Executive Director

Executive Director

QChat

British Columbia, Canada

Competition closes: March 22nd, 2024

QChat, a peer support line and resource database for 2SLGBTQ+ youth in British Columbia, Canada is seeking an Executive Director for a one-year contract, with the possibility of an extension.

About QChat:

QChat opened its peer-support lines on October 7, 2019, after being founded as a not-for-profit society earlier that year. QChat is a low-barrier referral and peer support program which allows 2SLGBTQ+ youth in British Columbia to confidentially contact peer-support volunteers via text, email, phone, and online chat.

 Along with emotional support, volunteers also provide youth with referrals to local 2SLGBTQ+ resources. The referral database, available on QChat’s website, includes services like counselling, crisis lines, peer groups, safe sex and harm reduction programs, clinicians, shelters, and health centers. To learn more about QChat and its services visit QChat.ca

About the role:

QChat is seeking an Executive Director for a one-year contract, with the possibility of an extension. The Executive Director will work with an incredible team of 2SLGBTQ+ volunteers who are re-imagining what community leadership and peer-to-peer support can look like. We are seeking an Executive Director to lead QChat into its 4th year of operations by upholding its mission, vision, and values in all aspects of programming, strategy, finance, and operations.

The ideal candidate will have experience in an Executive Director or senior leadership role, with proven experience in change management and supporting an organization through transitional periods and capacity development. The Executive Director provides thoughtful leadership to the organization and brings to the role a deep understanding of issues and challenges faced by 2SLGBTQ+ youth. The Executive Director demonstrates a personal and professional commitment to anti-oppression, anti-racism, accessibility, and decolonizing work.

Positional Details:

• This is a one-year temporary full-time term position, with the possibility of extension.
• Full-time hours will average 37.5 hours/week. QChat is looking for the right candidate to lead the organization in capacity-building activities and conduct a needs assessment review.
• This position is 100% remote position and requires regular weekly check-ins with the co-founders and quarterly check-ins with the Board.
• The position requires a stable internet connection and the ability to have regular meetings with internal and external clients.
• Salary $80,000 to $100,000 commensurate with skills and experience
• The position will require some travel regionally within British Columbia for various projects and meetings with external stakeholders – school districts, GSAs, and others
• Anticipated Start date: April 1, 2024 (flexible depending on availability)

Accountability:

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for the strategic operations and management of QChat. They are responsible for two primary objectives: (1) conducting a needs assessment and QChat services and (2) capacity building activities to ensure QChat is well supported over the next five to ten years. Capacity building activities include: creating a stable funding infrastructure for QChat; obtaining federal charity status; creating a governance framework for QChat which is supported by the Board’s long-term vision; developing terms of reference for committee development to support volunteer-led activities such as communications, finance; and more. The Executive director will support up to 25 volunteers and ensure the successful monitoring of work plans and deliverables. The Executive Director reports to and is also responsible for working alongside and engaging the Board of Directors.

Over the course of the one-year term, the Executive Director’s key priorities will be to:

• The primary responsibility is to develop the long-term capacity of QChat through development and improvement of policies, procedures, operations, and funding infrastructure.
• The Executive Director will conduct an initial environmental scan/needs assessment of the province’s 2SLGBTQ+ youth peer support and referral landscape, especially in remote areas in British Columbia. They will also address actionable items such as gaps in services and the identification of future opportunities for peer support and advocacy. In this work consulting diverse 2SLGBTQ+ youth communities, improving caller feedback mechanisms, and rolling out an online survey.
• Review QChat’s procedures and policies in regard to volunteer training and retention specifically and implement needed changes based on the findings from activities 1 and 2. Specific outcomes include (1) an updated volunteer training module, (2) updated recruitment and training program, (3) develop QChat’s conflict resolution principles and other human resource policies, (3) and organizing continued education for volunteers including Mental Health First Aid training.

Required Skills and Experiences:

• Minimum 3 years of experience in an executive or senior leadership role in the non-profit sector.
• Knowledgeable and comfortable with the diverse issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, two-spirit, queer, asexual, and questioning youth across British Columbia.
• Understands and supports anti-oppression and anti-racism, through lived, theoretical, and practical methods.
• Strong people and human resources skills including coaching, mentoring, conflict resolution, and consensus-building.
• Budget and grant management skills, including budget preparation, analysis, and oversight.
• Experience collaborating in developing funding proposals and managing accountability to donors, including demonstrated experience with impactful report writing.
• Minimum undergraduate or graduate level education / training.

Application for Consideration:

QChat considers applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those who identify as part of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Grounded in principles of anti-racism and anti-oppression, we encourage applications from communities that are marginalized along other axes including race, migration, and disability.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.

If you are interested in this role, please submit a resume and cover letter focusing on demonstrated skills and why the position appeals to you by March 22nd, 2024 at 4pm PST.

Please submit your completed application to: letschat@qchat.ca with the subject line “QChat Executive Director Role – [INSERT YOUR NAME HERE]”

We appreciate all applications and interest in our organization, however only candidates who are selected for interviews will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Salary: $80,000.00-$100,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Work from home

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• management: 3 years (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Victoria, BC V9C 0P1

Application deadline: 2024-03-22
Expected start date: 2024-04-01