About Our Client:

Our client is a leading national organization supporting animal health.

Position Scope:

We are currently seeking a Programs Director to join the organization staff team. The successful candidate will be a proactive, strategic thinker whose strong political acuity and stakeholder management skills will contribute to the efficient, systematic operation of the organization’s activities and programs. The position provides overall leadership and direction for areas of activity including membership programs and services; Committees; the Annual Convention; the Code of Marketing Practice; stakeholder relations with regulators as well as livestock producer and veterinary associations; and any other areas deemed appropriate by the President & CEO. As an industry advocate, he/she/they implement(s) strategies to effectively and efficiently serve the interests of the organization’s membership, and lead and grow the membership, programs, activities, impact and influence of the association.

Responsibilities:

• Effectively engaging with members, partners and stakeholders to represent and serve the needs of the Canadian animal health industry.
• Exercising diplomacy and political acuity to build strong relationships within the veterinary, agriculture and agri-food industries, and working closely with the President and CEO to investigate opportunities for strategic alliances with other organizations.
• Working closely with the Board of Directors and the President & CEO to lead the implementation of new or existing organization activities and programs that support the organization’s strategic priorities
• Leading the implementation of the organization’s Membership Recruitment and Retention Strategy and Roadmap
• Endeavouring to be at the forefront of issues that may impact industry and/or organization members and working with the President & CEO to develop appropriate management approaches and evaluate their results against organizational goals.
• Working closely with the organization’s Policy Analyst to ensure industry responses to government consultations are timely and impactful.
• Building positive and productive relationships with strategic decision-making bodies, including: Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, provincial regulatory, veterinary and producer groups.
• Promoting openness and transparency through support and oversight of the organization’s Committees in their respective roles within the organization.
• Working with the Board and the organization’s Convention Committee to develop the content and program of the Annual Convention, identify speakers and panelists
• Running the organization’s Convention program with support from Convention support staff
• Overseeing and managing the organization’s annual CleanFarms levy for the collection of obsolete and unwanted livestock and equine medications
• Forecasting and managing the Annual Convention and Environmental Stewardship operating budget lines.
• Providing input for effective internal and external corporate communications strategies and programs, including advocacy activities, social media, public relations and proactive crisis and issues resources.
• Representing the organization’s President & CEO at conferences and other events, when required.

Required Skills and Knowledge:

• You are an innovative thinker with a learning mindset
• You are a people person. You enjoy connecting with others and you demonstrate a high degree of emotional intelligence, active listening and effective management of conflicting perspectives
• You are at ease in social situations involving meeting new people and interacting with large groups
• You are proactive and willing to take the initiative; you enjoy challenging situations and tasks
• You are self-reliant and are able to work independently; you are comfortable working full days remotely, with regular virtual check-ins with the staff team
• You are flexible and adaptive, able to adapt to new work roles, processes and environments easily
• You have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Canadian animal health industry.
• You are an innovator and planner, who is good at prioritizing, and can manage and execute project plans to achieve goals and meet specific success criteria at established milestones.
• If you are not a francophone, you are committed to developing and/or improving French language skills as part of your professional development plan with the organization.

Education and Experience:

• Advanced university degree in animal science, veterinary medicine, journalism/public affairs, public policy, or a related field.
• At least five years of progressive leadership experience with demonstrated excellence in developing and managing mid- to large- scale projects, plans and budgets.
• At least three years of experience in managing diverse external stakeholders and partners, with demonstrated successful conflict management
• Excellent English oral and written communication skills, with attention to detail. French written and oral skills are an asset.
• Proficiency in the use of current information technology, including Microsoft and Adobe Cloud programs and applications.
• Familiarity with the use of AI agents to improve workflows and maximize efficiency is an asset.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors is a valuable asset.
• Experience in the Canadian animal health industry or with non-profit industry/trade/professional associations is an asset.

Application Instructions: 

To apply, please send a resume to Amanda Graham at Amanda.Graham@summitsearchgroup.com

Summit Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

Amanda Graham

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Job ID

AG0617PD

City

• Remote

Remuneration

$100-105K base salary, commensurate with experience + performance bonus + extended health benefits + RSP matching + 4 weeks’ vacation

Industry

Position