Job Title

The Ontario Professional Fire Fighters Association (OPFFA) was founded in 1997. It currently serves as the representative voice for Ontario’s career fire fighters, providing capacity building (members events, training and education, information management, bargaining/labour relations assistance), political action management (lobbying and issues management), government relations (provincial government, stakeholders, media, IAFF) and member community relations (memorials, charitable initiatives, awards, financial assistance) for more than 12,000 professional full-time fire fighters representing 82 municipalities and two airports across Ontario. All Local Professional Fire Fighter Associations are chartered members of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the parent body for the OPFFA. As part of its more than 316,000 members, the IAFF represents more than 25,400 professional fire fighters across nine provinces and two territories in Canada. More information is at OpportunityReporting to the Principal Officers, the Executive Director will be the OPFFA’s chief of staff and office general manager, serving as administrative support for the Board of Directors and Board committees while managing day-to-day operations, ensuring an engaged staff and a productive, functional office environment. The Executive Director will collaborate with Board members to provide leadership and direction for the organization, overseeing design, delivery, and quality of programs and services, staying abreast of trends related to organization’s services and anticipating future trends likely to impact its work. Key responsibilities will include:Overseeing day-to-day administrative operations, including supervising, evaluating, guiding and directing three staff (Director of Communications & Advocacy, Events Coordinator, Finance Coordinator), effectively managing and implementing all service areas and service offerings and managing compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in accordance with the Constitution, Policies, and Procedures and recommending changes to fill gaps and improve or streamline services and processesReporting on key internal and external events and trends that may impact the OPFFA and the Board’s work, ensuring all relevant, required items are brought to the BoardCollaborating with the Board of Directors to deliver on Vision, Mission, Strategic Objectives, projects, and priorities in a consistent, strong, and positive manner and identifying, evaluating, and mitigating risks to the organizations people, property, finances, and imageCollaborating with the Board of Directors to create and maintain a strategic plan for the organization to achieve strategic outcomes approved by the BoardExecuting Board Secretary functions, supporting the President and Secretary-Treasurer in drafting/editing communications, managing meetings, materials and documents for the Board, Convention and Conference preparation.Managing and sustaining government relations and providing support for political and strategic mattersPreparing and presenting the annual operating budget to the Board, overseeing financial management, auditing, and reporting, ensuring compliance with accepted accounting principles and business management practicesProviding prompt, thorough and accurate financial information to keep Board appropriately informed of positionSupporting the OPFFA’s work with external agencies such as the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, OMERS, OPFFA Non-Profit Realty Corporation and Burn Fund, and providing appropriate communications and media supportRequired Skills, Qualities and ExperienceUniversity degree or college diploma and 10-15 years of experience with 5-7 years in an administrative leadership position with excellent organizational management skills, including financial and human resource managementExperience working in government or government relations would be an asset, as well as a training, education and/or direct experience in lobbying, labour relations, collective bargaining, grievance management, arbitrations, occupational health and safety, and WSIB claims managementSolid understanding of board governance and related processes to support effective decision-making within a Board environment and amongst association membershipProactive problem solving and research capabilityStrong technical skills specifically in a Microsoft Office 365 environment (SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and in database managementExcellent written and oral communication skills with a talent for drafting and editing communications, proposals and reports and delivering formal presentations to large groupsStrong political acumen, excellent relationship management and networking skills and experience in media relationsExperience with CRM tools, website management software, social media and digital marketing tools (an asset)Proven ability to work in a collaborative leadership model that appropriately positions and supports the Board, sometimes working with challenging personalities in stressful circumstances in an active association environment while managing competing interests and prioritiesThe ability to understand and assess key legislation and a progressive understanding of issues in Ontario labour relations, fire fighters’ culture, and operations would be an assetTo apply to this exciting role, email your resume to:Patrick Rowan, PartnerFeldman Daxon Partners, Inc.45 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 700Toronto, ON M4V (416) 515-7600 ext. 254We thank all of those who apply; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. The OPFFA values diversity and inclusion and encourages individuals to apply who can bring the value of their experiences to support diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Accessibility accommodations are available for all phases of the recruitment and selection process.