• Policy Development and Advocacy
• Government and Community Relations
• Environment and Regulatory
• Indigenous Engagement and Partnerships
• Research and Analysis
• Communications & Outreach & Forest Education
• Overseas Market Development
• Quality Control
• Cross-border trade with the United States

• Lead the organization and work on behalf of the Board of Directors to establish and uphold the appropriate governance and organizational structure and ensure depth and continuity of staff skills required to maintain organizational credibility and influence. In coordination with a senior leadership team, ensure succession planning and capacity to deliver results expected by members.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership as the BC forest industry strives to reduce uncertainty over access to economic timber (also known as fibre) and advocate for public policies that can provide a firm foundation for sustainable prosperity through sectoral diversification and growth.
• Provide strategic leadership and engagement on opportunities to advance economic reconciliation with First Nations through new models for stewardship, governance, revenue sharing, equity partnerships, and shared initiatives on forest and community health and resilience.
• Foster and promote industry performance that will ensure BC maintains its reputation as a leading jurisdiction for sustainable forest management and conservation.
• Develop current-year and medium-term strategic plans, strategies, activities and metrics to execute on the organization’s objectives.
• Attract, retain, and direct a diverse team of senior leaders, a total staff of approximately 18, and a small group of external subject matter contractors with the critical skills necessary to deliver on the strategic plan of the organization.
• Grow team capacity, professionalism, and performance by setting context, managing risks and resources, and delegating authority and deliverables for development, execution, management, and evaluation of outcomes.
• Liaise with member company leadership to ensure satisfaction with the organization’s direction, delivery of core programs, and value for membership.
• Engage with governments at the local, provincial, First Nations, national and international level to inform and influence their perspectives and actions on issues of importance to the BC forest sector.
• Establish and maintain constructive working relationships with key elected officials, public servants, municipal leaders, consular officials, union leaders, and First Nations leadership.
• Develop and execute external communications and engagement strategies in support of industry priorities and objectives.
• Act as the lead spokesperson for the industry to government, the public, and key stakeholders on effective responses to changes in policy, markets, and forest conditions that are transforming the BC forest industry.
• As appropriate, delegate spokesperson responsibilities to other COFI leaders. Maintain good working relationships with the local, provincial and national media, and speak on behalf of industry at conferences, legislative committees and public presentations.
• Activate and leverage forest industry supply chains, communities, customers, investors, labour and workforce to support public policies that will enable BC producers to successfully compete for growing demand for low-carbon and sustainably produced building products, and biomaterials for energy and products for everyday living.
• Build coalitions and strong relationships with other associations and stakeholders across Canada and the US. As appropriate, work closely with other industry and business associations on shared objectives.
• Help govern the direction and activities of the Canada Wood Group and represent BC industry interests on the Board of the Canadian Wood Council.
• Oversight of the budget and financial position of the organization to ensure sufficiency of funding, balancing the need for effective program delivery while ensuring membership costs are reasonable.
• Continuously review the value proposition of the organization, ensure that COFI evolves to meet the needs of a changing industry including growth at COFI by attracting new members.
• Ensure strict adherence to lobbying rules, access to information requirements, and political sponsorships.

Experience and professional qualifications required for the role.

• Over 15 years’ experience in progressively senior positions. Optimally, a strong mix of public policy expertise, senior leadership experience and excellent communication skills and ability.
• Experience and credibility in a high-profile high-stakes environment, with demonstrated experience building relationships with multiple diverse stakeholders, notably First Nations, government and non-governmental organizations, unions and community organizations.
• Capable of becoming a leading advocate for the broad Canadian forestry sector to the public at-large, requiring an ability to engage and influence a broad diversity of stakeholders on a complex array of issues at all levels. Current or former forest sector experience is helpful but not required.
• Proven track record building consensus amongst a diverse group of members. Ability to engage directly and drive issues to conclusion.
• Candidates with relevant backgrounds from other natural resources industries, Crown corporations, government, industry associations, academia, journalism, professional services or consulting businesses are welcome.
• Intimate knowledge of BC’s unique eco-system and stakeholders is strongly preferred.
• Extensive experience handling media public speaking. Background in communications strategy and execution would be helpful.
• Prior experience interacting with Boards / CEOs is an important attribute; must be comfortable in advising the COFI Board on options and alternatives. Prior experience with Board governance is desirable.
• Executive presence and ability / willingness to stand up in the face of tough issues and critics.
• Outstanding communication skills both written and oral.
• Sees ahead of the curve and sets and executes the vision for COFI.
• Comfortable working in a cross-cultural setting involving diverse First Nations.
• Substantial leadership skills and an ability to attract, retain and motivate employees and inspire a high level of productivity.
• Adapt style and delivery to meet industry officials, members and government on common ground and create/ build/mend relationships as necessary.

Education

Undergraduate degree or equivalent relevant experience required. An MBA or other post-graduate education would be an asset.

Compensation

COFI offers a highly competitive compensation package including base salary (CAD $250K-350K), short-term bonus, and benefits.