The Opportunity
To be the Executive Administrator of the British Columbia Society of Landscape Architects (BCSLA) that has, since 1964, been the regulatory agency responsible for professional Landscape Architects in British Columbia. Landscape Architects are leaders in the planning, design, development and management of natural and built environments through a range of roles in public and private practice.
The Executive Administrator is the chief administrator of the Society under the direction of the Board of Directors and will support the transition of the Society to becoming a recognized regulatory body under the Professional Governance Act of BC.
About the Society
The BCSLA is dedicated to upholding public health, safety and welfare as it relates to the professional practice of landscape architecture. This work is accomplished in the context of government regulations, potential liability and current best practices in the profession.
The Society, under the regulations of the Architects (Landscape) Act, determines and ensures that qualifications for membership in the profession are met, that members remain in good standing and that any complaints are investigated and resolved.
There are currently more than 800 members of the Society, including Registered Landscape Architects, interns and student members. Please check out our website for more information on the work of the Society and Landscape Architects. https://www.bcsla.org/profession/what-landscape-architecture
What makes you the ideal candidate?
As Executive Administrator of the BCSLA you are highly proficient in all competencies associated with association management including planning, finance, membership development and support, office administration, communications, volunteer and governance support, and technology. You are results and detailed oriented, with the ability to firmly and fairly set expectations and hold self and others accountable. You are a critical thinker who is a collaborative team leader and a team player. You are a strong communicator.
You have the ability to forge strong internal and external partnerships establishing productive relationships with professional and community partners, members, volunteers, and sponsors.
What are your Roles ?
You will administer the business of the Society under the direction of the Board of Directors providing strategic advice to the Board, committees and working groups. You will report to the Board monthly and as necessary with background information, materials and other documents supporting the Board in exercising its governance and regulatory roles. Your monthly report will include all the activities of the administration team and the status of ongoing programs and issues facing the Society.
The Executive Administrator must identify, plan and prioritize the work to be done and take action, facilitating decision-making and making connections to accomplish that work.
Knowledge of the role and practise of Landscape Architecture and its issues would be ideal but experience with the workings of regulatory bodies and their relationships with governments is very important.
BCSLA has a current staff of two administrative staff, in addition to the Executive Administrator and operates both in-person and virtually, based on the needs of the organization. You will supervise and work collaboratively with the staff.
What will you achieve?
You will support the initiatives Board of Directors with development and implementation and measurable goals and actions, to be accomplished by staff and volunteers, over both the short and long term.
You will advise the Board, and take advice and direction from the Board, on how best to accomplish the goals of the Society.
You will support the development of an appropriate governance model and bylaws as the Society transitions to becoming a regulatory body under the PGA.
With the Board, our members and government, you will manage all of the changes to the professional qualifications and member requirements of all categories of landscape architects in the context of the government regulations.
You will provide continued support of all volunteer activities as they ensure membership qualifications including continuing education and other regulation activities.
You will possess an understanding of the position of the executive administrator vis a vis the roles and responsibilities of the Board of Directors.
A more detailed job description is included in this posting.
Your Education and Experience
A Bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least four years of relevant management experience as an Executive Administrator would be preferred.
You will have:
Demonstrated experience in management, board relationships and community and/or volunteer leadership;
Knowledge of legislative requirements including health and safety, employment legislation, and privacy would be a benefit;
An understanding and a commitment to implementing principles of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in support of a just organizational culture;
Proficiency in computer software including Microsoft Office, that will ensure the effective and efficient operation of the Society.
