The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) dates back to 1983. Forty years later they are Alberta’s leading body of action against gender-based violence.

ACWS is a registered charity that works with its members to end domestic violence. Their experience and knowledge help serve over 50 shelters across the province for women, their children and seniors facing domestic abuse.

THE ROLE

ACWS is seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to serve as the Executive Director. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will be responsible for providing strategic direction, leadership, and operational oversight to advance the mission and goals of ACWS. The Executive Director will work closely with members, government agencies, community partners, and allies to advocate for policies and programs that address domestic violence and support survivors.

The new Executive Director will lead with values and ideology to advance social justice.

THE CANDIDATE

Core Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public administration, non-profit management, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred). A combination of education and experiences will also be considered.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in the non-profit sector, with a focus on advocacy, social justice, or violence against women issues.
• Strong understanding of domestic violence issues, trauma-informed care principles, and the dynamics of gender-based violence.
• Proven track record of successful fundraising, grant writing, and financial management.
• Key qualifications are to be a visionary , have clear communication skills, have strong collaboration skills, and being innovative and creative.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership, Influence and Public Profile

• Represent ACWS and protect the integrity and reputation of the organization.
• Provide leadership and strategic influence within communities and throughout the province and beyond on issues and opportunities related to people facing domestic violence.

Organization Leadership

• Develop and implement approved short and long term strategic and operating policies, plans and procedures consistent with the vision, goals and objectives established by the Board of Directors.
• Monitor regular ongoing activities of the organization through review of management reports, team meetings, operational plan objectives and committee structures.
• Establish and implement organization policies, procedures and practices in all aspects of ACWS including operations, finances, technology and human resources.
• Lead a culture of operational excellence.
• Responsible for financial health of ACWS.

Finance and Administration

• Develop and lead a robust funding strategy to support sustainable operational growth and stability.
• Develop and propose the annual budget and operational plan for Board approval.
• Develop, review, and revise policies and procedures for Board approval.

Advocacy / Community Engagement

• Foster collaborative relationships with members, community organizations, government and others to strengthen the collective response to domestic violence.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration and resource-sharing to maximize impact and effectiveness.
• Champion legislative and policy changes to address systemic issues related to domestic violence and promote gender equality.

Board Support

• Engage, advise and support the Board of Directors in its various roles, including formulating and executing strategic direction(s).
• Ensure the development of agendas, reporting formats, presentations and other supporting materials for Board meetings, board committee meetings, Annual General Meetings and Board development and strategy sessions.
• Play a key role in new Board member orientation.

Personal Characteristics

Leadership Style

• Collaborative and authentic leader that understands diversity and inclusion and Indigenous world views.

Strategic Vision 

• Proactive, broad-based, long-term perspective on the organization by analyzing key trends and linking these to a strategy for success.  

Passion for the Cause 

• Genuine passion and awareness of gender-based violence and domestic violence.
• Skilled in facilitating healing where longstanding division has existed.

Integrity and Personal Credibility

• Demonstrated ability to gain and maintain trust.
• Honesty, humility and commitment are the signature of this leader.  

Diplomacy and Networking 

• Understanding and passion for the value of ACWS and the ability to develop, retain and grow a strong network of relationships that will assist in achieving the goals of the organization. 

Collaboration and Communication

• Ability to build teams, build trust and commitment underpinned with effective communication across diverse audiences and groups. 
• A visionary with clear communication skills and strong collaboration skills. 
• Innovative and creative individual that works effectively with the government.

We understand and appreciate our clients’ ever-increasing desire for candidates to reflect the communities in which they work and live. The Vogel Group is committed to inclusivity and diversity as we search for outstanding leadership talent for our clients.

We encourage candidates of all ethnicities, cultural backgrounds, physical challenges, sexual orientations, and identifications to feel confident in exploring and declaring candidacy for any of our search assignments.

For a full profile , or to apply , please contact:

Rick Vogel, ICD.D

Founding Principal

780.665.4965 ext. 101

rick@thevogelgroup.ca