Executive Director of Member Services

The BCNU is seeking an Executive Director, Member Services, who is passionate about continually advancing the services we provide to our members!

Summary

Working with, and reporting to, the Chief Executive Officer, the Executive Director, Member Services provides strategic leadership and will advance BCNU’s member services such as, but not limited to, labour relations, occupational health & safety, communications, professional practice support, and the oversight of Minimum Nurse Patient Ratios (mNPR). This position works closely and collaboratively with other members of BCNU’s Council and senior staff. The incumbent will provide advice, guidance and interpretation to department leadership regarding matters in their portfolios. The incumbent will attend, participate and, at times, lead negotiation tables, including both at Nurses Bargaining Association (NBA) and other collective agreement bargaining.

The Executive Director is accountable for the responsible stewardship and effective management of the resources within their portfolio, including fiscal planning, budget development, expenditure oversight, and ensuring resources are aligned with BCNU’s strategic priorities and organizational objectives. The incumbent will exercise sound financial judgment and accountability while ensuring the effective and sustainable delivery of member services.

This position is responsible for creating and maintaining strong working relationships internally with BCNU members and staff, as well as a diverse range of external partners. The incumbent will foster a culture of excellence, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement, creating an environment in which staff are empowered to achieve high standards of service and performance in support of BCNU’s members.

The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership within their portfolio, working collaboratively across the organization to advance BCNU’s priorities and ensure services are responsive to the evolving needs of members and the organization.

Specific Accountabilities

The role of the Executive Director is multifaceted, combining significant leadership and professional responsibilities:

Strategy

• Represents BCNU in a variety of forums including collective bargaining.
• May lead collective agreement bargaining for various contracts including the NBA and independent agreements.
• Works with the President, CEO and other senior leaders within the organization to develop bargaining strategies.
• Builds on relationships with other healthcare unions, particularly the constituent unions of the NBA.
• Plays a critical role in building relationships with healthcare employers, HEABC and various government ministries developing strategies to affect change.
• Develops a robust member services strategy, including advancement of innovative solutions to enhance member satisfaction.
• Ensures alignment and integration of operational plans with the organization’s mission, vision, values, and strategic directions.
• Incorporates the principles of Truth and Reconciliation throughout their work.
• Promotes diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Execution

• Executes member services strategies which may include implementation of service standards and protocols.
• Provides work direction through Directors/Managers to represent BCNU members.
• Oversees and manages Directors/Managers who conduct staff evaluations.
• Guides Directors and Managers in their portfolio in staff performance management up to and including termination.
• Executes bargaining strategies at negotiations.
• Seeks methods to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of BCNU resources, including improving systems, processes, procedures, and/or controls.

Networks and Influence

• Communicates with elected officials, including BCNU Council.
• Provides leadership and strategic directions for staff under their portfolio.

Subject Matter Expertise

• Develops, implements, and evaluates established policies and procedures to ensure the effective and efficient operation of services and programs.
• Ensures that positions of the union are consistently advanced, and the members’ rights are upheld.
• Develops proposals and addresses labour relations, occupational health & safety, and other issues at the various bargaining tables.

Leadership

• Provides leadership to oversee the planning, development, and implementation of BCNU’s legal strategy.
• Develops and executes the operations plan as it relates to BCNU’s labour relations, occupational health & safety, and servicing strategy in a manner consistent with the mission and policies of BCNU.
• Demonstrates progressive leadership.

Mentorship

• Provides mentorship to members of their team ensuring staff satisfaction, retention and growth,
• Role-models exemplary behavior and actions.
• May provide mentorship to other elected members or members in general (e.g. Stewards, Regional Executive)

Data and Reporting

• Establishes strategic priorities, key performance indicators and reporting frameworks to monitor the effectiveness of programs, services and initiatives within the portfolio.
• Ensures appropriate systems, processes and protocols are in place to collect, analyze and report accurate, timely and relevant information.
• Uses data, trends and performance information to identify emerging issues, risks, opportunities and areas for improvement, and provides strategic advice to the Chief Executive Officer and Council.
• Works collaboratively across the organization to strengthen reporting practices and ensure information supports strategic planning, resource allocation and effective member service delivery.

Budget and Financial

• Provides strategic leadership and oversight of the portfolio’s financial planning and budget development, ensuring resources are aligned with BCNU’s strategic priorities and operational requirements.
• Oversee the development, implementation and monitoring of operating budgets across labour relations, occupational health & safety, communications, professional practice and other servicing areas.
• Ensures responsible stewardship of financial resources, including monitoring expenditures, identifying variances, managing financial risks and taking appropriate corrective action to ensure fiscal objectives are achieved.
• Provides financial analysis, forecasting and recommendations to the Chief Executive Officer and Council to support informed decision-making and effective allocation of resources.
• Ensures expenditures and financial decisions are consistent with approved budgets, organizational policies and appropriate levels of accountability.

Other duties may be assigned by the CEO or President.

Candidate Qualifications

Education and Professional Certifications

• A college or university undergraduate education in arts, law, industrial relations or nursing.
• Master’s level, in a related discipline and/or law.
• An undergraduate degree with demonstrated and extensive labour relations and leadership experience may be considered as an equivalency.

Experience and Knowledge

• At least ten years of advocacy experience working for a union, healthcare, or other social justice organization.
• Extensive knowledge of labour law, health & safety regulations, disability management, human rights, and healthcare sector issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in dealing with governments and their agencies.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to manage change.

Key Competencies

• Demonstrates and leads a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing reconciliation and cultural safety and redressing the harms of indigenous-specific racism.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and conflict management skills.
• Excellent problem solving, analytical and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a collaborative, consultative manner.
• Ability to develop, implement and monitor operational plans.
• Ability to be innovative and solution focused.
• Ability to effectively present to a governing board.
• Proven organizational skills, ability to effectively prioritize and work under pressure.
• Travel will be required for this position.

Why work at BCNU?

BCNU speaks up and speaks out for safe, quality, public health care. We pride ourselves in providing protection, representation, and services to all members and in supporting our employees. Our organizational values are rooted in respect, integrity, and collaboration, guiding us in building a workplace culture where everyone feels they can bring their authentic selves to work. We recognize and prioritize cultural and psychological health and safety. As part of our dedication to equity and justice, we honour the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's calls to action and are actively engaged in advancing Indigenous-focused initiatives.

We offer an inclusive workplace with a comprehensive range of benefits and resources to promote well-being, career growth and work-life balance. This includes but is not limited to:

• Competitive compensation and extended health and dental benefits package
• Municipal Pension Plan
• 4 weeks vacation entitlement to start
• Hybrid work environment
• Education and professional development opportunities