General Manager, Community Services

General Information:

Majestic mountains, the rugged West Coast Trail, serene lakes, and one of the world’s tallest free-standing timber rail trestles all lie in the picturesque Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD). Located on Vancouver Island, the CVRD provides a wide range of local government services to a population of 80,000 within its 4 distinct municipalities and 9 electoral areas. Just 50 km north of Victoria and 30 km south of Nanaimo, the Cowichan Valley offers a warm climate and numerous parks, recreational, cultural, and social opportunities.

The Cowichan Valley Regional District is inviting qualified applicants to submit an application package for the position of General Manager, Community Services. This full-time exempt, senior management role reports directly to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and provides innovation leadership, strategic direction, and works collaboratively with the Division and Section Heads to ensure effective and efficient delivery of all services in the Department. The General Manager participates as a key member on the Senior Management Team and may function as Acting CAO in the CAO’s absence. The General Manager also provides strategic direction and operational advice to the Board, CAO, and Senior Management Team.

The General Manager, Community Services oversees a broad portfolio that includes:

• Arts & Culture, including the Cowichan Performing Arts Centre.
• Recreation, including the provision and coordination of recreation and sport services and programs for three community centres (South Cowichan, Cowichan Lake and Cowichan) that contribute to the health and wellbeing of residents from all over the region.
• Emergency Management, including Emergency Management Cowichan and regional emergency management services (9-11 programs).
• Facilities, including the maintenance, operation and long-term asset management of CVRD's recreation facilities, community halls, fire hall, and CVRD Head Office.
• Transit, including the overall administration of the CVRD's transit system in conjunction with BC Transit and the contracted operations service provider.
• Regional Recreation Service, including the funding for nine regionally significant recreational facilities across the CVRD.

Qualifications: As the ideal applicant, you are an effective communicator and collaborator with a proven ability to inspire, strengthen and empower a high-performing team. You have experience as a hands-on senior leader able to think long term and deliver on the strategic goals of the CVRD. You are comfortable managing many different priorities concurrently and have the ability to move projects forward in a multi-stakeholder environment
As the General Manager you will have:

• A university degree in a related field of study
• A graduate degree in a related field of study is preferred
• An appropriate combination of training in management, local government administration, strategic planning, leadership, and organizational development
• A minimum of eight (8) years of related experience at a senior level, preferably in a local government, including five (5) years of experience managing multiple functions
• Experience managing and providing leadership to employees and volunteers
• Experience providing professional advice and support to elected boards or committees
• A Certificate in Local Government Administration is an asset
• A valid Class 5 BC Driver’s License

An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered
For a full listing of job responsibilities and requirements please click here Hours of Work: The typical work week is 35 hours and will include evenings and weekends as operationally needed. Flextime is offered with this position. In addition, this position offers an opportunity for a hybrid in-office / Work-From-Home arrangement Salary: Join a team that is driven by meaningful work and takes pride in providing essential services to the residents of the Cowichan Valley.The CVRD offers a competitive salary starting at $167,955.11 per year commensurate with experience plus a comprehensive benefits package including extended health / dental / insurance, pension, paid vacation. Please click here for a benefit summary Application Instructions: If you are interested in continuing your career path in this challenging and rewarding leadership role, please submit your cover letter and resume in confidence by the date indicated.