Summary
Description
Specifically, the Manager of Strategy & Engagement is responsible for the following:
Strategy & People Leadership
- In partnership with the CEO, coordinate the organization’s strategy and business plan including the effective coordination and consolidation of the various department plans.
- Contribute to the strategic direction of Norfolk as a key member of the executive team.
- Anticipate, plan for, and oversee long-term strategy including growth & financing, stakeholder relationship management, and communication needs for the organization.
- As a member of the executive team, lead in the implementation and ongoing, intentional management of the desired culture within the workforce. Norfolk’s desired culture is characterized by safety, respect, and a high degree of engagement amongst staff.
Relationship Management
- Establish and maintain relationships within the sector, the broader community, and with government.
- Act as an advocate for the organization, its programs and strategic objectives.
- Promote Norfolk and its services, including attendance at community meetings and presentations at conferences.
- Represent the organization on various management or other special purpose committees, industry task forces, events, or advisory groups and work to enhance Norfolk’s reputation and profile in the affordable housing sector.
- Collaborate with the operations team and the CEO to identify key relationships and stakeholders that advance the organization’s strategic objectives.
Financial & Operational Management
- Work with the CEO, board committees, and operations team as needed to develop annual budgets and manage financial performance in alignment with strategic priorities.
- Work with the CEO to identify funding and financing opportunities that support the strategic initiatives and objectives.
- Prepare regular progress reports on the strategic plan and fund development strategies for executive team, board, and the broader organization.
- Work with the CEO to develop, implement and execute an integrated growth and fund development strategy and ensure compliance with the appropriate rules, regulatory or other industry standards.
Stakeholder Communication & Engagement
- Oversee the development and execution of a strategic communication plan with programs and activities that support Norfolk’s vision, mission, and strategic objectives.
- Provide leadership to determine and implement relationship management processes and activities which enable effective engagement with stakeholders.
- Assess sector trends and changes in the external environment to develop a government relations strategy to meet larger organizational and stakeholder needs.
Special Projects & Initiatives
- Work closely and collaboratively with the CEO and board to execute special projects and initiatives focused on growing Norfolk’s housing portfolio through redevelopment, acquisition, and partnerships.
- Collaborate with the Norfolk team to identify, develop, and implement strategic or operational initiatives that enhance resident experience and contribute to excellence in service delivery.
- Apply best practices in risk management to all elements of the role including demonstrating and setting an example for the Norfolk team.
- Other projects and tasks as required.
Core Competencies:
Strategic Leadership
- Holds a clear vision of the organization, which is shared by the CEO, board and staff, and demonstrates the ability to lead the organization toward a shared vision
- Distinguishes and articulates connection between personal and organizational vision and values
- Keeps an awareness of the organization as a whole as well as the complexity of its parts
- Demonstrates a passion for building relationships and leading diverse teams in achieving high standards of service delivery to clients and customers
- Understands the organization’s operating environment and assesses how external events, trends, and actors may impact its strategic priorities
- Understands the organization’s growth strategy, including its implications for Norfolk’s existing relationships, commitments, and overall operations
Effective Communications
- Fosters and sustains internal and external stakeholder relationships with authenticity
- Demonstrates an adaptive communication style suitable for a wide range of individuals and holds space for those who may be vulnerable or have lived experience
- Actively listens and communicates with tact, diplomacy, and composure while also seeking to understand different points of view
- Understands how to craft meaningful messages to key stakeholders and partners
Operational Strategy and Alignment
- Creates shared understanding of organizational values, goals and unique service offering
- Recognizes the connection between financial performance and strategy
- Identifies the knowledge and skills needed to grow the organization and achieve strategic goals
- Strategically collaborates and partners with other organizations to improve outcomes for those served and advance the strategic objectives of the organization
People Management
- Nurtures relationships with staff of diverse backgrounds and value systems
- Manages divergent needs and wants within the organization
- Develops a team environment and fosters empowerment within the organization
- Manages, coaches, mentors and holds staff accountable
- Matches leadership approach to current and upcoming needs of the organization
Organizational Management
- Match leadership approaches to current and upcoming needs of the organization
- Balance attention to detail and effective use of resources
- Identify and implement continuous operational improvements to maximize efficient use of resources
- Identify and appropriately utilize new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence tools, to maximize efficiency and impact
- Support a flexible and ‘learning organization’ equipped for adaptive change
- Employ a risk management framework to all NHA operations and communicates potential risk to the CEO
Self-Direction
- Practices self-awareness and emotional regulation
- Establishes a level of comfort in asking for support when needed
- Manages time effectively
- Maintains and promotes a work and life balance
Skills & Experience:
The successful incumbent will be forward thinking, able to anticipate the unexpected, problem-solve accordingly, and be able to coordinate the volume and complexity of activities associated with the dynamic Norfolk team with tact, diplomacy and composure.
Leadership must be a priority for the successful incumbent, with relevant managerial and coaching experience. They should be a self-starter with impeccable administrative, interpersonal, and time management skills, and be a confident communicator, with a desire to serve the Norfolk community and an ability to engage people towards a shared vision.
Ideally, the new Manager of Strategy & Engagement will possess educational training in one either commerce, administration, communications, urban planning, or social work. They will have a broad skill set and 5+ years’ experience in a related field and/or management level position, and possess a passion for leading and developing teams, building and maintaining relationships and executing organization wide strategic initiatives.
Compensation, Working Conditions & Other Requirements:
Compensation: This position offers a competitive total compensation package with a salary range of $75,000 – $85,000 depending on experience. The package also includes an employer paid health and dental benefits package with an annual $1000 Health Spending Account available after completion of a ninety (90) day probationary period, generous vacation and four (4) annual flex days, an annual professional development budget, and RRSP matching of up to 5% of base salary after one year of continuous employment.
Inclusive employer: NHA is an equal opportunity employer committed to paying a living wage and providing an environment rooted in respect and dignity for all. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply as NHA is deeply committed to offering a diverse and safe workplace free from discrimination.
Criminal Record Check: All employees of NHA are required to provide a clear Criminal Record Check due to the nature of the property management services provided and a requirement to work with populations who may be vulnerable.
Remote/in-person work: The Manager of Strategy & Engagement typically works in an office environment and on occasion is required to travel to association owned properties, conferences, and meetings/events in non-standard workplaces. Subject to organizational needs and individual roles, Norfolk offers one (1) remote workday per week as well as flexible hours. For the right candidate, additional flexibility and remote workdays may be available.
Hours of work: The Manager of Strategy & Engagement works a standard 37.5 to 40 hour work week, but additionally may work evenings, weekends, and overtime hours to accommodate activities such organizational events and representing the organization at public events.
About Us:
Norfolk Housing Association (NHA) is a not-for-profit organization registered under the Societies Act of Alberta. We provide homes to a diverse population by employing a unique mixed-income model, and we believe this diversity creates resilient neighbourhoods. By providing community members with affordable, appropriate, and safe housing free of judgement, pity or prejudice we set the foundation for building individual resiliency and strength to live a fulfilling life.
NHA’s Vision is to be the standard of community housing delivery.
Our Mission is to create quality, vibrant, and financially sustainable communities.
Our Core Values:
Dignity and Respect: We believe that quality housing is a human right. We recognize each person’s right to have a say in shaping and contributing to their community.
Care and Pride: We take pride in caring for our properties, our people, and our communities.
Vibrant Communities: We value inclusive, accessible, and engaging communities.
Sustainability: Our social enterprise model exists to create long-term stability for our residents and financial security in our operations.
Excellence: We hold ourselves to high standards in our business operations and interpersonal relationships.
