Trailhead Development Company Inc.

Higher Talent is currently seeking passionate and entrepreneurial minded candidates for the position of Executive Director for our client, Trailhead Development Company Inc., which is located in Parson’s Pond on the Great Northern Peninsula, Newfoundland and Labrador.

THE OPPORTUNITY:

This is a rare opportunity for a visionary and highly motivated individual to create a personal legacy and help improve the sustainability of rural communities on the Northern Peninsula.  With a strong financial footing and a board of highly experienced individuals providing support the successful candidate will be able to truly make a difference.

WHO WE ARE:

The Trailhead Development Company Inc. (TDC) is a newly incorporated, not-for-profit organization with the funding and mandate to advance a comprehensive, innovative, workforce development strategy for the benefit of the Town of Parson’s Pond and region.

Our purpose is to create several market-driven attractions within Parson’s Pond; purposeful attractions that draw the attention of the adventure tourist looking to begin a journey along the Great Coastal Trail (a separate but exciting and complementary initiative). Our efforts are intended to be scalable and to create workforce development through training and skills arising from the operation of targeted, social enterprises.  The goal is to lever significant private sector investment in accommodations, food and hospitality services, as well as direct and indirect workforce participation within the cultural sector and the outfitting sector including specialized services such as equipment rentals and other attributable benefits once proof of concept has been established. The TDC project will create training models and opportunities to ensure that a highly skilled workforce is in place to accomplish this potential. Projects are intended to be scalable to other community investments both inside and outside of the community of Parsons Pond.

In our early phase TDC, in partnership with the Central Development Association (CDA), will oversee and facilitate the construction of a 28-kilometer Demonstration Trail from Parson’s Pond to Daniel’s Harbour on the Great Northern Peninsula.

THE ROLE:

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for providing leadership, direction, and overall management of the association to advance a comprehensive, innovative, workforce development strategy for the benefit of the Town of Parson’s Pond and region. The role requires an understanding of economic development and project management, new social enterprise start-up, and board governance. The Executive Director will have excellent organizational and communication skills, ability to foster relationships with key stakeholders and partners to expand leverage and increase the long-term sustainability of the enterprise. Key responsibilities include:

  • Strategic Leadership – lead the development and implementation of short and long-term strategic plans. Work closely with the board of directors, providing regular operational and financial updates, as well as ensuring sound board governance practices, policies, and effective communication.
  • Financial Planning and Management – oversee the financial health of the association including budget development, timely activity and financial reporting, sound internal controls, and fiscal responsibility.
  • Operational & Project Management – develop and execute an annual operational plan that supports the goals, objectives, and strategic direction of the association.
  • Human Resource Management – hire, lead, and coach a high-performing team, fostering a positive, engaged, and collaborative work culture. Develop and implement all related HR policies and procedures.
  • Economic Development – research, develop and promote innovative labour market strategies and pilot projects arising from emerging opportunities associated with the continuous, regional tourism hiking/biking attraction currently under development known as the Great Coastal Trail.
  • Community Relations – serve as principal spokesperson for TDC through broad public engagements, communication, and media interviews that promote and represent the association. Develop and maintain impactful and collaborative partnerships with key stakeholders to help achieve the goals and objectives of the association.
  • Risk Management – Identify, assess, monitor, and limit risk exposure associated with financial, operational, cybersecurity, reputational challenges, etc. through implementing strategies to minimize or mitigate their impact on the association.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE:                                                                   

  • 10+ years of progressive senior leadership experience with relevant experience in new enterprise start-up, board governance, accountability practice, and project management.
  • A Post-secondary Degree in an area relevant to the position.
  • Exceptional strategic and operational planning skills including the ability to manage multi-year complex projects.
  • Strong knowledge of community economic development models and approaches, workforce strategies, social entrepreneurship, opportunities and challenges facing the Great Northern Peninsula, tourism and marketing, infrastructure development, and approval processes.
  • Demonstrated experience in collaborating with various levels of government, private sector, and other not-for- profits to build partnerships to expand leverage and increase the long-term sustainability of the enterprise.
  • Well developed communication, interpersonal, media relations, public speaking, and presentation skills.
  • Exceptional networking and relationship building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Strong organizational, project management, and time management skills.
  • Excellent problem solving, decision making, priority setting, and critical thinking skills.

OUR COMMITMENT TO EMPLOYMENT EXCELLENCE:

  • We offer an attractive Total Compensation package which includes a fair and equitable salary, comprehensive benefit package, employer matching RRSP, and personal days off.
  • Travel throughout Newfoundland and Labrador may be required including the ability to work flexible hours.
  • Must be willing to live in the Parson’s Pond region for a minimum of four months for each year of the project.
  • A valid drivers license and access to a vehicle is required.

HOW TO APPLY: Please apply online in confidence to https://jumpcareers.ca/bullhorn/#/jobs/1257

We know it’s rare for someone to meet 100% of the qualifications and you don’t need all the listed credentials to add incredible value to the Trailhead Development Company. If you are a passionate and entrepreneurial minded leader, and are prepared to meet the challenges as outlined, apply in confidence today! For more information, please contact:

Christine Phillips | HR Consultant & Executive Recruiter | christine@highertalent.ca

Higher Talenthttps://highertalent.ca/

At Higher Talent we recognize the value of diversity and are committed to making intentional steps toward building inclusive teams that better reflect the communities Higher Talent and the organizations we serve operate within. We believe that inclusion is not just about making room at the table but about seeking out talent through a diversity lens and letting everyone know that their unique perspectives are important contributions to building stronger workplaces in a changing world. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply for our posted positions. We welcome candidates to self-identify or make our recruitment team aware of any potential accommodations they may need during the recruitment process. This opportunity is only available for candidates legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates being considered for an interview will be contacted.

To apply for this job please visit jumpcareers.ca.