Submitted by heather on 13 April, 2010 - 12:28

Dear Toronto Cyclists Union members and friends,

Thanks to the enthusiasm and support of our growing membership we are now in a position to expand the bike union's scope of activities. This expansion has led the Board of Directors to approve a multi-director model to share the swelling workload. Beginning in May, we will be parsing out the role of Executive Director into two distinct positions. These directors will work collaboratively to build on the success of our first two years since our launch in May 2008.

The two new roles will be:

1. Communications & Events Director: Yvonne Bambrick, who has been working tirelessly as the bike union's Executive Director will fill this role. Yvonne is well poised to take on this task. She will continue developing the public discussion about cycling and organizing fun and inclusive activities that promote cycling across our City. We welcome Yvonne as she focuses on this activity and we look forward to her continued tireless and dedicated work with the bike union.

2. Advocacy & Operations Director: This is a new role. We will be seeking a self-starting individual who has experience in developing advocacy campaigns, developing relationships with our key partners and stakeholders and who is able to manage and coordinate multiple, concurrent initiatives. Click here to view the job posting, and see below.

This new staff structure allows us to better focus on working with and connecting local cycling advocacy groups across the city. We will be better able to spend more time participating in cycling advocacy activities at City Hall – this is particularly important at this time, as the municipal election campaigns emerge.

With this staff expansion, we will be better able to continue talking about the importance of safe cycling for our city, to promote cycling as a fun recreational activity for families and as a legitimate part of a complete transportation network for our city.

Advocacy & Operations Director, Toronto Cyclists Union

The Toronto Cyclists Union provides a strong, unified voice for Toronto cyclists. We are a membership-based organization bringing together cyclists from all across Toronto.

This is a six-month, full-time, contract position, with the possibility of extension. This position reports to the Board of Directors, and starts May 28, or as soon as possible.

Advocacy:

• Engage with city-wide and local communities to develop targeted advocacy campaigns
• Develop and implement a plan to execute the Ward Advocacy Program and other targeted strategic campaigns
• Work with Communications & Events Director to promote cycling and the bike union via public information, education
• Provide advice and support for local and community based advocacy programs
• Work with government agencies, such as the City of Toronto and Metrolinx to develop improved bicycle policies and facilities
• Work closely with Communications & Events Director, Volunteer and membership coordinators to accomplish the bike union’s strategic plan
• Work with the Board’s Working Groups through each group’s ‘point person’

Operations:

• Develop processes for and managing the day-to-day operations of the bike union
• Act as a central point person and resource for each of the Board’s Working Groups, and collaborate with other staff, volunteers and board members to implement the following:
  • Membership (recruitment, retention, mailouts, database, benefits)
  • Fundraising (contracts, sponsorships, grants)
  • Information Technology (website, email lists, intranet, social networking)
  • Finance (developing business plan, overall financial management)
• Prepare agendas and reports for Board meetings
• Administer grants and contracts

How to apply:

Please submit your one-page letter of intent, and resume, to jobs@bikeunion.to Subject line: [bike] Advocacy & Operations Director

For your one-page letter of intent, please write a ‘career statement’ by responding to these questions:

• Desires: What’s important to you? What’s important to you about this position? What do you want in your career and life?
• Strengths: What are you really good at, that you like to do?
• Preferences: What are your work environment preferences? What are your interaction preferences?
• Assets: What are your most relevant experiences and demonstrated interests? What are your additional skills – that is, skills you possess which will help you in this role, in addition to the strengths you discuss above.

Submit By: Tues, April 27, 11.59 pm.