Job Description

Connector Program Coordinator

•Full Time, Contract Position (37.5 hours per week) until March 31, 2026 with possibility of contract renewal.•

The Valley Regional Enterprise Network (Valley REN) is the regional economic development organization for the Annapolis Valley Region. The Valley REN carries out the economic development priorities for its members, which currently include Glooscap First Nation, the Municipality of the County of Kings, West Hants Regional Municipality, and the Towns of Berwick, Kentville, and Middleton. Funding for the Valley REN is provided by its members and is matched by the Province of Nova Scotia to support economic development on a regional level. Together with the Province, our partners provide oversight to the Valley REN Board of Directors, which is led by the regional business community.

•Our Mission: • •The Valley Regional Enterprise Network's mission is to be the catalyst for a thriving, sustainable and inclusive regional economy in the Annapolis Valley. Serving the Annapolis Valley region, we are uniquely positioned to objectively address the economic and business development needs of the region as a whole without being confined to municipal boundaries. We are the "boots on the ground," helping to link the private sector and public organizations around common objectives for regional economic progress.•

Job Purpose: Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer of the Valley Regional Enterprise Network, the Connector Program will link qualified participants •(Connectees)• in the Annapolis Valley region with local business or community leaders •(Connectors)• who will volunteer their time to meet with participants and help them build their professional networks and secure meaningful employment. It is the intention of this program to support Nova Scotians with a specific focus on Recent Graduates, including international Graduates, Students who are approaching graduation and entering the labour force, the under/unemployed and Newcomers to connect them with employers in their field of work.

This connection will expose participants to experienced professionals in their fields and inform them as to the job market and local opportunities, while exposing employers to a new source of talent to enhance their recruiting pools. Together, this effort is intended to match employment-ready individuals to local job opportunities to strengthen Nova Scotia's workforce.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Collaborate with Valley REN staff and Community Partners to administer the Connector Program's goals and objectives.

Cultivate close working relationships with the local business community and post-secondary institutes to build a large network to support the Connector Program.

Serve as the liaison between the Connector Program, community partners, post-secondary institutions, business leaders, other regional Connector Programs and the National Connector Program.

Volunteer Coordination: create and maintain a strong network for businesses, youth, new residents, international graduates, job seekers, etc.

Manage the Connector Program database to ensure accuracy, integrity, and timely entry of data while achieving the required monthly reporting.

Manage Valley Connector Program social media with guidance/support from Valley REN's Communications Officer: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.

Monitor Connector Program budget and reporting submissions with support from the Chief Operating Officer.

Core Activity: Connector Program Coordination

Core Deliverables:

• Recruit 100 Connectees and 100 Connectors
• Coordinate Connector volunteers
• Enter Connector/Connectees information into tracking system
• Provide quarterly reports to the National Connector Program and Labour, Skills and Immigration on progress on KPIs
• Promote the Connector Program to businesses and at events locally and provincially; maintain communication channels to promote the Connector Program

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Self-motivated, goal-oriented person who works extremely well independently, while exercising good judgment, decision making and problem solving skills

Exceptional interview skills; meet with and review candidates to determine suitability, identify ideal matches and outcomes, meets the expectation and requirements of internal and external clients

A natural networker, someone who can easily meet people and foster engagement in the program

Collaborative and strategic thinker, who is committed to supporting a broad and diverse client base

A strong understanding of the local business community and the needs of business, job seekers, and students

Ability to exercise sound judgment, often in high-pressure situations

Adept at fostering organizational and business relationships

Excellent data management skills; ensure accuracy, integrity and timely entry of data

Maintain confidentiality in communication with all participants

Excellent interpersonal skills

Ability to work collaboratively with clients and members of the Valley REN team

Experience with Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Social Media; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.

Working Environment:

Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, in an office environment (office is located in Kentville).

Flexibility in working hours is required as some work will happen outside of regular hours.

Frequent travel throughout the region may be required to fulfill the duties of this role, therefore continuous access to reliable transportation to areas within West Hants, Kings and Annapolis Counties, with the possibility of other parts of the Province is a requirement and responsibility of the employee.

Salary: $49,000 per year

Qualifications and Education: Post-secondary degree, preferably in Business Administration, Human Services, Human Resources, Public Relations, Recruitment or related field, or a suitable combination of education and experience, such as career development, human resources, business and entrepreneurship.

Experience: 3-5 years' work experience, preferably in career, community, or business development or related field.

Deadline for Application: Friday, February 14, 2025 at 4:00pm

Please apply online or send your merged CV and cover letter by February 14, 2025 to:

Emily Boucher, CEO

Valley Regional Enterprise Network

info@valleyren.ca

•We wish to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.•

•The Valley REN acknowledges that we are in Mi'kma'ki, the unceded territory and ancestral homeland of the Mi'kmaq nation. Our relationship is based on a series of Peace and Friendship treaties between the Mi'kmaq Nation and the Crown, dating back to 1725. In Nova Scotia, we recognize that We are All Treaty People.•

•The Valley REN is committed to fostering a welcoming, equitable and accessible workplace where all team members feel valued, respected and supported. The Valley REN is committed to the full inclusion of all applicants.•

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: $49,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Work from home

Flexible language requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-02-14