Executive Director

BEST | Better Environmentally Sound Transportation; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading non-profit organization focused on sustainable transportation seeks an Executive Director. The role emphasizes strategic leadership, operational management, and fostering community relationships, all aimed at advancing climate action and equity in transportation. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in non-profit management and a commitment to social change.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years in senior leadership roles within a non-profit or mission-driven organization.
• Strong acumen in managing operations and financial oversight.
• Deep commitment to equity, sustainability, and community resilience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all organizational functions.
• Lead fundraising strategies and manage donor relationships.
• Build partnerships and represent the organization publicly.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Financial Management

Operational Management

Fundraising

Communication

Relationship Building

Advocacy

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Google Workspace

CRM Software

Job description

BEST | Better Environmentally Sound Transportation

CAD 90,000 - 125,000

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Direct message the job poster from BEST | Better Environmentally Sound Transportation

We are seeking an Executive Director who is deeply committed to equity, climate action, and sustainable, accessible transportation. At BEST, we believe mobility is a human right and a catalyst for environmental and social change.

The Executive Director will work closely with the Board and staff to lead strategy, operations, programs, fundraising, and advocacy. This role is central to advancing our mission across British Columbia, with a strong focus on reconciliation, inclusion, and building resilient communities through practical, low-carbon mobility solutions.

Reports to: Board of Directors

Salary Range: $90,000 to $125,000 CAD annually + Performance Based Bonus Potential

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Management

• Create and execute the strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors, and Senior Management Team, and BEST staff.
• Develop, manage, and track work plans that operationalize the strategic plan.
• Provide timely reports and strategic recommendations to the Board on performance, risks, and opportunities.
• Monitor public policy developments to proactively advocate for sustainable transportation solutions and sustainability of BEST’s initiatives
• Facilitate strategic planning retreats, organizational reviews, and Board development initiatives.

Financial and Operational Management

• Oversee the financial health of BEST in collaboration with the Controller and external accountants.
• Recommend and present organizational budgets, monitor and report related spending, and ensure transparent communication with the Board in accordance with established policies.
• Manage financial performance, compliance, risk management, and reporting, working closely with the Operations Manager and Controller.

Organizational Management and Execution

Operational Oversight

• Provide high-level oversight and strategic direction for BEST’s operational infrastructure, ensuring alignment between organizational goals and execution on the ground.
• Work closely with the Operations Manager to evaluate organizational capacity, resolve operational challenges, and ensure alignment between day-to-day execution and BEST’s long-term goals.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and review of organizational policies, SOPs, and internal controls, ensuring consistency and compliance across all operational areas.

Project Oversight and Delivery

• Provide strategic guidance and oversight to BEST’s Project Manager to ensure they are aligned with the strategic plan, funder commitments and community impact goals.
• Support the Project Manager in planning, monitoring, and evaluating project timelines, budgets and deliverables.
• Engage with Project Coordinators, as needed, to ensure high-level alignment and provide support for complex or cross-departmental initiatives.

Fundraising and Development

• Lead BEST’s fundraising strategy, provide direction to the team to achieve goals and report results to funders.
• Identify and secure diverse funding sources, including grants, sponsorships, contracts, and individual donations in collaboration with the Business Development Coordinator.
• Develop and manage BEST’s membership program.
• Cultivate relationships with partners, foundations, corporate sponsors, governments, and major donors.

Human Resources and Organizational Development

• Identify organizational design needs and lead structural transitions (e.g., scaling, decentralization, hybrid models) in partnership with HR and department heads.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex employee relations or conflict resolution matters.
• Provide oversight for the development, implementation, and review of all HR policies and procedures in compliance with provincial/federal legislation, sector standards, and funder expectations.
• Oversee and approve employment contract frameworks, termination protocols, and organizational policies on whistleblowing, harassment, and workplace investigations.
• Act as the final decision-making authority for disciplinary action, terminations, and accommodations when escalated beyond the HR Coordinator’s scope.
• Champion a supportive, inclusive, and learning-centred workplace culture.

Stakeholder Relationship Building

• Lead and serve as the public representative of BEST.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships with our community, including funders, partners, policymakers, and the public.
• Lead marketing initiatives to develop and implement partnerships, public campaigns, and community engagement initiatives.

Skills and Qualifications

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of senior leadership in a non-profit, public sector, or mission-driven organization, with proven ability to manage both strategy and day-to-day operations
• Strong operational management skills, including experience overseeing programs, hiring people, supporting staff, and creating systems to ensure alignment with organizational goals
• Proven experience in fundraising, grant & proposal writing, and managing funder relationships.
• Strong financial acumen, including budget development, management, and reporting
• Strong strategic thinking and change management capabilities to lead the organization through growth and evolution
• Ability to establish and manage projects, to deliver organizational results
• Ability to build, supervise, mentor, and develop high-performing teams
• Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, advocacy, and cross-sector engagement and stakeholder relationship building
• Ability to prepare and present reports to the Board and stakeholders on organizational performance, finances, and impact
• Strong media relations and advocacy skills to represent the organization at various public events, media appearances, and conferences
• Experience managing an organization in accordance with justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles, and in accordance with Canadian nonprofit law, charitable compliance, and BC labour standards
• Proficiency with collaboration and productivity tools (e.g., Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack, Monday.com)

Preferred Qualification (Assets):

• Knowledge of sustainable transportation, mobility justice, equity approaches, environmental policy, and advocacy for equity-seeking groups (e.g., seniors, newcomers, youth)
• Experience with financial software
• Experience using CRM and donor platforms (e.g., Little Green Light, Salesforce NPSP)
• Experience developing and growing a membership program
• Familiarity with email marketing tools (Mailchimp, Substack, Campaigner), design platforms (Canva Pro), and CMS tools (WordPress, Squarespace)
• Comfort with data interpretation using tools like Google Analytics
• Awareness of digital security and data protection best practices

Work Environment and Conditions

• In-person on site with some potential for hybrid work
• Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for Board meetings, fundraising or program events, or urgent stakeholder activities

Organizational Values

At BEST, we believe mobility is a human right and access to sustainable transportation is a catalyst for environmental and social change. We are deeply committed to advancing reconciliation, equity, community resilience, and climate action through accessible, inclusive, and sustainable mobility options.

Please upload a single PDF file containing your cover letter and resume. If LinkedIn only allows a resume, email the combined PDF to [e-mail] with the subject line: Executive Director Application – [Your Name].

Seniority level

Seniority level

Executive

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

Job function

Business Development and Sales

• Job function

  Business Development and Sales

• Industries

  Non-profit Organization Management

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