Position Overview

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and operational management of the Discover Preston Business Improvement Association (BIA), working collaboratively with the Board of Directors, member businesses, property owners, government partners and community stakeholders to advance the economic vitality, vibrancy and long-term success of Preston's commercial district.

This is a part-time leadership position requiring a combination of strategic thinking, relationship building, organizational management and hands-on coordination. The Executive Director is responsible for implementing Board-approved priorities, overseeing BIA initiatives, supporting member engagement and ensuring the effective use of organizational resources.

Working within an established annual work plan and approved budget, the Executive Director will prioritize activities to maximize organizational impact while maintaining a visible and engaged presence within Preston.

Compensation & Hours

Compensation: Starting at $28 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Hours: Approximately 10–15 hours per week, with flexibility to accommodate additional hours during peak programming periods, major events and other priority initiatives, subject to Board approval.

The position requires flexibility to attend occasional evening and weekend meetings, events and community activities. The Executive Director is expected to manage their schedule effectively, balance competing priorities and maintain an accessible and engaged presence within Preston.

This is primarily a remote position, with in-person attendance required for Board meetings, member engagement, events and other organizational activities as necessary.

Work schedules will be established collaboratively with the Board to accommodate operational requirements and seasonal fluctuations in BIA programming.

Skills & Qualifications

The successful candidate will possess a combination of leadership, organizational, administrative and technical skills, with the ability to work independently and effectively within a part time position.

Leadership & Professional Experience

- Demonstrated experience in organizational management, project coordination,



business development, economic development, nonprofit management or a related field.
- Experience working with a Board of Directors, membership-based organization, Business Improvement Area or community-focused organization would be considered an asset.
- Strong project management, organizational and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and initiatives simultaneously.
- Demonstrated ability to develop productive relationships with businesses, government representatives, community organizations and external partners.
- Experience preparing and managing budgets, financial reports, operational plans and organizational documentation.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including report writing, meeting coordination and public presentations.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, take initiative and implement Board-approved priorities.
- Understanding of destination marketing, event coordination, placemaking and local economic development.

Technical & Digital Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate proficiency or working knowledge in the following areas:

- Microsoft Office 365, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
- Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
- Financial management software, including QuickBooks, and an understanding of budgeting, financial reporting and organizational administration.
- Website content management systems and website administration, including platforms such as Squarespace and Wix.
- Digital communications and email marketing platforms, including Mailchimp and Google Forms.
- Digital marketing, social media and analytics platforms, including Google Analytics, Meta Business Suite and Meta Ads Manager.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)



principles and online marketing best practices.
- Document management and collaboration tools, including Adobe Acrobat Pro and Google Drive.
- Creative platforms such as Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator), with sufficient knowledge to provide oversight and collaborate effectively with contractors, consultants and other service providers.
- Ability to learn and adapt to recent technologies, software systems and digital tools as organizational needs evolve.

The Executive Director is not expected to serve as a specialist in every technical area but should possess sufficient knowledge to manage organizational requirements, coordinate external resources and provide effective oversight.

Additional Qualifications

- Knowledge of Preston, the City of Cambridge and the broader Waterloo Region business community is considered an asset.
- Current First Aid certification is considered an asset.
- A current Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check may be required, where appropriate to the duties and applicable requirements.
- Availability to attend occasional evening and weekend meetings, events and community activities.

Reporting Structure & Work Environment

The Executive Director reports to the Preston Towne Centre Business Improvement Association Board of Directors, through the Board Chair or another designated Board representative.

The position operates primarily remotely, with in-person requirements for Board meetings, business and stakeholder engagement, events and other activities as required.

The Executive Director is responsible for managing their time effectively within the approved hours and ensuring that organizational priorities, commitments and deliverables are met.

The Board and Executive Director will establish clear annual objectives, reporting expectations and performance measures appropriate to the part-time nature of the position.

Please apply in confidence by October 23, 2026 to:

Tony Schmidt, Chair Discover Preston BIA [email protected]

Pay: $28.00-$35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10.0 – 20.0 per week

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cambridge, ON N3H 1S1

📌 Executive Director (Cambridge)
🏢 Discover Preston BIA
📍 Cambridge