Executive Director

Location: Edmonton - Hybrid; office located at 10055 106 Street

Hours: 37.5 hours/week; evenings, weekends, and some travel will be required

Reports to: ASEC Board of Directors through Chair of the Board

About the Alberta Students' Executive Council

The Alberta Students’ Executive Council (ASEC) is the collective voice of post-secondary students across Alberta. Representing over 100,000 students from 16 member students’ associations, ASEC is a non-partisan, member-driven nonprofit that advocates for accessible, affordable, and high-quality post-secondary education.

The Opportunity

ASEC is recruiting an Executive Director to lead a student-led organization representing post-secondary students across Alberta. Reporting to a student-led Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides strategic and operational leadership to advance ASEC’s mission and ensure student priorities are effectively represented at the provincial level. The Executive Director serves as the administrative leader of ASEC, responsible for oversight of all elements of day-to-day operations, organizational relationships, and board engagement. This includes organizational governance, HR and staff oversight, budget development and financial management, partner and member relationships, regulatory adherence, and advocacy and lobbying activities.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence post-secondary policy while supporting and mentoring student leaders across the province.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned nonprofit or advocacy leader with strong political acumen and relationship building abilities. The candidate should have a proven track record when it comes to financial management, consensus building, and working with both Members and Boards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Governance & Board Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and ASEC operations.
• Support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities by providing regular reporting, strategic insight, and clear communication.
• Provide support and orientation to Board members to ensure their success and preparedness for their roles.

2. Organizational Leadership & Operations

• Provide leadership and oversight of day-to-day operations, policies, and staff.
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and values-aligned organizational culture.
• Manage dual accountability by translating Board direction into clear, actionable priorities for staff.
• Identify key areas for organizational growth or efficiency through relationships, partnerships, and/or program expansion or improvement.

3. Advocacy & Government Relations

• Act as ASEC’s lead lobbyist and point of contact for government, advancing the advocacy agenda with government officials, public servants, and key influencers and reporting as required.
• Maintain and build strong relationships with provincial government representatives, ministries, and other decision-makers relevant to post-secondary education.
• Develop and implement effective lobbying strategies that align with member priorities and ASEC’s strategic plan.
• Lead Members in priority identification processes and oversee development of all related advocacy resources.
• Identify areas for growth in ASEC’s partner network and advocate for ASEC’s inclusion in new spaces.

4. Member Engagement & Accountability

• Ensure continuous engagement with ASEC Member organizations through students and staff, maintaining transparency and accountability.
• Foster strong relationships with student leaders across Alberta, ensuring their voices are reflected in ASEC’s advocacy work.
• Ensure Members are receiving and perceiving value in their membership with ASEC.

5. Strategic Planning & Implementation

• Lead the execution of ASEC’s multi-year strategic plan, aligning activities with long-term goals and member expectations.
• Monitor progress and adapt strategies to ensure continued relevance and impact.

6. Financial Oversight & Sustainability

• Lead budgeting and financial planning to ensure financial health and sustainability of the organization.
• Work with the Finance Committee and Board to manage financial risk, ensure compliance, and uphold financial accountability.
• Secure and manage funding, including grants, sponsorships, and partnerships as appropriate.

7. Stakeholder & Partner Relations

• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with other student organizations, post-secondary institutions, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and sector stakeholders.
• Represent ASEC in coalitions, working groups, and public forums to strengthen the organization’s presence and advocacy impact.

Qualifications & Experience

We are looking for a thoughtful, relationship-driven leader with experience in nonprofit, advocacy, or public-sector environments and a strong commitment to student voices.

Requirements:

• A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience post-graduation in nonprofit leadership, government relations, advocacy.
• High financial literacy: experience with financial management and budget preparation.
• Experience working with Boards or governance structures.
• A collaborative leadership style and strong communication skills.

Bonus if you also have:

• Proven track record in executive or senior management roles within a nonprofit organization.
• Strong knowledge of governance best practices and experience working with Boards.
• Demonstrated success in managing staff and operations in a small organization.
• Understanding of Alberta’s post-secondary landscape and government systems.
• Understanding of lobbyist and nonprofit reporting requirements.
• Experience leading government relations, lobbying efforts, and strategic advocacy.
• Experience with or understanding of student-run organizations.

Work Environment and Expectations:

• Hybrid work environment based in Edmonton.
• This role includes occasional evening and weekend commitments, as well as periodic travel within Alberta.

Why ASEC?

• Student lead governance model, offering a unique opportunity to mentor, support, and collaborate with emerging leaders.
• A flexible, hybrid work environment based in Edmonton.
• Competitive compensation, including extended health and dental benefits and RRSP matching.
• Generous time off, including vacation, paid office closures, medical time, compassionate leave, and parental leave.
• Support for professional development, with dedicated funding and time to grow in your role.

ASEC is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment where diverse perspectives are valued. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We welcome applicants who share our commitment to equity, accessibility, and inclusion in post-secondary education.

To Apply

Please complete the application form, which will require attachment of a PDF resume. Direct applications through Indeed or email will strictly not be considered.

FORM: https://forms.gle/FMabviGcn2M88zWJ9

The application form will ask you a series of questions; the quality of writing in your responses will be considered in assessing your submission, including the use of AI.

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Disability insurance
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• RRSP match