Job Announcement – Executive Director

The Yukon Quest Alaska is currently seeking candidates for the position of Executive Director.

Executive Director Position Description

Overview 

The Executive Director for the Yukon Quest International Limited (YQIL), hereinafter referred to as Yukon Quest Alaska (YQA), is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction as defined by the board of directors, and business operations of the Yukon Quest organization within Alaska, including but not limited to, financial management, fundraising, sponsorship development and solicitation, media and public relations, marketing, and overall operation of the office.

This position is full time, year-round. Direct supervision provided by the Board of Directors-Alaska hereinafter referred to as BOD-AK.

Skills

  1. Ability to apply successful fundraising, sponsorship, and networking techniques
  2. Excellent networking and community building
  3. Proven leadership capability and experience
  4. Business acumen and financial management skills, including ability to devise financial strategies for debt reduction and increased fundraising as well as basic knowledge of accounting standards and financial statements
  5. Public relations and diplomacy skills
  6. Ability to excite audiences and be a charismatic Yukon Quest Alaska Ambassador
  7. Multi-tasking
  8. Excellent oral and written communication skills
  9. Non-profit marketing and fundraising track record
  10. Experience in personnel management
  11. PC computer skills to include Microsoft Office Suites and accounting software
  12. Experience working with non-profit boards is preferred

Qualifications 

  1. Valid Driver’s license and ability to provide own local transportation
  2. Academic degree or equivalent work experience
  3. Experience in international relations and public relations is preferred
  4. Ability to travel to Canada or any foreign countries on behalf of the organization is required, including the ability to obtain a valid passport.

Salary Range 

 DOE

Responsibilities 

Sponsorship

  1. Develop and execute a sponsorship strategy designed to recruit and retain sponsors. 
  2. Identify potential prospects.
  3. With staff, create and maintain extended network of potential and actual sponsors.
  4. Represent Yukon Quest Alaska in closing sponsorship opportunities or servicing sponsorship contracts.
  5. Accountable for meeting all sponsorship benefit obligations.
  6. Continuously assess and oversee Yukon Quest Alaska Sponsorship program.

Fundraising and Development

  1. Develop and oversee a diverse and comprehensive plan to include fundraising, sponsorship, and membership development.
  2. Create the YQA Event Calendar for BOD approval.
  3. Devise event and fundraising strategy that focuses on high revenue events and maximizes revenue opportunities.
  4. Advise and support the appropriate personnel in the creation and execution of revenue generating events.
  5. Act as the liaison between fundraisers and/or sponsors on behalf of BOD-AK and any contracted firm or individual.
  6. Work with the Sales & Events Manager or appropriate staff to develop and oversee the membership program including incentives.
  7. Oversee grant solicitation, execution, and reporting in relation to identified needs and special projects.
  8. Coordinate, as appropriate, sponsor recognition, and other thank-yous.

Financial Management

  1. Create financial strategy to meet financial requirements
  2. Identify cost savings and debt reduction measures
  3. Oversee all accounting, organizational expenses and run the organization in a fiscally responsible manner.
  4. Ensure and enhance cost-effective use of resources.
  5. In conjunction with the BOD-AK, develop the annual budget and financial management systems necessary for the efficient running of the organization.
  6. In conjunction with the BOD-AK Treasurer (or bookkeeper/accountant) ensure financial accountability and compliance as defined in grant contracts and/or by recognized accounting standards (includes review of daily receipts from store and office, receipts and all accounting for special projects and events, deposits, processing and coding purchase orders, payroll, etc.).
  7. Supervise preparation of accurate and timely financial statements as specified by the BOD-AK including Year End Financial Statements.

Office Management

  1. Supervise and maintain appropriate support for Yukon Quest Alaska employees and volunteers by means of position descriptions, regular evaluations, delegation of tasks and appropriate communication.
  2. Recruit, hire, supervise, evaluate, and develop all personnel and contractors.
  3. Create and administer personnel policies.
  4. Foster open communication with partners and relevant organizations through regular contact via email and meetings. 

Marketing, Media and Public Relations

  1. Continuously look for opportunities to market the Yukon Quest Alaska to current and new audiences in Alaska, the US and abroad.
  2. Coordinate with the BOD-AK to advance the strategic branding of the Yukon Quest Alaska.
  3. Represent the Yukon Quest Alaska at public functions, including Chamber of Commerce (Rotary, Lions Club, etc.) and identify additional possibilities for increased visibility and networking.
  4. Work in conjunction with PR Lead to coordinate media contact with Yukon Quest Alaska events, paid or news-driven.
  5. Work with PR Lead to create and distribute press releases.
  6. Identify and create public relations opportunities year-round.
  7. Create and oversee promotional events.
  8. Assist the Web Committee in the conceptual creation of a fully functioning website and fully utilize the opportunities available on the internet.
  9. Identify speaking opportunities and create and deliver multimedia presentations to small and large groups.
  10. Represent the organization, ensures public presence in Alaska.
  11. Supervise the production and distribution of all promotional collateral.

Race Management

  1. Accountable that all aspects of the race are coordinated and completed to work plan deadlines.
  2. Work with the Race Manager to ensure all aspects of the race match with the goals and objectives of the Yukon Quest organization and are aligned with our core values and brand elements.
  3. Troubleshoot as necessary to provide quality control and support the Race Manager.
  4. During race time, represent the organization in decisions with major financial implications

Board of Directors Support

  1. Serve as the staff liaison for all Board and Committee meetings.
  2. Attend all regularly scheduled BOD-AK meetings and prepare written activity/progress reports for directors’ review prior to scheduled meetings.
  3. In conjunction with BOD-AK, develop annual and long-term strategic plan with corresponding operational schedule that reflects the goals of YQA.
  4. Assess organizational needs and issues, bring them to the attention of the Board, and make recommendations for addressing them as appropriate.
  5. Provide weekly progress reports to the BOD-AK. 
  6. In conjunction with BOD-AK, prepare the annual report for Annual General Membership (AGM) meeting.
  7. In conjunction with the BOD-AK, assist in Board member recruiting and elections.
  8. Ensure administrative support of BOD-AK committees, and Contractors as directed by the BOD-AK.
  9. Respond to all reasonable BOD requests for information in a timely manner.

Please contact the Yukon Quest Alaska Office for more information
or submit your resume to director@yukonquestalaska.com