• Location: Downtown Toronto, Ontario (Richmond St. W. & Spadina Ave.)
• Date Posted: 24 June 2016
  Closing Date: 28 July 2016
  Time Commitment: 4 days per week
• Wage: $55,000 – $65,000 (commensurate with experience)
  Duration: 1-year initial contract, with the potential for renewal (depending on funding and organizational direction)
• Start Date: 15 September 2016

ABOUT TREC

TREC is Canada’s leader in the development of community-owned renewable energy. We directly support co-ops, Indigenous communities and social enterprises with our project and financial management services, and inform policy through our research and advocacy efforts. Established in 1998, TREC developed Canada’s first community owned wind energy project, the WindShare Co-operative. We have since incubated and supported many other successful community energy initiatives and co-ops including SolarShare Co-op, TREC Education and the Federation of Community Power Co-operatives. www.trec.on.ca

ABOUT THE FCPC

The Federation of Community Power Co-operatives (FCPC) is a province-wide umbrella organization for community power co-ops in Ontario that are developing energy projects. The FCPC was created by co-ops for co-ops to enable co-operation and mutual support within the sector and to speak with one voice to address their needs. www.fcpcoops.ca

SUMMARY OF ROLE

This is a senior management position to be shared between two organisations: TREC Renewable Energy Co-operative and the Federation of Community Power Co-ops.  Both are non-profit co-ops that work collaboratively to support the growth and expansion of community power in Ontario and beyond. The candidate will report to two boards but the topics areas to be covered will be similar in nature.

For the FCPC, the role will focus on member coordination and strategic communications to support a government relations strategy to be rolled out over the next year. For TREC the role will focus on partnership building and supporting TREC’s Community Member & Investment Services, Communications and Research departments in assessing needs of clients and disseminating information.  In both cases strong organisation, strategic thinking and communication skills are critical and a key requirement of the candidate.

For both organisations, the candidate will attend energy and environment events in Ontario, in order to stay current on policy, and to foster partnerships that support community power.  Because of the complimentary nature of work of TREC and the FCPC the two organisations believe that a combined role is the best solution for the sector and we have prior experience of this working effectively.

As this is a transitional time for our sector (due to changing government policy), the job will require flexibility and thinking on your feet. Experience in change management is an asset.

You will be working with a dynamic team of experienced, committed individuals in a collaborative, supportive, fast-paced environment. The position is suited to someone seeking to build their career and motivated to have an impact on energy democracy in Ontario and beyond.

JOB DESCRIPTION/AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

In the FCPC role, the candidate will:

• Coordinate with the Board and broader FCPC membership to understand project challenges and policy needs; facilitate regular calls and an Annual General Meeting as agreed with the Board of Directors
• Refine and deliver a government relations and communications strategy with support from the Board and members
• Work with admin staff to review financials, circulate member communications and collect member dues
• Explore possible funding options and business models for the FCPC beyond membership fees
• Broaden and strengthen the relationship of the FCPC with relevant stakeholders and explore new partnerships to support FCPC’s mission and expand its reach to new members and audiences;

In the TREC role, the candidate will:

• Broaden and strengthen the relationship of TREC with relevant stakeholders and explore new partnerships to support TREC’s mission and expand its reach to new clients and relevant audiences;
• Strategically support TREC’s three departments: Services, Research and Communications by being the go-between with external audiences and working with each department to meet its potential
• Work with TREC’s Management Team to ensure program deliverables are met and ensure appropriate fiscal and organizational controls are deployed;
• Ensure programs are sufficiently funded by working with team members on preparing proposals, and pursuing other funding sources
• Work with TREC’s Management team to set the annual budget and review financials before they go to the Board
• Work with the Operations Manager and Executive Committee to coordinate HR needs
• Report to the Board as the go-between for the Management Team

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Professional and dynamic presence with the ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders;
• Ability to coordinate diverse teams and communicate effectively between them
• Demonstrated strategic communication skills (oral and written); government relations experience an asset
• Strong organizational skills;
• Ability to manage change and support the growth and evolution of a dynamic organization/organizational division;
• Knowledge of and passion for climate change and/or renewable energy, energy conservation, energy policy, etc.
• Sense of humour and team oriented work ethic;
• Excellent time-management skills, balancing the need between meeting internal requirements and external business/project deliverables;
• Ability to take initiative and be accountable for decisions;
• Experience working in the not-for-profit / co-op sector is an asset.
• Experience working with Indigenous groups an asset
• Business development experience an asset

HOW TO APPLY

Please provide an updated resume and cover letter to:
[email protected]

Please indicate: Managing Director in the subject line.

The cover letter should clearly address the following: a) why you feel you are qualified for this position, b) how your previous experiences will contribute to the on-going success of TREC and the FCPC, c) your vision for community power in Ontario based on what you know about the energy / co-op sector and d) your interest in and passion for community power. Your letter should not exceed 2 pages.

Please compile the letter and resume in a PDF and send as a single attachment. Use your name as the file name. Applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis, the sooner we receive your application the better, and not later than 28 July, 10 am.

We thank you for your application, but only those chosen for an interview will be contacted .

The position deadline will be extended if no suitable candidate is found.

TREC is an equal opportunity employer.