Wendy Ellen Inc. is a human resources consulting firm that partners with small and medium-sized organizations supporting. Our Client ECALA is looking for a dynamic Executive Director who serves as the primary spokesperson, advocate, and representative in Adult Foundational Learning. The successful candidate is accountable for organizational performance, financial sustainability, and community impact.Lead the Future of Adult Learning in AlbertaThe Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association (ECALA) is seeking an accomplished, relationship-focused, and strategic Executive Director to lead the organization in advancing adult foundational learning across Edmonton and Alberta.Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as ECALA's chief executive officer and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, financial stewardship, government relations, grant administration, community engagement, and organizational oversight.The Executive Director will champion adult literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, English language learning, employability, and lifelong learning opportunities while overseeing the stewardship of more than$2.5 million in annual public and community investmentsthat support Community Adult Learning Programs and adult learners throughout the region.This is an exceptional opportunity to influence policy, strengthen community partnerships, support cutting-edge learning initiatives, and demonstrate measurable outcomes that improve the lives of adult learners and strengthen communities.About ECALAECALA supports and strengthens adult foundational learning opportunities by providing leadership, funding, advocacy, professional development, collaboration, and capacity-building support to community-based adult learning organizations.Through partnerships with government, community organizations, Indigenous communities, educational institutions, and stakeholders, ECALA helps ensure that adults have access to learning opportunities that improve quality of life, employment readiness, community participation, and lifelong learning.Position SummaryThe Executive Director is responsible for implementing ECALA's strategic priorities, supporting effective governance, leading organizational operations, stewarding public funding, and fostering strong relationships with government ministries, grant recipients, community organizations, Indigenous partners, educational institutions, employers, and funders.The Executive Director serves as ECALA's primary spokesperson, advocate, and representative and is accountable for organizational performance, financial sustainability, and community impact.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & AdvocacyProvide visionary and strategic leadership aligned with ECALA's mission, values, and Board-approved strategic plan.Position ECALA as a recognized leader and advocate for adult foundational learning throughout Edmonton and Alberta.Identify emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges affecting adult learners and community-based learning organizations.Advocate for increased awareness, investment, and support for adult foundational learning.Promote innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the organization and sector.Ensure organizational decisions are guided by equity,



inclusion, accessibility, reconciliation, and learner-centered principles.Government Relations & Sector LeadershipDevelop and maintain strong relationships with municipal, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments.Serve as ECALA's primary liaison with government ministries, elected officials, funding partners, and sector stakeholders.Represent ECALA at meetings, conferences, community forums, and government consultations.Monitor policy developments and funding priorities impacting adult learning and community education.Advocate for sustainable investment in adult foundational learning programs and services.Collaborate with sector organizations and community partners to advance shared priorities and outcomes.Grant Administration & Community InvestmentProvide oversight and stewardship for more than$2.5 million in annual operational and grant funding.Ensure grant allocation processes are transparent, equitable, evidence-informed, and aligned with strategic priorities.Manage funding agreements, reporting requirements, monitoring activities, and accountability frameworks.Support the Board and committees in making informed funding decisions.Evaluate grant-funded initiatives and measure outcomes against organizational objectives.Ensure compliance with provincial funding agreements and Community Adult Learning Program requirements.Organizational LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop a dedicated and high-performing team.Foster a workplace culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion, innovation, and continuous learning.Ensure effective organizational planning, performance management, and succession planning.Support staff development and organizational capacity-building initiatives.Promote effective communication and collaboration throughout the organization.Ensure organizational resources are aligned with strategic priorities.Financial Stewardship & Risk ManagementProvide strategic oversight of ECALA's annual budget exceeding$2.5 million .Ensure sound financial management, internal controls, and accountability practices.Prepare and present annual budgets, forecasts, and financial reports to the Board.Monitor organizational performance against approved budgets and operational plans.Ensure compliance with financial policies, legislation, contracts, and funding agreements.Identify and manage organizational risks while supporting long-term sustainability.Governance & Board RelationsServe as the principal advisor to the Board of Directors.Support effective governance through timely, accurate, and strategic reporting.Assist the Board in strategic planning, policy development,



and organizational oversight.Build solid working relationships with Board members and committees.Ensure appropriate separation between governance and operations.Support the implementation of Board decisions and strategic priorities.Community Partnerships & Stakeholder EngagementBuild and maintain collaborative relationships with:Community Adult Learning Programs (CALPs)Indigenous communities and organizationsSettlement and immigrant-serving agenciesEducational institutionsWorkforce development organizationsCommunity-based organizationsEmployers and industry partnersGovernment funders and philanthropic organizationsFacilitate collaboration among stakeholders to strengthen adult learning opportunities and community impact.Promote community engagement and responsiveness to emerging learner needs.Impact Measurement & AccountabilityLead the development of performance measurement and evaluation frameworks.Monitor and report organizational and community outcomes.Use data and evidence to support decision-making and continuous improvement.Demonstrate the effectiveness and impact of public investments in adult learning.Prepare reports for funders, stakeholders, and the Board that communicate results and community impact.QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in Business Administration, Adult Education, Community Development, Public Administration, Education, Non-Profit Management, or a related discipline.Master's degree is considered an asset.Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.ExperienceMinimum seven (7) years of progressive senior leadership experience within the non-profit, education, government, community development, or related sectors.Demonstrated success managing organizational budgets and funding portfolios of$2.5 million or greater .Experience working with government-funded programs, grants, contribution agreements, and reporting requirements.Proven ability to build strategic partnerships and engage diverse stakeholders.Experience reporting to and working collaboratively with a Board of Directors.Experience leading organizational planning, change management, and team development.Experience working with Indigenous communities and advancing reconciliation initiatives is strongly preferred.Knowledge of Alberta's adult learning, literacy, community education, or workforce development sectors is considered an asset.Core CompetenciesRelationship BuilderBuilds trust and credibility with governments, funders, community organizations, Indigenous partners, and stakeholders.Strategic ThinkerUnderstands complex systems and develops practical strategies that create measurable impact.Financial StewardDemonstrates sound judgment in managing public investments and organizational resources.Collaborative LeaderBrings people together to achieve common goals and strengthen community outcomes.Effective CommunicatorCommunicates clearly and persuasively with diverse audiences and stakeholders.Results-OrientedFocuses on accountability, continuous improvement, and measurable outcomes.Community ChampionPassionate about adult learning, lifelong education, and strengthening communities.RemunerationHybrid | Edmonton, Alberta | Full-Time | PermanentSalary Range: $95,000 – $125,000 annually, commensurate with experience, plus benefitsWendy Ellen Inc. is looking for a great individual who will fit seamlessly into ECLA 's Community learning mandate. Please email your resume to [email protected]#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Executive Director - C$95,000 - C$125,000 A Year (Winnipeg)
🏢 Wendy Ellen
📍 Winnipeg