.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a competitive benefits package and health plan that prioritizes your well-being.
• Financial Security: Benefit from employer-matched RRSP contributions (up to 5% of salary) after one year, ensuring a secure financial future.
• Time for You: Take advantage of 3 weeks of vacation, plus an additional 16 days of paid holidays/time off annually.
• Wellness Support: Experience a flexible and accommodating work environment that promotes wellness and fosters a healthy work-life balance.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops annual sector engagement plans and reports on the progress
• Contributes to the development of member surveys and sector-wide survey analysis to identify needs and contribute to ARAISA’s programming
• Supports the membership committee in developing an annual work plan, coordinating meetings, processing membership applications, developing strategies, and reviewing and maintaining membership policies and procedures, as necessary
• Manages membership records and renewals, answers inquiries, and provides information
• Creates and updates materials and resources to support membership outreach and onboarding activities
• Conducts site visits to member agencies across the Atlantic provinces to increase understanding of context, build relationships, and identify opportunities for collaboration and support
• Connects and collaborates with other organizations in the settlement and integration sector to facilitate relationship building and the growth of ARAISA’s membership
• Organizes and coordinates regional meetings and committees that include, among others, representatives of Francophone agencies, smaller centres, and direct and indirect service providers, and ensures that information is shared both to and from national forums
• Organizes and coordinates regional Communities of Practice hosted by ARAISA
• Identifies, tracks and responds to emerging sector issues and concerns
• Coordinates and plans events such as consultations, regional conferences, and sector meetings. This includes ensuring the preparation of invitations, agendas, and reports, monitoring registration, and liaising with vendors, presenters, consultants, and other providers
• Administers the budget allocated to sector engagement activities in consultation with the Program Manager
• Monitors and evaluates activities, identifies areas for improvement, and reports on areas of responsibility
• Ensures accurate communication occurs in both official languages, including the translation of texts and simultaneous interpretation during meetings, where required
• Contributes to a positive team environment where equity, diversity, inclusion, trust, learning, and well-being are valued

The Sector Engagement Lead is also responsible for:

• Providing support to ARAISA’s programs and operations as required 
• Representing ARAISA at events or external meetings, when requested
• Other duties or projects as assigned. 

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

• University degree(s) in a relevant field(s)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both French and English required
• 3+ years of experience working in a coordination role, preferably with experience in the settlement and integration sector
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and collaboration in project implementation
• Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
• Strong administrative and communications skills with experience supporting and facilitating groups in meetings and dialogue
• Strong technological aptitude for working in virtual meeting platforms, including Zoom
• Ability to demonstrate diplomacy while remaining engaging and proactive in advancing the objectives of the group
• Excellent active listening and interpersonal skills
• Ability to organize, prioritize, synthesize, and adapt information to various audiences
• Demonstrated ability to write, proofread, and edit minutes, reports, and other communication materials
• Strong time-management and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple activities at once
• Familiarity with non-profit associations is an asset
• Flexible and proactive team member who enjoys problem-solving, collaboration, and taking on new challenges.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other office productivity tools, with an aptitude to learn new software and systems

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

External candidates - Please apply online through the Indeed application process by submitting your cover letter and resume in English, merged into one (1) document.

Internal candidates - Please apply by submitting your cover letter and resume in English, merged into one (1) document to .

Please ensure that you demonstrate in your cover letter how you meet the above qualifications.

We appreciate the time and effort of all applicants in expressing their interest in the position. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

DEADLINE TO APPLY

July 30 at 5:00 pm ADT

ARAISA is committed to the principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.  We recognize that our strength lies in our diversity. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals who represent the full diversity of communities in Canada, including the intersectionality of gender identity and expression, race, ethnicity, religious belief, national origin, age, sexual orientation, education, ability, language, and socio-economic status.