The Otesha Project is a national youth-run charitable organization created in 2002. We use theatre to mobilize young people to create local and global change through their everyday consumer choices. To date, we have reached over 73,000 Canadians directly with our theatre presentations and workshops that inspire youth to re-evaluate their daily consumer choices to reflect the kind of world they want to live in.

                

The Programs Director will be primarily responsible for co-ordinating, delivering, and promoting Otesha’s cycling programs as well as refining curriculum and program visioning.

 

 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILTIES:

This position is a rare opportunity to become a part of a small team of dedicated and passionate individuals working to create positive societal change through youth education. Because of the organization’s small size and flexible organizational structure, the candidate will have the opportunity to engage in all of Otesha’s programs, and use his or her skills to continually better the organization and increase its impact. 

 

The Otesha Project operates with a non-hierarchal organizational structure. As opposed to a boss evaluating the work of employees, employees evaluate one another. Accordingly, candidates must be comfortable delivering honest and constructive feedback to other staff members. 

 

Specific areas of responsibility include:

 

1) Training

* Works with the program team to plan and implement training weeks for Otesha’s bike tours – training young people to be sustainability advocates and gain the skills needed to perform the Otesha play and live as a community

 

2) Itinerary Development

* Working with the program team, the Programs Director will help to develop day-by-day itineraries for the cycling tours (two left in 2008 and eight planned for 2009).

* Seeking out and booking presentation venues for the tours (typically at high schools and/or provincial parks)

* Seeking out and booking free daily accommodation for the tours (typically at campgrounds, churches and school gyms)

* Researching and booking en-route learning opportunities for the teams (site visits to organic farms, meetings with local organizations, etc)

* Compiling media contacts along the route

 

3) Team Member communication

* Working with the program team to interview, select, and support team members to prepare for their tour

  4) En route support:

* Calling and re-confirming bookings three days before the tour arrives

* Corresponding regularly with the tour leaders

* Altering the route and bookings as needed to accommodate severe weather and other unforeseen circumstances

* Attending to any emergencies or crises

 

  4) Promotion and Mentorship

* Promoting Otesha’s bike tours across Canada.

 

IDEAL ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS

 

Rather than stipulate minimum levels of education, or years of experience in the non-profit sector, we encourage you to consider whether you have an aptitude for all aspects of program co-ordination, for training others and taking on a leadership role, and the flexible and meticulous work ethic that is required for this position. Whether you are a seasoned and accomplished Programs Director, or someone with an incredible aptitude for quickly learning new skills and rising to the challenge, we welcome your application.

 

Beneficial (although not required) skills or experience include:

 

* Project planning and management experience

* Charismatic, assertive and confident manner – able to solicit bookings and donations through 'cold-calls'

* Enthusiasm for, and experience working with youth and young adults aged 13-30

* Experience working on sustainability and social justice issues

* Experience in public speaking and/or theatre

* Experience with group facilitation

* Interest and ability to travel (most often by train and bus)

 

Due to the flexible nature of our work environment, additional tasks are divided amongst the office team based on skills and interest. We are looking for individuals with the following attributes to strengthen our overall team.  If you have any of these 'bonus' skills please highlight them in your application.

* Experience working with Quick Books or other accounting software

* French language skills

* Experience with website updating, online communities and/or tech support

* Otesha program experience

* A driver's license

 

 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

 

All staff start with $1,750 per month for the 1^st year, with a raise to $2,000 per month in the second year.

 

Staff accommodation may be available at the Hopeful Manor of Marvellous Mayhem (a.k.a. the Otesha office/house/community) for very reasonable rates.

 

Additional benefits include:

* Beautiful, sunny, friendly office environment

* Four weeks paid vacation per year

* One half day per week reserved for personal or professional development of your choice

* Opportunity to help train at least one Otesha bike tour and cycle  with them for up to one week 

* Two staff retreats/trips per year which may involve a bike trip, x-country ski trip, or other modes of people powered transport depending on staff interest. 

 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Applications close July 2nd. Your application should include the following:

1.    A cover letter (maximum two pages) detailing why you are an ideal candidate for this position

2.    A detailed resumé

 

These two components should be submitted in confidence to info@otesha.ca. Please send applications over e-mail with ‘Your name, Programs Director’ in the subject line, and all documents included in one attachment. If you have any questions please contact Mike Kozlowski at 613-237-6065.

 

We are a Youth for Youth organization, and for that reason an age screen is applied in the selection process. We accept applications from individuals aged 18-35.

 

The Otesha Project is an equal opportunity employer. We value the expertise and diversity of our people. To the best of our ability we will strive to make the Otesha workplace as accessible as possible for people with a range of disabilities.

 

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information on the Otesha Project, please see our website at www.otesha.ca