Opening their doors in 1999 to 12 students, New Heights School & Learning Services has a simple goal of giving families a safe, friendly community to support children on the autism spectrum. Motivated by families who believe there could be more for their children, New Heights has continued to evolve and offer strategic programming, so students develop strong interpersonal relationships.
New Heights is a Designated Special Education Private School (DPEPS) reaching children ages 3-20 and is equipped to offer education using the Alberta Program of Studies from Kindergarten through Grade 12. Curriculum materials can be differentiated for each student through their individualized program plans.
In addition to the school, New Heights also has a Home & Community Support program for preschool aged children and their families, a Transition to Adulthood program for young adults with ASD who are graduating from or are alumni of New Heights school, and an Employment Program for High School students to obtain and maintain part-time employment.
OUR VISION: A community dedicated to pioneering a bright future for individuals on the autism spectrum to live independent, confident, and purposeful lives.
OUR MISSION: Preparing our kids for the community, and the community for our kids.
THE OPPORTUNITY:
The Executive Director is responsible for the effective operation of all programs run by New Heights. The Executive Director will administer and supervise New Heights and its staff and serve as a strong advocate and leader for our core values.
The Executive Director will work collaboratively and have overall accountability on behalf of all administrative staff to the Board of Directors, the Members of the Society, and all funders.
It is the Executive Director’s responsibility to “set the table.” This means that the job is to ensure a work environment, including culture, processes, facilities, and financial clarity that enables program administrators to run their programs effectively and efficiently.
Responsibilities and Duties:
Overall Management
- Embody, advocate for, and execute on the mission, values, and strategic direction of New
- Collaborate with the program administrators and Board of Directors in the development of the long-range Strategic Plan and Annual Business Plan for New Heights.
- Consistently plan for and execute the strategic initiatives of New
- Attend all regularly scheduled Board of Directors meetings, collaborate with the board chair to prepare for and attend the Annual General
- Prepare a monthly progress report summarizing progress with respect to meeting goals outlined in the Annual Business Plan and implement board/committee recommendations into practice.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations and ensure all necessary documentation and records relating to the administration and operation of the society and the individual programs are maintained and available for inspection by the Board of Directors or by an auditor appointed by the Board of Directors.
- Supervise the day-to-day operations of New
- Attend any meetings with funding officials, administrative or accounting staff, committees or task forces as required.
Personnel Management
- Ensure program development and management undertaken by program administration and staff is in accordance with the policies, procedures and regulations of our funders, our governing documents, and our charitable registration.
- Provide leadership and direction around personnel management including staffing projections, staffing levels, performance appraisals and resolution of day-to-day issues and
- Develop succession plans for
- Support administration and staff with the resolution of issues brought forward by parents as
Facility Operations: Oversight & Operations
- Oversee facility operations, including structure and space utilization occupancy or code requirements such as fire or safety codes, insurance, and janitorial services,
- Responsible for building maintenance or repair issues and arranging for services to perform the work.
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors on any requirements related to new buildings, facilities, or renovations.
- Act on behalf of the school in the negotiation or management of facility rental or lease agreements and as a liaison with building property owners or management
- Oversee any alterations or modifications made to the facility including receiving quotations for any contract work and the day-to-day management of any contract work undertaken.
Financial Management
- Develop annual budget, manage budgets, and make recommendations to the Board of
- Provide financial reports to the board and other agencies as
- Ensure that all programs operate within approved budgets or
- Oversee the successful completion of financial audits and implement the recommendations from the auditors.
Communications Management
- Establish and maintain professional and cooperative working relationships with all stakeholders: parents, students, staff, neighbors, and partners.
- Maintain a visible and accessible presence to the New Heights
- Advocate for New Heights in the greater
- Communicate issues, concerns, and needs to the Board of
- Represent New Heights at other meetings and
- Supervise frequent and regular communications with families and other stakeholders through a newsletter, website, one-on-one meetings, etc. as appropriate.
- Supervise outreach and marketing for the purposes of maintaining enrollment and development.
THE PERSON:
The ideal candidate will possess a track record of success in progressive management and leadership experience, preferably in the not-for-profit sector. Knowledge and experience working in education, childcare and/or early childhood development would be considered a strong asset.
The successful candidate will be an energetic, mission driven and effective communicator who is committed to making a difference in our community. The successful candidate will possess significant experience representing an organization within the community and amongst stakeholders and/or government.
QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
- An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will also be considered an asset.
- Solid business acumen combined with familiarity with the sector.
- Knowledge of relevant community and government resources and stakeholders is an asset.
- Experience with resource development would be considered an asset.
- Experience in identifying, creating, nurturing, and developing relevant partnerships.
- Project Management experience.
- Change Management experience.
- Proven track record of working successfully with a Board of Directors.
- Demonstrated interest in continuing professional development.