Member Services Specialist

Full-time Contract / December 4^th , 2023 – March 31^st, 2025 (renewal of contract subject to continuation of funding)

EXTERNAL POSTING

*PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO INDIGENOUS CANDIDATES”

The BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) is seeking a skilled and motivated individual to join the Programs & Member Services team and support the development and delivery of specialized supports to member Friendship Centres.

As the umbrella organization for 25 Friendship Centres across BC, the BCAAFC endeavors to ensure that BC Friendship Centres have the means to successfully deliver programs and services that support urban Indigenous people to achieve their vision of health and wellness. We support Friendship Centres to serve their communities in several different ways including advocacy, fundraising, training, and ‘Member Services’. Member Services include a wide range of efforts aimed at supporting healthy operations, governance, human resources, leadership, and finances, among other key features of effective organizational management.

Working closely with the Programs & Member Services Team Lead and other members of the team, the Member Services Specialist will play a key role in ensuring that member services initiatives are successfully carried out, and Friendship Centres have ongoing access to effective, meaningful, and proactive supports.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Friendship Centre Supports:

• Reports to the Programs & Member Services Team Lead and works closely with the Contracts Manager to support member centers through technical supports in governance, operations, human resources and finance.
• Establish technical support resources in governance, operations, human resources and finance.
• Administer Special Bi-lateral Agreements and Recovery Work Plans for Friendship Centres requiring intensive supports and/or oversight.
  • Work collaboratively with the member centre to establish a detailed recovery plan that addresses their immediate needs for stabilization and identifies longer-term strategies for success.
  • Provide monthly and quarterly check-ins with member centres that are on Special Agreement, track progress, identify emerging needs or concerns, and provide on-going supports and resources.
• Specialized supports for Friendship Centres experiencing acute crises and/or struggling to recover from long term financial, operational, human resources and/or governance issues.
  • When possible, provide support directly to the Centre.
  • Help the Friendship Centre to identify third party consultants who are able to meet their needs.
• Ensure effective implementation of the updated Member Standards and Services Manual.
  • Ensure centres facing difficulty understand member standards and expectations, relevant BCAAFC protocols, and what resources and services are available to them.
• Work with the BCAAFC Elders Council to increase their involvement in providing cultural support and guidance to Friendship Centres in difficulty.
• Maintain accurate, detailed records of all ongoing communication with Friendship Centres.
• Provide updates to BCAAFC management on the status of Friendship Centre organizational health.
• Keep track of common concerns in the Friendship Centres and collaborate with the Programs & Members Services Team Lead and BCAAFC leadership to discuss and explore long-term, sustainable solutions.
• Travel within the province to connect with Friendship Centres, provide support as needed/requested, and build meaningful in-person connections with Friendship Centre leadership and staff.

Establish a Peer Advisory Committee:

• Revitalize and re-establish a Peer Advisory Committee – a group of skilled and experienced volunteers from the Friendship Centre movement that offer guidance on how to resolve complex issues that arise from time to time.
  • Review past work and create a revitalization plan.
  • Work closely with the BCAAFC Elders Council and membership to help guide this work.
  • Recruit new members and support the implementation of this advisory committee.

Resource Development:

• Source and/or develop accessible tools and resources for use by Friendship Centres that are aligned with Friendship Centre values and a decolonial vision, such as:
  • Self-Assessment Tools
  • Adaptable templates (for bylaws, policy documents, job descriptions/postings, terms of reference, etc.)
  • Build a list of trusted contractors and consultants for commonly needed services (governance, strategic planning, IT vendors, legal support, HR evaluations, auditors, etc.)
  • Compile resources on best practices for HR and governance for non-profits
  • Research relevant trainings and educational opportunities
• Stay up to date on relevant legislations to ensure compliance of our member centres, including the BC Societies Act, WCB, & Employment Standards.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent customer service and relational skills and the ability to navigate and diffuse tense relational dynamics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills – both written and oral.
• The ability to juggle multiple projects, strategically identify priorities, and manage time effectively.
• Strong problem solving and decision-making skills.
• The ability to respond to urgent issues with a calm mindset. The ability to maintain equilibrium through stressful situations and challenging conversations.
• The ability to work well both under a supervisor and without supervision on assigned projects. Must have the ability to self-direct as well as communicate and collaborate with a team.
• Strong conflict management and conflict facilitation skills.
• Ability to gather and synthesize information from diverse sources and analyse issues and options from multiple perspectives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience working in a management/leadership role within non-profit organizations or service organizations.
• Post-secondary education in Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Public Administration, Indigenous Governance, Indigenous Studies, or related human or social services field.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and organizations.
• First degree in Business Administration or related field is required.
• Proficiency in MS Word, MS Excel and MS Outlook.
• Demonstrated communication skills – written and verbal.
• Experience in board governance for non-profits is an asset.
• Experience with human resources management is an asset.
• Experience as an Executive Director of a non-profit is an asset.
• Criminal Records Credit and Vulnerable Sector check is a requirement of the position.

Position Information:

• This position is located at 551 Chatham St. in downtown Victoria, with the option to work remotely.
• The workweek is 35 hours, 9:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday. Some overtime may be required.
• Travel throughout BC is required.
• Priority is given to Indigenous, Inuit, and Metis candidates. Ensure your cover letter self-identifies ancestry and your experience meeting required skills and abilities.

The BCAAFC offers benefits once you complete your three-month probationary period. In return for all that you do, you will enjoy:

• A competitive compensation package, including three weeks paid vacation.
• $65,000 – $70,000 starting salary based on experience.
• Accessible work space including offices, open work stations and elevators.
• RRSP matching of up to 8% of annual salary.

If you want to join our team send your resume and cover letter by 4:00pm Friday November 20, 2023 to:

PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING IN THE SUBJECT LINE: Member Services Specialist

Rebecca Lang | Manager of HR and Special Projects

BC Association Aboriginal Friendship Centres

551 Chatham St. Victoria, BC V8T 1E1
Office: 250-388-5522, or 1-800-990-2432  (fax) 250-388-5502
Email: rlang@bcaafc.com | Website:  www.bcaafc.com

Pursuant to section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to applicants of Aboriginal ancestry.

(ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED)