Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Executive Director to lead our organization toward achieving its mission and vision. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, extensive experience in program management, and a proven ability to oversee organizational operations effectively. This role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a collaborative environment dedicated to protecting the public interest through a regulatory environment.
The opportunity:
The ASPB is a self-regulated organization with the purpose of protecting the public of Alberta by ensuring biologists are qualified to practice biology in accordance with legislation.
The ASPB regulates the professional practice of biology in the disciplines of Botany, Zoology, Environmental Biology and Microbiology, and all sub-disciplines therein.
The ASPB is the only organization for biologists in Alberta that is registered under Provincial laws, and it achieved this status in 1991 after the approval of The Professional Biologists Regulation and the Alberta Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act, operating with not-for-profit status.
Admission requirements to become a professional member are specified in the Regulations and include meeting academic, experience, and good character requirements. To maintain registration, professional members must fulfill continuing competency requirements, adhere to the Society’s Code of Ethics, and be subject to disciplinary action in the event of a complaint.
The Executive Director is responsible for the successful leadership and management of the organization according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors.
See the full posting for details and requirements.
The role is expected to be an office base role in Calgary or Edmonton, with some hybrid/ remote working allowances.
The compensation includes of Health Benefits and an RSP matching program.
Starting date: December 2026 to April 2027
Duties
The Executive Director performs some or all of the following:
Leadership
· Participate with the Board of Directors in developing a vision and strategic plan to guide the organization
· Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external trends that affect the organization
· Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects of the organization's activities
· Foster effective teamwork between the Board and the Executive Director and between the Executive Director and staff
· Act as a spokesperson for the organization except when otherwise directed by the Board
· Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board and jointly with the Board, when appropriate
· Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization's community profile
Operational planning and management
· Develop an operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization
· Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of the Board and its members
· Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization
· Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepare procedures to implement organizational policies, review existing policies on an annual basis, and recommend changes to the Board as appropriate
· Ensure that personnel, member and volunteer files are securely stored and privacy/confidentiality is maintained
· Provide support to the Board by preparing Board meeting notices, agendas, minutes and supporting materials, and provide other administrative support as required using the ASPB server and other appropriate means
Program planning and management
· Oversee the planning, implementation and evaluation of the organization's programs and services
· Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization's mission and reflect the strategic plan
· Monitor the day-to-day delivery of the programs and services of the organization to maintain or improve quality
· Oversee the planning, implementation, execution and evaluation of special projects
Human resources planning and management
· Determine staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery
· Oversee the implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices including the development of job description for all staff
· Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations
· Recruit, interview, select, and manage staff that have the right technical and personal abilities to help further the organization's mission
· Ensure that all staff receive an orientation to the organization and that appropriate training is provided
· Implement a performance management process for all staff which includes monitoring the performance of staff on an on-going basis and conducting an annual performance review
· Coach and mentor staff as appropriate to grow skills and/or improve performance
Financial planning and management
· Work with staff and the Board to prepare a comprehensive budget
· Secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization
· Approve expenditures within the authority delegated by the Board
· Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed
· Administer the funds of the organization according to the approved budget and monitor the monthly cash flow of the organization
· Provide the Board with comprehensive, regular reports on the revenues and expenditures of the organization
· Ensure that the organization complies with all legislation covering taxation and mandatory payments
· Complete Government reporting on time
Professional relations
· Participate in government, industry and professional regulatory groups as required.
· Communicate with stakeholders to keep them informed of the work of the organization and to identify changes in the community served by the organization
· Establish good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, government representatives, and other professional organizations to help achieve the goals of the organization
Risk management
· Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization's people (Board, members, staff, management, volunteers), property, finances, goodwill, and image and implement measures to control risks
· Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organization carry appropriate and adequate insurance coverage
· Ensure that the Board and staff understand the terms, conditions and limitations of the insurance coverage
Qualifications
Knowledge, skills and abilities
· Understanding of biology and environmental science in general, and careers related thereto, are an asset.
· Knowledge of leadership and management principles as they relate to non-profit/ volunteer-based organizations
· Knowledge of federal and provincial legislation applicable to non-profit/volunteer-based sector organizations including: employment standards, human rights, occupational health and safety, charities, taxation, CPP, EI, health coverage etc.
· Knowledge of current community challenges and opportunities relating to the mission of the organization
· Knowledge of human resources management
· Knowledge of financial management
· Knowledge of project management
Personal characteristics
The Executive Director should demonstrate competence in some or all of the following:
· Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
· Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behavior and business practices, and ensure that own behavior and the behavior of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
· Build Relationships: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.
· Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
· Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities.
· Focus on Client Needs: Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of internal and external clients to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.
· Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organizational effectiveness.
· Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
· Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organization.
· Organize: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information and activities.
· Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
· Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
· Think Strategically: Assesses options and actions based on trends and conditions in the environment, and the vision and values of the organization.
Interested candidates may submit their resume and cover letter in confidence to Hiring Committee via email at EDsearch @aspb .ab. ca on or before August 1, 2026.
Pay: $120,000.00-$150,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Calgary, AB T2P 3H6
