Position title: Program Director, Community and Resources Development, The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC)

Reports to: Executive Director
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Application Deadline: (To be confirmed) June 30, 2008 

Scope:
Accountable for managing issues affecting the exploration industry in the areas of aboriginal affairs, community relations, geoscience, land use and resource management. Duties will include maintaining an awareness of key issues, advising the Board and Committees, working with various stakeholders to effectively deal with issues appropriately and to communicate and advocate on behalf of the Association with various levels of governments, industry groups, the public and media.

• In consultation with the PDAC Board, volunteer committees, staff and external stakeholders, anticipate, analyze and manage the issues and trends in the areas of aboriginal affairs, community relations, geoscience, land use and resource management;
• Prepare policy position papers and, where appropriate, facilitate their promotion;
• Provide organizational and administrative support to PDAC Board and relevant PDAC Committees, including project plans and budget development, organizing conferences and workshops;
• Maintain current and accurate files on all matters of interest;
• Work with the committees to develop annual work programs and budgets for PDAC issues management and projects in the areas of responsibility;
• Effectively represent PDAC at federal, provincial and territorial forums, meetings of aboriginal groups, selected international events and other meetings and conferences;
• Maintain an appropriate network of contacts and effective working relationships within industry, government, aboriginal organizations, the media, non-governmental organizations and other communities of interest;
• Effectively supervise external consultants and manage contracts when required;
• Undertake other duties, as reasonably required, dependent upon PDAC’s needs.
  

Education:
A university education in engineering, science, political science, business or related discipline.

Experience:

• Demonstrated successful experience in communicating and working with aboriginal people, government, other sectors, non-government organizations and the general public;
• Familiarity with aboriginal issues, networks and organizations;
• Experience  in shaping, developing and implementing policies and strategies, particularly in the areas of interest;
• A strong grasp of concepts, policy processes and functions of government at provincial and federal levels;
• Knowledge of the mineral exploration sector and the role of geoscience in the exploration process;
• Several years of demonstrated success in project management capacity;
• Experience and confidence in working with the media.  

Skills:

• Strong project and budget management skills;
• Sound organizational skills; ability to manage complex issues in significant detail;
• Political astuteness, judgment and policy sense;
• A team player and consensus builder;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in both written and oral capacities. English is essential and French would be desirable;  
• Well-developed computer skills;
• Professional presence and ability to establish credibility with decision-makers in industry, aboriginal communities, government and other communities of interest;
• Entrepreneurial style with a desire to take the initiative; high energy and enthusiasm.

Contact:
Mr. Tom Foster
Executive Vice President
Renaud Foster
tfoster@renaudfoster.com
613.231.6666 ext. 25
800.513.8117ext. 25

Ms. Melanie Martin
Executive Search Specialist
Renaud Foster
mmartin@renaudfoster.com
613.231.6666 ext. 30
800.513.8117ext. 30