The
Kentville Development Corporation Limited
Board of Directors Duties, Responsibilities & Recruitment December 2015
CONTENTS: KDCL Backgrounder Board of Directors Recruitment Recruitment and Selection Process Self-Assessment Skills Questionnaire Application Form
KDCL Backgrounder The Kentville Development Corporation Limited (KDCL) Vision Statement: “A vibrant business and service sector in a growing, prosperous and supportive community.” Mission Statement: “KDCL attracts and engages a diverse business and services sector to create a vibrant, successful community of choice.” Overview The Kentville Development Corporation Limited (KDCL) is a proactive private sector based business development organization committed to support, promote and grow the Kentville business community thereby helping to insure a prosperous, sustainable future for all citizens. The Kentville Development Corporation Limited was originally incorporated in 1980 and reactivated in 2013 with a new mandate and Board of Directors. KDCL works closely with Kentville Town Council and staff and the greater Kentville business community. The officers and directors are drawn from business and community leaders in the town. The Corporation is active in five general areas covering Business Development; Marketing and Communications; Infrastructure and Investment; Business Representation and Advocacy and; People and Community. The Corporation has a comprehensive strategic plan (go to www.kdcl.ca ) with proactive strategies and action plans for business and community development. The Corporation represents supports and advocates for businesses and entrepreneurs in the community as their principal constituents. The Corporation implements its strategic plan programs with the support and assistance of an dedicated Board of Directors, a fulltime Chief Executive Officer and a supportive network of community businesses. KDCL is currently focused on supporting local businesses, attracting new retail businesses and the development of a Downtown Revitalization and Development Plan. Business and community leaders and the general public are being engaged in an initiative called Imagine Kentville which will result in a comprehensive growth and development strategy for the community. For more information contact:
JD MacCulloch, CEO Kentville Development Corporation Limited 902.678.1745 (o) 902.471.0054 (c)
[email protected] www.KDCL.ca
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Board of Directors Recruitment The Kentville Development Corporation Limited is recruiting volunteers to serve on the Board of Directors. The Board plays a key role in supporting Kentville businesses, leading investment and business attraction efforts and building strong strategic relationships. Responsibilities include assisting the chief executive officer in implementing board programs and policies; providing strong financial stewardship; setting and monitoring performance measures; and effectively communicating and advocating, on behalf of the Kentville Business Community. Ideally, the Board is comprised of a team of leaders with combined skills and experience in business, industry, corporate governance, financial stewardship, strategic planning, communications, partnership development, stakeholder relations, and expertise in law, accounting, human resources, economic development and entrepreneurship. Following is a call for “Expressions of Interest” in becoming a director of KDCL. The deadline for the receipt of applications is noon, January 15, 2016. For further information please contact the KDCL CEO, JD MacCulloch at 902.678.1745 or 902.471.0054 or email
[email protected]. Call for Expressions of Interest Kentville Development Corporation Limited Board of Directors Get Involved – Have a say in the economic future of your community. The Kentville Development Corporation Limited (KDCL) is currently looking for community minded individuals to join its volunteer Board of Directors. KDCL is a proactive private sector based business development organization committed to support, promote and grow the Kentville business community thereby helping to insure a prosperous, sustainable future for all citizens. KDCL is currently in the second year of a three year funding agreement with the Town of Kentville. A full time CEO manages the KDCL office and works with the Board of Directors and volunteers to deliver the programs and activities outlined in the Strategic Plan. (available at www.kdcl.ca ) KDCL works closely with Kentville Town Council and staff and the greater Kentville business community. The officers and directors are drawn from business and community leaders in the town. The Corporation is active in five general areas covering Business Development; Marketing and Communications; Infrastructure and Investment; Business !3
Call for Expression of Interest – KDCL Board cont. Representation and Advocacy and; People and Community. The Corporation has a comprehensive strategic plan with proactive strategies and action plans for business and community development. More information on KDCL activities and the Strategic Plan is available at www.kdcl.ca . If you are interested in helping to plan, encourage and support the economic and business growth and development of Kentville consider joining the KDCL Board of Directors. Ideally the Board Directors bring a combination of skills and experience to the organization including but not limited to the following; • Experience owning and/or operating a business, •
General experience in business, industry, corporate governance, financial management, strategic planning, communications, partnership development, stakeholder relations, fund raising, investment attraction;
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Expertise in law, accounting, human resources, economic development and/or entrepreneurship.
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Experience with community organizations and /or creative industries.
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Preference will be given to Kentville business owners/managers.
Those interested in becoming a KDCL Director should be prepared to commit to: • A one-three year term with the option to renew; •
A minimum of sixty volunteer hours per year including regular monthly Board meetings plus an annual strategic planning event (1.5 days); Participation at KDCL hosted events and related meetings and serving on at least one Board committee with a minimum of four meetings per year.
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Participation in a governance workshop on the role, responsibilities and commitments for boards and directors.
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To becoming an “Ambassador” for the business community, KDCL and
Directors serve as volunteers but expenses for certain events and or activities may be covered. If you are interested in a position on the KDCL Board of Directors please complete the form below and forward a brief resume with your background and experience and full contact information to JD@ kdcl.ca. If you have any questions or require additional information please contact Cate Savage, chair KDCL at 902.679.3865 or JD MacCulloch, CEO, KDCL at 902.678.1745. !4
All submissions will be reviewed by the KDCL Nominations Committee per the KDCL Board Recruitment and Selection Process. Positions will be filled based on current skill and experience requirements to provide an effective, well-rounded Board of Directors for KDCL. Thank you for your interest.
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KDCL Board Recruitment and Selection Process The Kentville Development Corporation Limited is considering applications from volunteers willing to serve 1- 3 year terms on the Board of Directors. Applications are invited from the Kentville business stakeholder community and general residents of the Town. We are specifically looking for directors with combined skills and experience in business, industry, corporate governance, financial stewardship, strategic planning, communications, partnership development, stakeholder relations, and expertise in law, accounting, human resources, economic development and entrepreneurship. Board members should be private sector, or leaders in their field, have demonstrated their commitment to the region, and be capable of representing Kentville general business interests, not just those of one specific organization or interest group, or agency. Ideally the Board Directors bring a combination of skills and experience to the organization including but not limited to the following: • Experience owning and/or operating a business, •
General experience in business, industry, corporate governance, financial management, strategic planning, communications, partnership development, stakeholder relations, fund raising, investment attraction;
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Expertise in law, accounting, human resources, economic development and/or entrepreneurship.
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Experience with community organizations and /or creative industries.
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Preference will be given to Kentville residence business owners/ managers.
Those interested in becoming a KDCL Director should be prepared to commit to: •
A one-three year term with the option to renew;
•
A minimum of sixty volunteer hours per year including regular monthly Board meetings plus an annual strategic planning event (1.5 days); participation at KDCL hosted events and related meetings and serving on at least one Board committee with a minimum of four meetings per year.
•
Participation in a governance workshop on the role, responsibilities and commitments for boards and directors.
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To becoming an “Ambassador” for the business community, KDCL and the Town of Kentville. !6
Applicants will be assessed according to the qualifications outlined in the position description and the competencies matrix. The KDCL Nominations Committee will oversee the selection process, which involves: • • •
Review of applications, Assessing applicants’ qualifications, experience and competencies according to the competencies matrix, Nominating qualified candidates to the Board of Directors for approval.
The Committee will take into account the need for area and sectorial representation and strive to represent diversity of gender, ethnicity, and age. Important Information for Candidates A completed application is comprised of the following items: ➢ ➢ ➢ ➢
Completed application form Cover Letter Resume Self-Assessment Form (see attachment)
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Kentville Development Corporation Limited BOARD OF DIRECTORS JOB DESCRIPTION Director As a member of Board of Directors, the Director is responsible for Kentville Development Corporation Limited consistent achievement of its mission and organizational objectives. Directors should have a working knowledge of the KDCL 2015 Strategic Plan. (see www.kdcl.ca ) Directors should demonstrates excellent leadership skills, resourcefulness, commitment and the ability to think broadly and act collaboratively. S/he seeks out solutions to new challenges, and identifies and capitalizes on new opportunities. As a director you will be responsible for KDCL’s consistent achievement of its mission and organizational objectives, including: •
Strategic planning aimed at carrying out the organization’s mission
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Playing a leadership role in identifying regional economic development priorities
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Being transparent, including communicating to members, stakeholders and the
public, and responding appropriately to requests for information
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Developing appropriate structures for the corporation
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Maintaining fiscal responsibility
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Ensuring high levels of executive management performance
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Implementing assessment and control systems
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Planning for the succession and diversity of the Board
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Ensuring an appropriate, formal orientation program for new directors
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Assessing the contribution of the Board, committees and all directors annually
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Preparing for meetings by reading all materials and circulating concerns in advance
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Dissenting at times that you do not agree with a decision
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Sharing your expertise and experiences !8
Eligibility: •
Applicants must be at least18 years of age
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Have demonstrated commitment or investment in the town or region
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Must not be a provincial or municipal government employee or an elected official
Qualifications: Directors must possess the following qualities: •
Ability to devote sufficient time and energy to the performance of duties as a director
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Willingness to assume the responsibilities associated with being a director
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Demonstrated integrity, high ethical standards and respect of privacy and
confidentiality
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Ability to recognize and assess business risks and strategic opportunities
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Ability to distinguish between Board and Management roles
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Ability to think, act and speak independently and with conviction and
confidence
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Strong oral and written communication skills
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Ability to conceptualize and think strategically
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Good problem-solving and interpersonal skills
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Ability to meet time commitments
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Ability to participate in group decision-making
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Willingness to participate in board orientation and continuing education
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Objectivity
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Values consistent with those of the organization.
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In addition to the general eligibility qualifications and requirements set out above, board members should collectively represent a range of expertise such as the following:
Governance • Financial literacy and stewardship • Previous board experience • Strong ethics • Risk management experience • Change management experience
Expectations: As a member of the Board, and in contributing to the collective achievement of the role of the Board, the individual director is responsible for the following: Fiduciary Duties •
Each director is responsible to act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of KDCL and in so doing, to support the corporation in fulfilling its mission and discharging its accountabilities.
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A director shall apply the level of skill and judgment that may reasonably be expected of a person with his or her knowledge and experience. Directors with special skill and knowledge are expected to apply that skill and knowledge to matters that come before the Board.
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A director’s fiduciary duty includes a requirement that he or she avoid situations where the interests of the director are in conflict with the interests of KDCL.
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Candidates must be able and willing to assume the legal/financial risks and liabilities associated with the standards of care and fiduciary responsibility imposed on directors.
Accountability •
The director is not solely accountable to any special group or interest and shall act and make decisions that are in the best interest of the !10
corporation, as a whole. A director shall be knowledgeable of the stakeholders to whom the corporation is accountable and shall appropriately take into account the interests of such stakeholders when making decisions as a director, but shall not prefer the interests of any one group if to do so would not be in the best interests of the corporation. •
Directors are expected to exercise their own thought and judgment in the decision-making process and should not “rubber stamp” the opinions of others.
A director shall be knowledgeable about the following: •
Economic development, entrepreneurship, and/or economics
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Economic development stakeholders
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The sector or sectors environment generally
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The duties and expectations of a director
Organization policies applicable to Board members
A director is expected to: •
Participate in a Board orientation session, orientation to committees, Board retreats and Board education sessions
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Attend additional appropriate educational conferences in accordance with Board-approved policies if needed
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Ensure he or she understands his or her fiduciary duties and the standard of care that is required and seek clarity where required
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Have a good general knowledge of the legal framework within which KDCL operates, including: legislation, incorporating documents, by- laws, policies
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Acquire a good working knowledge of issues that have faced the Board.
Teamwork and Participation •
A director shall develop and maintain sound relations and work cooperatively and respectfully with the Board Chair, members of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer
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A director shall not attempt to dominate a discussion !11
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A director is expected to properly prepare for meetings, participate actively in
Board discussions and generally participate constructively
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A director must feel comfortable expressing a dissenting opinion or vote
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A director shall at all times be respectful of the views of others, even when
there is a difference of opinion
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Despite any discrepancies, directors are expected to act in solidarity with the Board once a final decision has been made
Community Representation and Support •
A director shall represent the Board and the corporation in the community when asked to do so by the Board Chair
Continuous Improvement •
A director shall commit to be responsible for continuous self-improvement. A director shall receive and act upon the results of Board evaluations in a positive and constructive manner.
Additional Requirements • Travel may be required • Access to a computer, printer and the Internet is required • Ability to meet during the week and on weekends
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Kentville Development Corporation Limited BOARD APPLICATION FORM Please submit applications to the following email address:
[email protected] or mail or deliver to KDCL, 354 Main Street, Kentville NS B4N 1K6
NOTE: Please attach a cover letter and a resume to the application form. DATE
NAME
ADDRESS EMAIL ADDRESS TELEPHONE
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION
PREFERRED METHOD OF CONTACT ( ) WORK PREFERRED TERM OF SERVICE
( ) RESIDENCE
( ) 1 YEAR ( ) 2 YEARS ( ) 3 YEARS
Education/Training/Certificates
How would our organization benefit from your involvement on our Board?
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Kentville Development Corporation Limited BOARD APPLICATION
Self-Assessment Form Board Director Kentville Development Corporation Limited It is expected that each Director will bring a certain level of knowledge and experience to the Board and will adhere to certain principles. These questions will help you to assess the extent to which you meet these expectations. Indicate yes or no beside each question. 1. Are you willing to assume the responsibilities of this position of Board Director?
2. Do you have sufficient time and energy to devote to the performance of the duties of the Board Director position?
3. In your personal and professional dealings, do you demonstrate integrity, high ethical standards and respect of privacy and confidentiality?
4. Do you have experience serving on boards, committees or organizations?
5. Can you recognize and assess business risks and strategic opportunities?
6. Do you have experience that demonstrates that you can conceptualize and think strategically and do you possess good problem solving and interpersonal skills?
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7. Do you demonstrate the ability to think, act and speak independently and with conviction and confidence?
8. Do you have good oral and written communication skills?
Thank You.
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