Discover

The Opportunity

Sherbrooke, NS
Transportation
Experienced
Full-time
$45,500 / year

SMART-GO (St. Mary's Association for Rural Transit) is hiring an Executive Director to lead the charge in providing equitable, accessible, and supportive transportation solutions for residents of and visitors to the Municipality of the District of St. Mary's, Nova Scotia. In this role, you will help those with barriers related to age, health, mobility, disability, safety, finances, and lack of social support have access to reliable transportation.

While not yet on the road yet, the Executive Director will work with board members to develop and launch SMART-GO's transit services. In this pivotal role, the Executive Director will be tasked with building the foundation for operations, establishing key partnerships, and ensuring the successful initiation of transportation services.

Reporting to a volunteer Board of Directors, the successful candidate will be a dynamic and forward-thinking leader who will help us passionately pursue our goals to promote health and well-being, to increase social inclusion, and to support community prosperity.

What you'll do

Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement strategic vision that aligns with the organization's mission and values.
  • Establish day-to-day operations, including developing schedules, maintenance protocols, and dispatch activities to optimize service delivery.
  • Build positive relationships with residents, government, community organizations, and key stakeholders.
  • Advocate for the organization's mission at public forums, provincial meetings, and events, effectively communicating the importance of rural transit services.
  • Research, apply for, and secure grants to support the organization's startup and ongoing success.
  • Develop and execute fundraising strategies to diversify revenue streams and ensure financial sustainability.
  • Provide leadership to a growing team, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
  • Hire, train, and develop new staff members.
  • Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion internally and externally to the organization.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance with licenses, vehicle inspections, non-profit status, labor standards code, and any other relevant laws and regulations.
  • Sit on committees within the municipality and beyond on behalf of SMART-GO as directed by the Board.
  • Update website and social media, run effective marketing campaigns and develop material such as newsletters, press releases, and newspaper ads.

What you'll need

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Business Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management) preferred or equivalent work experience.
  • Proven experience in executive leadership roles, preferably within a non-profit or transit organization.
  • Strong financial management skills and experience in budget oversight, basic accounting, and reporting.
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills for effective community engagement.
  • Strong inter-personal skills and emotional intelligence to foster relationships with people of all different backgrounds.
  • Knowledge of rural transit issues and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by rural communities, particularly to the District of St. Mary's is preferred.
  • Ability to effectively use technology to increase efficiency, enhance communication and streamline processes. Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
  • Valid Driver's License required

We're looking for

Core Skills

Building Relationships Communication Skills Computer Skills Operating Budgets Organizational Leadership

A little bit about us

SMART-GO

SMART-GO is a public transportation non-profit organization in the development and start-up stage. SMART-GO will offer the community of the District of St. Mary's, Nova Scotia with equitable and accessible transportation solutions that will allow people to pre-book and offer door-to-door service. SMART-GO is fully funded for three years, after which time, fares, fundraising, and government grants will be required for sustainability. This community-based non-profit will exist to offer inclusive, accessible, supportive, professional transportation options primarily within a pre-booked, door-to-door model.

Are you interested?

Work With Us

  • Annual salary of $45,500 for an average of 35 hours worked per week (with opportunity to earn more in following years based on performance)
  • 2 weeks paid vacation
  • Paid sick/personal days
  • Laptop and cell phone provided for business use
  • Professional development budget
  • Regular coaching and support from dedicated sector partner
  • Office located in Sherbrooke
  • Flexibility to work from home and set your own working hours

Please submit your resume and coverletter by 11:00pm AST on February 10th, 2024. All applications will be reviewed and those moving forward will be contacted by email about next steps.