About Vancouver Heritage Foundation

Vancouver Heritage Foundation (VHF) is a registered charity that advances the appreciation and conservation of our city’s diverse heritage places and their stories. We raise awareness of the vital contribution that heritage makes to a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable community.

VHF does this by hosting informative events and creating resources about Vancouver's history and heritage places and providing financial and practical support for the successful conservation of historic buildings and sites.

VHF is known for its award-winning educational programs that engage people of all ages with Vancouver’s diverse heritage and its wealth of online resources that build local conservation skills and knowledge. VHF’s grant programs provide financial support and guidance to enable conservation of heritage places, energy retrofits in older homes, and to support new publications relating to Vancouver’s history and heritage.

Programs include the annual Heritage House Tour, the Heritage Hour Lecture Series, the Lunch & Learn Series, Walking Tours, Heritage in Schools, the True Colours historical paint palette, and the WALL public art installation. VHF maintains many popular resources, including the Heritage Site Finder interactive map, the Places That Matter Community History Resource, the Vancouver House Styles web tool, a selection of Map Guides, and Case Studies related to sustainability. Current grant programs include the Heritage Conservation Grant Program, the Heritage Energy Retrofit Grant Program, the Yosef Wosk Publication Grant Program, and Field Trip Grants for local schools.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the strategic development and operational leadership of the organization. The Executive Director works with the Board of Directors to develop long-term strategies and annual plans and budgets.

Responsibilities

Organizational Development:

• Facilitate strategic planning to achieve VHF goals and sustain the organization
• Develop and implement annual plans and budgets
• Develop annual and long-term funding plans
• Establish good working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and donors, volunteers, sponsors, and media to maintain and further build support for VHF’s work
• Assist the Board in maintaining the skills and expertise needed on the Board and in succession planning

Programs:

• Oversee the development and implementation of an annual program of educational events
• Maintain and further develop a depth of high quality online educational resources for the public
• Oversee existing and new granting programs to support the conservation of heritage places
• Advocate for government policy, process, programs, and support that improve the framework for the conservation of heritage places

Marketing and Communications:

• Speak effectively on behalf of the organization and heritage places and maintain the positive profile of VHF
• Oversee the development and implementation of communications plans including websites, newsletters, social media, and public relations
• Ensure all communications and materials are of excellent quality, and are consistent with VHF’s mission, values, and goals

Finance & Development:

• Secure funding including grants, sponsorships, and donations from established and new sources to sustain and grow the organization
• Organize annual fundraising activities
• Manage annual and day-to-day accounting processes to maintain accurate records and cash flow
• Commission an annual financial audit and ensure VHF complies with all reporting requirements to maintain its charitable and non-profit status
• Ensure VHF’s investments for long-term purposes are well-managed and make recommendations to the Board for their further development and use
• Prepare annual reports for City of Vancouver Council and other funders to maintain funding support

Administration:

• Facilitate the work of the Board of Directors (up to 15 board members) including Board meetings, Annual General Meetings and committees
• Hire and manage the staff team (currently 4 FTE and 1 Contractor), and support skills and career development in a rewarding and inclusive work environment
• Oversee volunteer recruitment, engagement, community building, and recognition
• Hire and mentor interns to contribute to local skills and career development
• Engage contractors and consultants when needed to achieve project goals and support facilities and financial management
• Oversee office facilities and operations
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation

QUALIFICATIONS

The next Executive Director will bring strong leadership and organizational management skills to further the mission of VHF, building on a solid foundation of innovative and effective programs. They will have experience running fundraising initiatives and securing operating resources through private funding and grants. An ability to manage day-to-day responsibilities while planning and implementing longer-term initiatives to meet VHF goals will be essential. Finally, they will have an appreciation of the vital role of heritage places for Vancouver’s communities, and for cultural, social, economic, and environmental sustainability.

Candidates of all backgrounds are invited to apply, and to indicate how their demonstrated experience and skills align with the responsibilities outlined in this job description, including:

• Not-for-profit leadership experience including strategic planning and working with a Board of Directors
• Management skills including budgeting, finance, office systems and contracts.
• Ability to build relationships and work constructively with a wide range of stakeholders, partners, volunteers, and funders
• Demonstrated ability in the area of Development and Fundraising
• Strong organizational skills, ability to plan and meet objectives and deadlines with attention to detail,
• Ability to identify and implement new program opportunities
• An entrepreneurial approach to organizational development, funding, and programming.
• Effective communication skills including the ability to speak passionately in public, create written reports, and develop informative communication materials
• Experience managing and empowering employees in a professional environment
• Relevant post-secondary education and experience
• And of course, an appreciation of the diversity of Vancouver’s heritage including heritage buildings, sites, and intangible cultural heritage, and of the connections with reconciliation, sustainability, and climate action, and with inclusive and connected communities.

REMUNERATION

This is a full-time position based in VHF’s Mt. Pleasant office at Heritage Hall and requires some evening and weekend work.
The salary range is $85,000 - $95,000 depending on experience and skill level.
The position can be eligible for VHF’s group benefits plan.
A valid driver’s licence and access to a car is essential.