THE OPPORTUNITY

The Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA)is seeking a Manager, Special Initiatives (BILINGUAL French/English) to join its growing team. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Manager, Special Initiatives leads the development and management of projects and activities that support sector organizations’ capacities to respond to the settlement and integration needs of newcomers and have a positive impact on policies and practices. Working closely with and providing direction to a small team of dedicated staff, the Manager, Special Initiatives works collaboratively to design, develop, implement, and assess projects and activities that support ARAISA’s strategic and operational plans. The Manager engages with a broad range of stakeholders, develops and monitors budgets, and manages and evaluates initiatives to ensure the delivery of quality outcomes.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

ARAISA is a non-profit umbrella association that serves as a collective voice and forum for its members who are 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.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

· Work collaboratively with ARAISA staff, members, and other key stakeholders in the development, design, and oversight of assigned special initiatives, which may include events, consultations, research, capacity building, knowledge mobilization, and resource and policy development

· Engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from other umbrella organizations, settlement professionals, Francophone and Anglophone service providers, community organizations, federal and provincial governments, and funders

· Working closely with the Executive Director, play a leadership role in advancing priorities to funders, and other key stakeholders, and develop opportunities to collaboratively address them

· Develop and manage project workplans, budgets, and human resources to meet KPIs of operational and strategic plans in alignment with the identified needs of the sector, and funder requirements

· Procure, direct, and oversee the work of third-party consultants and external vendors as required

· Prepare or oversee the production of written and oral materials (i.e. briefs, reports, presentations, and publications) for internal and external audiences

· Ensure communication occurs in both official languages, including translation of texts and simultaneous interpretation during meetings, where required

· Assist in the preparation of funding proposals, annual reports, and financial and narrative reporting to various funders and partners

· Directly supervise staff working in areas related to special events, projects, and initiatives

· Establish deliverables, assure quarterly staff work plans are in place, provide coaching support, and prepare probationary and annual performance reviews for all direct reports

· Contribute to a positive team environment where diversity, trust, learning, and well-being are valued

The Manager, Special Initiatives is also responsible for:

· Providing support to ARAISA’s broader programs and operations as required

· Representing ARAISA at events or on regional and national committees, where requested

· Other duties or projects as assigned by the Executive Director

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/COMPETENCIES

· 5+ years of relevant professional work experience

· University degree(s) in a relevant field(s)

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English required; French is a definite asset

· Significant program management experience, including work planning, priority setting, service procurement, financial management, writing reports and proposals, monitoring and evaluation required

· People management experience required

Other competencies:

· Experience in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, event planning, knowledge mobilization, and collaboration

· Strong relationship-building and networking skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders

· Knowledge and experience in the areas of social research and development, evaluative methods, and collective impact

· Understanding of intercultural learning and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)

· Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills

· Highly motivated individual able to take initiative while maintaining alignment with team and organizational objectives

· Familiarity and/or experience with the settlement and integration sector, and immigration pathways, particularly in the Atlantic Canadian context

· Computer proficiency, including Word, Excel, Outlook, MS Teams, Sharepoint, and Zoom

WORKING CONDITIONS

· ARAISA staff work in a hybrid environment which includes a minimum of 2 days per week in the ARAISA office, with additional regular all-staff in-person meetings in accordance with our HR Policy Manual that can be updated periodically

· Travel within the Atlantic Region may be occasionally required

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full-time position starting as soon as possible. For this position, the annual salary is $64,505 and also includes:

• A competitive benefit package and health plan
• RRSP contributions after one year
• 3 weeks vacation, plus an additional 16 days paid holidays/time off per year
• Wellness days (up to 12 per year) and personal days (up to 3 per year)
• Professional development opportunities
• A flexible and supportive work environment