The Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is a national trade association serving the mineral exploration sector in Canada and internationally. The mineral exploration sector is distinct from the mining operational sector in that the former is focused on the search for and discovery of mineral deposits whereas the latter is focused on the extraction of minerals through mining operations. The PDAC exists to protect and promote the interests of the Canadian mineral exploration sector and to ensure a robust mining industry in Canada. The PDAC encourages the highest standards of technical, environmental, safety and social practices in Canada and internationally.

The association was established in 1932 in response to a proposed government regulation that threatened the livelihood of Ontario prospectors. Today, 80 years after its founding, the association is a national organization with 9,000 individual members (including prospectors, developers, geoscientists, consultants, mining executives, and students, as well as those involved in the drilling, financial, investment, legal and other support fields) and 1,254 corporate members (including senior, mid-size and junior mining companies and organizations providing services to the mineral industry).

The association’s activities and the services it provides fall generally into three categories: advocacy, information, and networking. The association is best known for its annual convention, trade show, and investors’ exchange. In 2012, this event attracted 30,369 attendees from 125 countries.

The Canadian exploration and mining industries are considered world leaders and the PDAC national mandate includes the federal, provincial and territorial governments and working on the policy, regulatory and public relations aspects of aboriginal affairs, sustainable development issues, geoscience, land use planning and needs of the exploration sector. The PDAC international activities involve policy and regulatory work with international institutions, national governments, international and national associations; the development of tools for their members in the areas of corporate social responsibility and health and safety and the delivery of presentations to a variety of international fora.

The work of the association is carried out by a 48-member board of directors, nineteen active committees; and a permanent staff.

The organization is currently updating its strategic plan, and the incumbent will have an opportunity to take the clear mandate from the new Executive Director and the Board and convert this to success. The strategic plan will focus on the mineral exploration industry, with a focus on the facilitating access to land and access to capital, with themes including aboriginal, CSR, regulatory certainty, financing, industry human resources, education and public relations.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Senior Program Director will play a key role in delivering the results of the associations strategic plans. The role requires the management and motivation of staff and engagement of volunteers to position PDAC as the Voice of Canada’s Mineral Exploration Industry in resolving key challenges.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Lead a team of program directors to develop short and long term plans related to Aboriginal Affairs, Corporate Social Responsibility, Environment, Sustainable Development, Finance and Taxation, Geoscience, Health and Safety, Lands and Regulations, Securities
• Lead change management initiatives
• In consultation with internal and external stakeholders, anticipate, analyze, communicate and commit resources to issues and trends affecting the mineral exploration industry;
• Develop budgets, supervise, mentor and manage a staff of 5, report progress;
• Manage multiple projects with multiple deadlines with consideration for quality
• Represent PDAC at selected provincial, national, and international forums, events, meetings and conferences
• Prepare internal organizational policy position papers to be shared with the board of directors; identify, lead and promote internal organizational changes
• Maintain an effective network of contacts and relationships with a variety of stakeholders, including industry, government, media, NGOs and others
• Act as a spokesperson for the Association as required
• Ensure quality control of PDAC documents, presentations and internal/external correspondence
• Provide organizational and administrative support to the PDAC Board and relevant PDAC Committees

EDUCATION:
• A degree from a recognized university in a relevant field of study or a combination of equivalent education, job-related training and/or experience.

LANGUAGES:
• Strong English language skills, both written and oral capacities. French or other language(s) would be an asset.

EXPERIENCE:
• At least ten (10) years proven management experience in the mineral industry, or experience in a similar role of advocacy/policy development
• Proven track record of managing teams and creating strong morale and spirit in the whole team
• Experience at clearly assigning responsibilities for tasks and decisions and monitoring process, progress and results
• Experience managing multiple projects with multiple objectives, deadlines and stakeholders
• Experience managing project budgets of various size
• Experience using rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems
• Experience making formal presentations and representing organizations as spokesperson.

COMPETENCIES & SKILLS:
• Leadership: Ability to motivate, inspire and transform team dynamics
• Communication: Superior written and verbal communications skills; proven ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization. Exceptional writing and editing skills.
• Problem Solving: Ability to look beyond the obvious and solve difficult problems
• Organizing: Can orchestrate multiple activities at once to accomplish goal
• Interpersonal: Ability to interact with internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• Political Acumen: Can maneuver through complex political situations effectively and quietly
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers
• Professional Presence: Can command attention and can manage group process during presentations. Skilled in media and public relations
• Organizational Agility: knows how to get things done both through formal and informal networks