Organization's Description:
Vancouver Pride Society is dedicated to producing inclusive, celebratory events and advocating for 2SLGBTQAI+ communities through an intersectional lens. The organization focuses on creating programming that reflects the pride, resilience, and diversity of the communities it serves. By strengthening a shared sense of belonging, Vancouver Pride Society contributes to the vibrancy, health, and overall well-being of people across the region. The team collaborates with community partners, volunteers, and stakeholders to deliver events and initiatives that are accessible, affirming, and socially conscious. Applicants will join an organization committed to equity, community-building, and continuous learning.
Purpose: The Executive Director contributes to the overall success of the Vancouver Pride Society (VPS) by providing organizational leadership, in particular for, the planning and execution of all official Pride events, as well as, Community Partner events and various special projects.
Reporting Relationships:
The Executive Director is accountable to and reports to the Board of Directors. Managing Director, Operations Manager, Communications Manager and Events Manager report directly to the ED. All other staff positions report to managers, but ultimately, the ED leads the staff team.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Planning
- Lead strategic and operational planning activities
- Organize annual strategic planning board and staff retreat/session
- Ensure board and staff have all relevant community consultation, community feedback and any other information necessary to inform planning activities for the society
- Ensure that staff leadership team regularly reviews the society’s strategic plan and report back to the board on progress
Leadership
- Provide leadership, direction and support to VPS Staff through effective communication, goal-setting, delegation and performance evaluations
- Facilitate the staff in the successful implementation of the VPS strategic plan
- Identify and develop priorities in conjunction with the Board and the staff team
- Encourage harmonious relationships between Board, Staff, Volunteers, and Community through effective communications
- Role model inclusive language, clear communication skills and conflict resolution techniques to staff, coach and mentor staff in these areas
- Engage in community consultation to ensure VPS events are relevant and inclusive
- Provide community leadership by keeping abreast of current topics, issues and conflicts faced by the 2SLGBTQAI+ community locally, nationally and internationally. Inform the board and communications staff when it is appropriate for VPS to weigh in publicly, provide support for other organizations, groups or individuals or to make statements
Event Planning and Execution
- Oversee Operations Manager and Event Manager in creating event plans
- Sign off on any necessary permits, insurance and approval from BC Liquor, City of Vancouver and CoV Parks Board
- Work in tandem with Managing Director and Operations Manager to ensure event plans are executed within assigned budgets
- Monitor event activities in order to ensure compliance with site regulations and local laws, satisfaction of event attendees and resolution of any problems that arise
- Work in tandem with the Managing Director to ensure event plans fulfill partnership and grant obligations.
- Review and sign significant supplier contracts
- Work with staff team to develop and deliver innovative and entertaining programming across the Pride season that reflects community needs
- Identify and develop artistic and strategic relationships between VPS and local entertainers and arts organizations
- Supervise staff to ensure end of season feedback surveys are administered to event attendees, volunteers, performers, suppliers, community partners and sponsors. Analyze the data from feedback surveys to determine strategic directions, new events and changes to existing events
Financial Management
- Responsible for sound financial management and control, budget preparation and forecasting in accordance with all pertinent legislation and policy
- Prepare financial plans and annual operating budget for Board approval.
- Develop annual event and project budgets in collaboration with Managing Director and Operations Manager
- Ensure staff are following VPS finance policies and procedures
- Manage the efficient and effective use of the agency’s resources
- Participate in the Finance Committee to ensure understanding of current financial position
- Sign contracts that fall within the ED signing limit
- Act as a signing officer for the society
Fundraising
- Actively seek new funding opportunities with corporate sponsors
- Assist Managing Director with identifying grant opportunities and writing applications
- Identify and execute relevant fundraising events and partnerships
- Develop strong relationships with existing corporate partners
Board Support, Society Administration and Governance:
- Develop and implement administrative plans in collaboration with the Board and Staff
- Develop and review relevant policies with Governance Committee
- Implement policies and procedures
- Attend Board meetings
- Communicate with the Board of Directors in a concise, clear, comprehensive manner, to ensure that the Board has adequate information on Society activities to carry out effective decision making
- Participate in meetings of the Board’s standing committees as required
- Participate in other administrative functions as designated by the Board
- Attend and present an annual summary of society activities to the membership at Annual General Meetings
Communication and Community Relations
- Communication of VPS needs, activities and value to the community
- Represent VPS at all relevant community and fundraising events
- Represent VPS on relevant community/regional/international committees, networks or initiatives
- Act as media spokesperson for the society
- Respond to all media requests
- Act as the organization’s spokesperson at events
- Maintain a positive relationship with local, provincial and federal agencies and their representatives
- Lobby in a non-partisan manner for VPS and community needs
- Collaborate with other community social agencies
- Initiate and/or supervise updating of informational and promotional materials
- Ensure that VPS events, projects and the society’s profile are strategically promoted
- Actively participate in professional association activities as appropriate
- Establish working relationships with a broad range of community groups, all levels of government and other organizations to work toward common objectives
Contract Administration
- Responsible for contract negotiations and for ensuring that contractual obligations are met
- Review, negotiate and renew all contracts and extensions
- Be familiar with all contractual obligations and commitments of the Society
- Liaise and develop effective relationships with funding sources and regulatory bodies and ensure the submission of required reports and contract timelines are met
- Research, develop and submit funding proposals and applications for funding from government and other sources
Human Resources
- Ensure the effective management of the human resources of the organization
- Be familiar with the society’s personnel policies, Employment Standards Act, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the BC Human Rights Code
- Provide leadership to Staff, build a strong and collaborative team, facilitate open lines of communication, ensure ongoing development, recognition and appreciation.
- Develop job descriptions and annually review and adjust if necessary.
- Ensure Staff are informed and knowledgeable about operational policies and procedures
- Ensure Staff have and maintain the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to carry out their duties
- Ensure new Staff are oriented to programs, policies and procedures, including their terms and conditions of employment
- Ensure Staff are adequately supervised and supported in their work
- Implement and manage an annual performance review process for all Staff.
- Oversee recruitment and hiring processes
- Maintain a positive work culture that attracts, retains and motivates a diverse group of staff members
Risk management
- Identify and evaluate the risks to the society's people (staff, board, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks
- Ensure that the Board of Directors and the society carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage
- Ensure that the Board and Staff understand the terms, conditions and limitations of the insurance coverage
Position Details
Employment Type: Full-time employee
Reports to: Board of Directors
Location: Hybrid
Hours: 37.5 hours/week
Compensation: 50–65/hour, based on experience and qualifications
Benefits: Statutory holiday pay, vacation pay, five paid sick days
Workplace: Casual dress, relaxed workplace, and flexible work arrangements
Additional Benefits: To be discussed as part of the employment contract
Start Date: November 2, 2026
