Executive Director

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) is the senior staff officer of the Westlock Community Foundation (the Foundation) and is accountable to the Board of Directors through the Board Chair. Guided by the Foundation’s mission, vision, and Board-approved strategic priorities, the ED provides leadership for day-to-day operations while fostering strong communication, collaboration, and trust between the Board, committees, donors, partners, and the broader community.

A core emphasis of this role is open, proactive communication and collaborative leadership. The ED operates within a “no surprises” culture, ensuring the Board is informed, engaged, and meaningfully involved in strategic direction, major initiatives, and risk-related decisions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Board Partnership & Governance Support

• Works in close collaboration with the Board Chair and Board of Directors, maintaining a strong, respectful, and transparent working relationship.
• Operates with a no surprises philosophy by providing timely, accurate, and complete information to support Board decision-making.
• Jointly prepares Board agendas with the Board Chair, ensuring items are clearly framed, supported by analysis, and aligned with Board priorities.
• Provides clear verbal updates, recommendations, and highlights at Board meetings to support informed discussion and governance oversight.
• Seeks Board direction and approval on strategic risks, major initiatives, grants, partnerships, and policy matters before proceeding.
• Implements Board decisions and directions professionally and respectfully.

2. Communication & Transparency

• Maintains consistent, proactive communication with the Board and committees beyond formal meetings, including items of general information, emerging issues, and opportunities.
• Flags challenges, risks, and opportunities early and works collaboratively with the Board to determine appropriate responses.
• Ensures Board members are informed proactively through direct communication.
• Prepares clear, concise written reports and briefing materials that support understanding and effective governance.

3. Strategic Leadership & Collaborative Implementation

• Leads the implementation of the Foundation’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Board and committees.
• Brings forward new program ideas, initiatives, and grant opportunities with clear analysis of benefits, risks, resource requirements, and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Ensures grants and major initiatives are discussed with and approved by the Board prior to application or implementation.
• Regularly conducts environmental scans and shares insights on philanthropic trends, community needs, and emerging opportunities.

4. Community Engagement & Relationship Management

• Represents the Foundation professionally and consistently in alignment with Boardapproved priorities, policies, and messaging.
• Builds and maintains strong, ongoing relationships with donors, fundholders, nonprofit partners, community organizations, government, and community leaders.
• Acts as a connector and facilitator of collaboration across the community, strengthening the Foundation’s role as a trusted community leader.
• Actively seeks opportunities for public speaking, networking, and partnership-building on behalf of the Foundation.

5. Endowment Development & Donor Stewardship

• Works collaboratively with the Board and Endowment Committee to develop and implement endowment development and donor stewardship strategies.
• Seeks Board guidance on major donor relationships, stewardship approaches, and partnership agreements.
• Ensures marketing and communications initiatives support donor confidence, transparency, and long-term relationship building.

6. Financial Stewardship & Risk Management

• Works closely with the Finance Committee to develop annual budgets, financial forecasts, and work plans aligned with strategic priorities.
• Provides clear, understandable financial reports, including budget-to-actual comparisons, and raises concerns proactively.
• Ensures sound financial management practices, compliance with legislation, and responsible stewardship of Foundation assets.
• Identifies and evaluates financial, reputational, legal, and operational risks and ensures they are communicated to the Board prior to action.
• Responsible for all day to day financial processes.

7. Organizational & Operational Leadership

• Oversees day-to-day operations of the Foundation in accordance with Board policies and applicable legislation.
• Supports the Board and committees in policy development, review, and implementation.
• Fosters a respectful, inclusive, and communications-rich environment among Board members, committees, staff, and volunteers.
• Encourages collaboration, shared leadership, and the effective use of Board members’ community knowledge and expertise.

Qualifications & Experience

• Senior leadership experience in the nonprofit, charitable, or community sector, supported by relevant post-secondary education or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience working effectively with a volunteer Board of Directors.
• Strong background in community engagement, donor relations, fundraising, or endowment development.
• Sound understanding of financial management, budgeting, and governance in a nonprofit context.

Core Competencies

• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Collaborative leadership style that values shared decision-making and Board engagement.
• Strong relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities.
• Strategic and analytical thinking with the ability to clearly explain complex issues.
• High level of professional judgment, integrity, and accountability.
• Ability to balance independence in operations with strong alignment to Board direction.

Working Environment

• Regular interaction with Board members, donors, partners, and community stakeholders.
• Combination of office-based work and community meetings; occasional evening and weekend commitments.
• Multiple competing priorities requiring strong organizational skills and adaptability.

This job description reflects the Foundation’s commitment to collaborative leadership, transparent communication, and strong Board–Executive partnership.