Executive Director

About the PEA

The Professional Employees Association (PEA) is a labour union. Its constitution sets out similar objectives, and labour law gives it the same rights and obligations to represent its members in collective bargaining as apply to other labour unions in British Columbia.

PEA members are distributed among different chapters. The employees in each chapter have a separate employer. The PEA bargains with each employer for the purpose of concluding collective agreements that define the salaries, benefits and employment terms that apply to employees for the term of the agreement.

As indicated in our name, the PEA is comprised primarily of professional employees. Our Constitution defines a professional employee as typically exercising a predominantly intellectual skill customarily at work, which is acquired by completing a prolonged course of instruction in an institution of higher learning. You can read a lot more about us and our history on our website.

Role Purpose

The Executive Director (ED) of the Professional Employees Association (PEA) ensures effective management and strategic direction, overseeing governance, financial controls, human resources, and stakeholder relations on behalf of the PEA. This role is the most senior leadership role in the organization, with oversight of strategic planning, staff management, and acting as a media spokesperson. The Executive Director reports directly to the elected PEA Executive board, providing strategic planning, guidance and operational leadership to the organization, under the guidance of the PEA Executive board.

Responsibilities:

Governance and Strategic Planning

• Ensure accountability to the PEA Executive.
• Coordinate and implement the PEA’s annual strategic plan.
• Monitor progress towards priorities and member satisfaction.
• Identify emerging issues and trends.
• Provide leadership and support to the PEA Executive and subcommittees.
• Oversee triennial PEA conventions.
• Orient new PEA Executive and committee members.

Organization and Management

• Ensure sound budgeting, risk management, and financial controls.
• Provide valuable education for members and local reps.
• Liaise with the PEA’s investment advisor.
• Guide PEA communications and act as the PEA Privacy Officer.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.

Human Resources

• Maintain a positive workplace culture and human resource framework.
• Supervise staff and manage labour relations.
• Ensure a staff succession plan is in place.

Stakeholder Relations

• Establish and maintain relationships with chapters and external stakeholders.
• Act as media spokesperson and represent the PEA in public forums.

Membership Services

• Provide guidance for effective chapter labour relations.
• Support Labour Relations Officers in negotiation and implementation of collective agreements.

Qualifications:

Education and Training

• An undergraduate degree or equivalent combination of training and experience required.
• A graduate degree is an asset.

Knowledge

• Deep knowledge of British Columbia labour unions, labour movement history and relevant laws and regulations.
• Familiarity with British Columbia Occupational Health & Safety and Human Rights legislation.
• Commitment to the PEA’s vision, mission, and policies.

Skills / Abilities

• Ability to build effective relationships with leadership, staff, and stakeholders.
• Positive attitude and ability to work in a complex environment.
• Understanding of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Optimal communication and organization skills, with the ability to effectively prioritize areas of focus.

Experience

• Leadership experience in a union/professional association environment.
• Management/supervisory experience with boards or union executives.
• Experience in strategic, operational, and financial planning.
• Proven ability to navigate organizational politics and propose strategic initiatives and creative solutions.
• To meet the requirements of this senior role, 10 or more years of relevant leadership experience in a comparable work environment is required.

Application Information:

To learn more about the Professional Employees Association and this opportunity, please read the job description and view the Opportunity Profile.

If you are excited for the opportunity to lead a progressive and dynamic labour union, please apply with your resume and cover letter.

This posting will remain open until 3:00 pm Pacific time on Friday, August 16, 2024. We will start reviewing applications immediately, so please don’t hesitate to apply!

The Professional Employees Association believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to our success and have a team that reflects the diversity of the chapters and communities we serve. We highly encourage applicants of all genders, ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, and abilities to apply. If you have any questions or need any assistance during the recruitment process, please contact mark@engagedhr.com.

We acknowledge and respect the lək ̓ʷ əŋən peoples and the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations on whose traditional territory we work.