OLD EAST VILLAGE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT AREA (OEVBIA)

JOB DESCRIPTION – BIA General Manager 

Reports to: OEVBIA Board of Director
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Old East Village, London, Ontario: 

Old East Village is an eclectic neighbourhood unlike any other in London.  It lies in the heart of the City of London and offers a unique, inclusive, arts and culture community, where people live, work, shop, play and produce within a variety of one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants, guilds, services, and businesses. Old East Village is a historic neighbourhood, just east of downtown London, that was designated as an Ontario Heritage Conservation District in 2006.

Business Improvement Area:

The Old East Village BIA is proud to represent a large variety of businesses and property owners that make up the Old East Village Commercial Corridor.  The work of the BIA is rooted in the facilitation of the Old East Village Community Improvement Plan (CIP) as approved by the City of London.

The OEVBIA encompasses business properties between Queen St. and York and Rectory Streets, and Adelaide Street to Charlotte and Egerton streets. Dundas Street makes up the core of this vibrant business community, with an arts and culture flair.  OEVBIA works with small and large scale developments as well as a variety of business models ranging from sole proprietorships, corporations to worker-owned co-operatives. 

Position: 

The BIA General Manager plays a key role in creating and supporting a vibrant, diverse, and sustainable commercial corridor for the Old East Village. Reporting to the BIA Board, the BIA GM assists business owners with marketing, grants/permits, accessing supports and resources, planning events and programs to engage the community and attract visitors to the business area. This role will work closely with the public, local government and community/business stakeholders to realize the completion of the OEV CIP.  The GM serves as an adviser on City/community boards and committees on behalf of the BIA, works closely with the Board and staff to ensure effective and successful strategies to move the OEVBIA forward. The role requires a sensitive yet strategic thinker with a strong conscience and the ability to be hands-on when required.  The position requires an individual with proven community affairs experience, able to tackle projects, and establish and maintain stakeholder relationships. The GM is keenly aware of the business area’s needs and challenges and works to ensure the success of the area’s business development and community outreach. This position is predominantly expected to work from the office however there are opportunities for remote work.

Responsibilities of the BIA General Manager:

Advocacy: 

• Advocate for the business, property owners and art community of the BIA to all levels of government, external agencies, Londoners and other and emerging stakeholders such as property developers and corporate interests.

• Facilitate the ongoing realization of the Old East Village Community Improvement Plan and City of London Core Area Strategy

Relationships & Engagement:

• Commit to getting to know business and board members, local community and government leaders/representatives and partners to build strong working relationships  

• Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders

Management and Finance: 

• Develop, execute, monitor, and report on an array of plans, activities and programs

• Responsible for all operations of the BIA, including administration, budgeting, and staffing 

• Establish annual goals and work plans based on BIA operations and strategies 

• Create fulsome opportunities to collect membership and community feedback regarding area initiatives

• Have solid financial management knowledge of budgeting and basic book-keeping skills to ensure the stewardship of assets and the financial health of the BIA

• Ability to supervise the bookkeeper in reporting of receivables, payables,  payroll and the annual audit 

• Oversee contracts and monitor progress

Governance:

• Ensure the BIA is operating in accordance with relevant legislation and best practices

• Support the Chair of the Board by organizing board meetings, preparing agendas and minutes

• Prepare and report measures of performance and progress to the Board at regular meetings

• Maintain positive and productive relationships with the Board, Membership, and stakeholders

• Support the Board to conduct an Annual General Meeting and prepare the Annual Report

Communication & Promotion:

 • Promote and foster the business and community environment in the BIA 

• Represent the BIA’s interests within the community at both local and regional levels 

• Manage communications with members and external stakeholders 

• Supervise the maintenance of the website, social channels, and business listings 

• Market BIA with the intention of attracting and retaining talented workers and entrepreneurs 

• Oversee the design and creation of marketing materials 

• Foster and maintain strong relations with the City of London, media and stakeholders 

• Oversee the preparation of successful grant applications 

• Conduct marketing activities and manage events

Education and Experience

• Graduation from a recognized community college diploma program or university degree program in Business, Marketing, Economic development, Communications, Planning or a related field

• Minimum 2 years related experience with a non-profit Board

• Team management experience required 

Skills/Qualifications:

• A quick learner of the environment and issues impacting the economic vibrancy of the businesses within the OEVBIA boundary. 

• General City Planning principals and Municipal Act knowledge would be an asset

• Experienced in taking an advocacy role, representing the interests of a group

• Good understanding of the opportunities and challenges of main street businesses  

  • Professional, diplomatic demeanor and an effective communicator 

  • Comfortable with public speaking

  • Effective time management

  • Understanding of marketing concepts, including market research analyses, advertising, public relations, communication, etc. 

  • Strong problem solving, negotiating, facilitation and conflict resolution skills

  • Demonstrated ability to work in high volume, high stress, and sensitive settings/situations

  • Motivated self-starter who can advance the objectives of the BIA with limited supervision

  • Solid working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and related software 

  • Valid Ontario Class G driver’s license and access to a personal vehicle for business purposes 

  •  Ability to work within a flexible schedule in order to meet role demands

Old East Village BIA General Manager Annual Compensation:  $65,500

Please submit a cover letter and CV as one document to info@oldeastvillage.com 

Use the Subject Line: OEV BIA GM submission – last name 

Job Posting will remain open until July 14, 2023.