Fitness Alberta is a non-profit organization that works to maintain standards, professionalism and evidence-informed education for personal trainers and group exercise professionals.  Their goals are to advance the quality of fitness services and enhance the professional standards of fitness practitioners in the province. Their certifications are recognized across Canada, North America and internationally.  Fitness Alberta has supported the fitness industry for more than 40 years.

THE ROLE

The Executive Director (ED) is the chief executive officer of Fitness Alberta and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, overseeing day-to-day operations, and ensuring the successful implementation of the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic plan. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED serves as the public face of Fitness Alberta and is instrumental in driving member engagement, stakeholder relationships, financial sustainability, and organizational effectiveness.

THE CANDIDATE

The ED is an exceptional leader with a strategic mindset who is able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally to achieve the goals of the organization. The successful candidate is a community leader and collaborative team-player with the following core competencies:

Core Competencies:

• Proven leadership experience in a non-profit, association, or similar organization.
• Strong background in strategic planning, governance, and organizational management.
• Demonstrated success in stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and relationship building.
• Financial acumen with experience managing budgets and reporting.
• Exceptional communication, public speaking, and interpersonal skills.
• A passion for health, fitness, and community wellness.

Preferred Competencies:

• Experience in the health, fitness, or wellness sector.
• Familiarity with fitness certification or professional licensing processes.
• Knowledge of the Alberta fitness industry and provincial health priorities.
• Post-secondary education in business, nonprofit leadership, public health, kinesiology, or a related field.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the development and execution of the strategic plan in collaboration with the Board.
• Foster a positive and inclusive organizational culture aligned with the mission and values.
• Represent Fitness Alberta at provincial and national forums, public events, and media engagements.

Governance & Board Relations

• Act as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors; provide regular updates on performance, opportunities, and risks.
• Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and reporting requirements.

Operations & Program Management

• Oversee all organizational programs, services, training and certifications.
• Plan and execute industry and professional conferences.
• Implement systems and processes that enhance operational efficiency and member experience.

Finance & Fund Development

• Develop and manage the annual budget; ensure financial accountability and long-term sustainability.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities including grants, sponsorships, partnerships, and donor relations.
• Provide accurate and timely financial reports to the Board.

Stakeholder & Community Engagement

• Build strong partnerships with government, educational institutions, fitness facilities, and other stakeholders.
• Serve as a spokesperson and advocate for the organization and its members.

Human Resources

• Lead, develop, and support a small team of staff and contractors.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing work environment.
• Oversee hiring, performance management, and professional development.

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