This position may, depending on the candidate, be full or part-time, and may involve regular or contract employment which may occur at the OAFC office, remotely, or on-premises at OAFC events.
Key responsibilities focus on programs & services; project development and management; representing the OAFC in and at a variety of functions; researching fire and life safety initiatives; identifying current and emerging issues for our members and the fire service and keeping apprised of current or potential Legislative changes that will affect the fire and emergency services sector. A key function of this role is to regularly connect with OAFC members and committees to provide support, advice, and assistance in their role as Chief Fire Officers. Regular report writing, records management, and briefings will also be key functions of the position.
Requires a college diploma or university degree in administrative disciplines (public administration, business or fire services) or equivalent, and/or the completion of other fire related courses at the post-secondary level. Must have at least five (5) years progressive leadership experience in a senior officer position, preferably in the fire service, and an additional five (5) years in the fire service, or a combination of relevant experience tied to the duties and responsibilities of the role.
Knowledge of fire prevention/code enforcement, public fire & life safety education, firefighter training and emergency/operational response methods, equipment, emergency management and suppression. Experience working with all types of fire departments; full-time, composite, and volunteer with a solid understanding of their differences and challenges. Thorough understanding of current legislation including fire codes, labour, health and safety, privacy, and human rights/human resources. Strong knowledge of current issues and emerging trends impacting the Ontario fire service.
Must be a strategic thinker. Good knowledge of municipal governance. Excellent research and analytical skills. Demonstrated commitment to personal and professional development. Must have experience in project management, program and training development and developing recruitment strategies, strategic plans, and business models.
Demonstrated success building and maintaining professional partnerships and managing relationships. Excellent interpersonal skills. Politically astute. Demonstrated tact and diplomacy at the highest level.
Excellent oral and written communication skills. Strong public speaking skills and presence – clear, succinct, persuasive, compelling. Excellent listener. Resourceful self-starter, excellent organization skills, attention to detail, excellent time/project management capable of adhering to tight schedules and deadlines. There is a significant amount of written work required in this role through minutes, reports, project management functions, and briefings.
Comfortable using technology including personal computers, smartphones, tablets, and presentation hardware. Proficient in MS Office software (Outlook, Word Excel, PowerPoint), presentation software/tools, internet browsers, technology applications, and software used in the fire service.
Availability to attend evening and/or weekend meetings and events as required, to travel periodically throughout Ontario, Canada, and the US, and to attend various conferences/events. Valid class “G” Driver’s license and reliable vehicle to use on association business.
The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs offers a competitive salary, benefits, and a pension package.
