Chief Executive Officer, North Vancouver (CLOSED)
About Hiy̓ám̓ Housing
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, also known as the Squamish Nation, was established in 1923, and its vast territories include the Burrard Inlet, English Bay, False Creek, and Howe Sound watershed. As a member of the MST Development Corporation, the Squamish Nation leads and participates in some of North America’s most significant economic and real estate development projects, including Senákw, Canada’s first large-scale net zero operational carbon housing development.
On October 8, 2019, with a vision to house every Squamish person within a generation, Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council) approved the creation of a housing society called “Hiy̓ám̓ ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society” (“Hiy̓ám̓ Housing”), which means “The Squamish Are Coming Home.”
Headquartered in North Vancouver, Hiy̓ám̓ Housing is a not-for-profit organization that is mandated to lead the development and management of non-profit housing for the Squamish People, with a focus on affordable housing for low-to-moderate income families and supported housing. It is an arms-length organization overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for hiring and supervising Hiy̓ám̓ Housing’s CEO, who leads the organization’s day-to-day operations.
The Squamish Nation has approved six sites for Hiy̓ám̓ Housing to develop, the largest designation of lands for affordable rental housing in the Nation’s history, with three sites to break ground in 2022.
For more information, visit their website.
The Opportunity
Chief Executive Officer
Hiy̓ám̓ Housing is seeking qualified candidates to apply for their Chief Executive Officer position. This non-profit organization of excellence welcomes new vision and leadership that will build upon the successes of the past.
The primary undertaking for the CEO is to increase opportunities for Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh members to live full lives by providing high-quality, well-managed affordable housing as well as an array of supportive services. They will work to increase Hiy̓ám̓’s ability to help members achieve economic stability through resident supports that address access, culture, and community engagement.
The new CEO will articulate and lead a fiscally responsible strategy for effectively integrating all functions of the organization for future growth, possessing the leadership skills to inspire staff and the management skills to drive results. This is an exceptional time for a new leader to make a positive generational impact that will benefit the Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh members and the community as a whole. With over $100M in government funding approved for its first three projects, the new CEO will immediately take leadership of a solid pipeline of development projects, while inheriting a strong balance sheet, a devoted team, and a well-defined asset management function.
In partnership with experienced consultants, passionate staff, and significant Council support for affordable housing, the new CEO will enjoy an extraordinary opportunity to expand the organization’s impact with and for the Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh people.
Key Responsibilities
The new CEO will report to the Board of Directors with whom they are expected to collaborate and interact regularly. The CEO leads the Executive Team, which is still in the development phase. They are also expected to work closely with Squamish Nation Council and staff, Nch’kaỷ Development, and Squamish community members.
The core duties and responsibilities of the CEO include the following:
Strategic Leadership
Direct the visioning and strategic planning process in collaboration with the Board of Directors and the new management team to drive growth, innovation, long-term sustainability, and community impact. The new CEO will work with the Board of Directors and staff to implement the plan for stability and growth, however, they will be able to adjust, adapt, or augment the plan based on their experiences and market opportunities.
Deliver “integrated leadership” in which the Chair and CEO are collaboratively outward facing with potential partners and industry leaders, while also remaining connected internally with the team and its work.
Provide direction on business-related decisions, including potential joint ventures, acquisitions, and development opportunities.
Demonstrate commitment to Indigenous self-determination, tradition, and the value of cultural awareness.
Lead communications with the Squamish Council and the Squamish Nation community.
Management and Operations
Motivate and inspire Hiy̓ám̓’s high-performing team by providing leadership, training, and mentoring to the staff. Attract, retain, and reward best-in-class talent to continue to strengthen Hiy̓ám̓’s growth.
Provide oversight on all financial affairs, including the annual operating budget, annual financial audit, asset management, and overall financial strength.
Operate an environment of transparency, both internally and externally, and inspire participation and cooperation.
Encourage and foster collaboration across Nation departments that results in improved individual and organizational performance.
Facilitate the investment in and use of technologies to advance efficiencies, resident outcomes, and job satisfaction of the staff.
Developing funding and resources to support Hiy̓ám̓’s operations.
Work with the Board of Directors to build an expanded network of financial supporters and partners from the public and private sectors.
Seek and establish partnerships with funders, other housing agencies, non-profit, and for-profit organizations to leverage resources and increase the impact and outcomes beyond what each group can achieve independently.
Community Advocacy and Industry Leadership
Continue to develop and sustain a substantive and visible presence in regards to affordable housing (on and off reserve) at the local, provincial, and national levels to bring credibility, contacts, and business opportunities to Hiy̓ám̓.
Develop relationships with local, provincial, and federal government bodies as well as Indigenous leaders to influence and stay ahead of policy changes that impact on-reserve affordable housing and the members it serves. This will forge strategic pathways for Hiy̓ám̓ to continue strong development activity within the context of continuously changing conditions.
Essential Qualities and Experience
Our client inclusively invites all leaders with relevant backgrounds to apply, but priority will be given to Indigenous candidates and those who meet the following qualifications:
Minimum four years of progressive experience and leadership with affordable housing organizations with functions including development, ownership, asset management, construction, and site-based services. An understanding of Indigenous affordable housing development is an asset.
An educational background in business, finance, urban planning, real estate development, or a related field is preferred.
Enthusiasm to embrace Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh Nation’s communities, history, and culture.
Capacity to think strategically—focusing on the big picture, while engaging staff on tactical, operational, and technical matters.
Ability to problem solve and work in a participatory style of decision-making to determine, prioritize, and manage the tactics required to achieve the organization’s strategic initiatives.
Strong commitment to Indigenous self-determination, diversity, racial equity, and inclusion both within and outside the organization.
Being bilingual, preferably English coupled with an Indigenous language, is an asset.
Exceptional interpersonal skills that foster effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals; equally comfortable working with elected officials, business leaders as well as Nation members and Elders.
Demonstrated experience with public and private affordable housing funding resources and subsidy programs, including CMHC programs, BC Housing funding, and general philanthropy.
Highly-developed listening, written, and oral communication skills with an ability to articulate a clear and compelling vision; able to deliver effective presentations on complex topics.
Successful approach to communicating with representatives of the press; can provide statements and comments to the media, professional panels, and various other public-facing outlets.
Deep embrace and support of the organization's mission, culture, and core values.
Proficient understanding of regional dynamics and community economic development practices.
Compensation and Search Process
Hiy̓ám̓’s CEO position is a strategic leadership role and is budgeted to pay competitively within the sector, depending on experience.
The search process may include conventional longlist, shortlist, and committee interview stages. We will request for finalists to offer comprehensive references and a complete and thorough background check.
Our client values diversity, equity, and inclusion in our hiring and organizational policies and practices. We encourage candidates who require any accommodations to contact us directly with related questions, which can be addressed in confidence as appropriate.
To apply, please forward your resume and cover letter to
info@mosaicsearch.ca
You are also welcome to email
Dave Namkung (dave@mosaicsearch.ca) or
Beth Young (beth@mosaicsearch.ca) with any related questions.
