Foresters Financial a 140-year old fraternal benefit organization serving the financial needs of over three million clients, members, and their respective communities across Canada, United States, and the UK. Its mission and purpose - to enhance family and community well-being through a comprehensive suite of member benefits, life insurance, and investment solutions - forms the bedrock of the organization and its two thousand employees. We firmly believe the strength of our organization's balance sheet is a direct reflection of our commitment to community, culture, character, and our core values of Accountability, Integrity, and Responsiveness.

Purpose of Role

The Assistant Vice President, Governance and Member Engagement is accountable for developing and executing the Member Governance and Member Engagement strategy and outcomes with the goal of improving the overall engagement level of our members and alignment to the Foresters Financial strategic direction and purpose. This includes:

• Developing and executing an effective communication strategy and plan to ensure Member Leaders are well informed and satisfied
• Providing advice and support to Regional and Branch Councils to ensure the utilization of sound financial oversight principles and the application of appropriate governance practices
• Leading the overall organization of constitutionally required Governance meetings and elections events to ensure sound democratic elections practices that align with Foresters constitution
• Providing oversight and leadership in the development and implementation of a robust Member Leader Consultation Program to ensure successful delivery of Leadership Development Conference and Councilor Orientation Meetings
• Supporting the implementation of Foresters Financial growth strategy (Winning on Purpose and the development and implementation of Blueprint 2022
• Proactively managing the Governance and Member Engagement teams and building and managing relationships and strategies across the enterprise to ensure strong alignment between business and membership
• Introducing new members to Foresters and cultivating them to deeper levels of engagement
• Ensuring Foresters is compliant with regulations to ensure the sustainability of our fraternal status

Key responsibilities and accountabilities

• As a member of the Membership Leadership Team, this position will be required to; contribute to the development and implementation of Membership strategy, initiate, foster, and maintain ongoing dialogue and partnership with other team members and business leaders to ensure alignment of strategy and priorities, and demonstrate and adhere to the organization's values and culture
• Develop and implement a clearly defined strategic approach for governance and member engagement
• Ensure a positive member experience in all channels of interaction between Foresters Financial and members
• Provide oversight of member leader outreach and consultation management; provide coaching and direction to Member Leaders to ensure an effective and sustainable Member Governance system. Develop and manage a framework of consultation and outreach that ensures a collaborative policy, program, and operational development and maintenance environment.
• Develop, implement, maintain and manage an election management system to create a robust and fully utilized election process open to all members and to create interest in leadership and personal development opportunities
• Develop and implement Member Leader succession management and development strategy and plan. Provide advice on the development of materials for training programs, deliver training programs and coach Member Leaders (i.e. orientation meetings and leadership development conferences)

• Coordinate Member Leader feedback as part of Foresters Constitution review process and as a member of the working group, responsible for reviewing and making recommendations regarding Governance related sections
• Responsible for management reviewing and updating Foresters Member Network Policy document, liaising Member Leaders and all key stakeholders

• Provide leadership and guidance to a team of professionals to ensure individual and business goals are achieved and/or exceeded. This includes attracting, aligning, motivating and retaining people with the competencies to meet present and future business goals
• Represent Foresters Financial on related forums and meetings as required

Key qualifications and competencies

• University degree in social sciences, business or related field
• 10+ years of experience, at a senior level in the financial services industry or not for profit organizations
• Volunteer management experience and understanding of methodologies; including managing remote team members
• Event and/or project management experience, and raising funds for charitable causes or community projects
• Demonstrated strategic and business planning expertise
• Demonstrated ability to deliver adult development programs, including some experience in training environments, and the coaching of volunteers and team members to achieve results
• Well-developed, demonstrated people management and leadership expertise; skilled at developing people and providing a challenging, rewarding environment
• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to interact with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Proven ability to develop and coordinate programs, and work with teams, across culturally diverse regions
• Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with all internal and external stakeholders
• Strong faciliation skills
• Willingess and ability to travel frequently
• Marketing and communications experience

Foresters is committed to supporting diversity and accessibility. If you require an accommodation throughout the recruitment process, we will work with you to meet your needs.