Executive Director

About the Organization

The Victoria Downtown Residents Association (DRA) is seeking a passionate and community-minded Executive Director to lead our organization into its next phase of growth and impact.

The DRA is a volunteer-driven, non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life for people living in downtown Victoria. We advocate for a vibrant, inclusive, and livable downtown by amplifying resident voices, influencing municipal decision-making, and fostering meaningful community connections.

This is a unique opportunity for a values-driven leader who is energized by community advocacy, relationship building, and the challenge of growing a membership-based organization.

About the Role

Reporting to the President, the Executive Director provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the DRA. You will work closely with the Board and committees to advance organizational priorities, strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, and ensure long-term sustainability.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a collaborative environment and is equally comfortable shaping strategy and rolling up their sleeves to execute.

What You Will Do

Drive Membership Growth and Engagement

You will lead the rollout of the DRA’s membership development plan, including establishing baseline data through surveys and analysis. Working closely with the Communications and Membership Committee, you will design and deliver membership campaigns that grow and engage a diverse and representative base of downtown residents.

Lead Advocacy and Government Relations

You will build strong relationships with municipal staff and elected officials to ensure downtown residents’ voices are heard. You will actively advocate for the DRA’s priorities and influence decision-making on issues that impact the community.

Strengthen Financial Sustainability

You will identify and pursue new sources of operational funding to diversify revenue streams. This includes building relationships with granting organizations, donors, and community partners, and ensuring strong stewardship of all funding.

Elevate the DRA Brand and Communications

You will develop and implement communications and marketing strategies that increase awareness of the DRA and its impact. You will oversee all communications, media relations, and public messaging to ensure a consistent and compelling voice in the community.

Support Strategic and Governance Priorities

You will work with the Board to refresh and implement the strategic plan, ensuring clear alignment between priorities and execution. You will attend Board meetings, support agenda development, and provide regular updates on organizational activities and outcomes.

Build Strong People Practices

You will support the Human Resources Committee in establishing and maintaining an annual review process for employees and contractors. You will help foster a positive, inclusive, and well-managed working environment.

What You Bring

You are a relationship-builder, a strategic thinker, and a passionate advocate for community. You bring experience leading initiatives, working with diverse stakeholders, and driving meaningful results.

Key qualifications include:

• Experience in a leadership or senior operational role, ideally in a non-profit or community-based organization
• Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant development, or revenue diversification
• Experience building partnerships and engaging stakeholders, including government
• Strong communication and advocacy skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively with a Board and volunteers

Assets:

• Experience with membership-based organizations
• Skills in social media, marketing, or digital communications
• Knowledge of local government and community dynamics in Victoria

Why Join the DRA

This is an opportunity to make a visible and meaningful impact in Victoria’s downtown community. You will work alongside a dedicated Board and volunteers who are deeply committed to improving the neighbourhood and advocating for residents.

The role offers flexibility, autonomy, and the chance to shape the future of a growing and evolving organization.

Equity and Inclusion

The DRA is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming community. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, and individuals of diverse identities.

How To Apply

If you are excited by the opportunity to lead, grow, and advocate for a strong Downtown community, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and cover letter to president@victoriadra.ca by Friday, November 6th.

Applications will be reviewed as received. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.