Executive Director

ABOUT ACT

ACT (Action Coalition on Human Trafficking) is a national charity and non-profit organization that provides front-line services to victims and survivors of both labour and sex trafficking. We provide specialized case management, empower and mobilize our communities, and partner with allies across the country to raise awareness.  

OUR VISION: Canadian communities free from human trafficking.

OUR MISSION: We support and advocate for victims and survivors of human trafficking, increase knowledge and awareness of all forms of human trafficking, and lead and foster collective action through collaboration and respect.  

OUR VALUES:  

• Person-centered response driven by human rights.  
• A commitment to serve and empower all individuals using an anti-oppressive framework.  
• Evidence-based and judgment-free services through a lens of intersectionality.  
• Collective action through the coordination, collaboration, and respect of stakeholders and allies.  

THE OPPORTUNITY

ACT (Action Coalition on Human Trafficking formerly ACT Alberta) is seeking an Executive Director with executive or senior management experience in strategic planning and the development of organizational stability.

Established in 2008, ACT is a recognized leader in the fight to end human trafficking. Our work in advocacy, front-line service provision, education and collaboration is informed by a rights-based and victim-centered approach. Our response relies on building capacity of involved stakeholders, providing education based on evidence and informed by survivors, and ensuring adequate protection and support for trafficked persons.

We work out of offices in Edmonton and Calgary, partnering with stakeholders and rights holders, including all levels of government, law enforcement, government agencies, NGOs, and other collaborators to lead joint action against human trafficking. This position can be based out of either Calgary or Edmonton and may be hybrid. This position requires travel between offices in Edmonton and Calgary, as well as occasional travel outside of those cities, to facilitate the business of ACT.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will be responsible for implementing our new strategic plan and providing clear strategic direction to advance all organizational objectives, while ensuring the long-term sustainability and growth of the organization. A key priority will be leading the expansion of our programs, services, and organizational presence into Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories. This includes building and strengthening relationships with stakeholders, partners, funders, and communities; leading and supporting our staff team; and developing and implementing a comprehensive long-term fund development strategy.

This position presents a unique opportunity to drive meaningful change through a diverse portfolio of activities and strategic initiatives. We prioritize work-life balance, a healthy organizational culture, and professional development for our committed team of staff and Board members.

KEY ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership

• Lead ACT with a clearly defined sense of business direction and purpose.
• Effectively communicate ACT’s Vision and Mission to employees, partners, stakeholders, and rights holders.
• Participate in implementing the organization’s Vision and Strategic Plan and assume overall responsibility for the fulfillment of the Vision and Mandate.
• Act as an advisor and consultant to the Board of Directors. Keep them informed of operations and activities so they have all the available information for carrying out their policy-making responsibilities.
• Encourage team building by facilitating open communication and positive working relationships with staff.
• Ensure that there is an effective framework of governance which provides the direction and parameters within which business is conducted, align accountabilities and authorities, and define any required policies, standards, and guidelines.
• Establish control and follow-up mechanisms for the organization.
• Assume primary responsibility for team building and career development planning for staff members.
• Maintain a culture of safety and mental wellness by ensuring adherence to established policies and standards and develop new programs and initiatives as required. Support, coach and mentor staff dealing with difficult subject matter daily.

FINANCIAL/FUND DEVELOPMENT

• The Executive Director is responsible for the overall financial responsibilities of the organization.
• Develop, and implement, an annual operating budget for presentation to the Finance Committee and then for approval from the Board of Directors.
• Authorize and administer expenditures within the approved operating budget. Make recommendations to the Board of Directors regarding un-budgeted or non-operating expenditures.
• Secure funding needed to execute ACT’s operations, programs, and services. Maintain transparency and accountability of revenue development with the Board.
• Develop and recommend strategic and creative fundraising initiatives and ensure that these initiatives enhance the credibility of the organization.
• Take a proactive lead in mobilizing financial and non-financial resources, in collaboration with the Board, funders, agency leaders, community development specialists and other community leaders.
• Take a leadership role to ensure the effective coordination of programs and appropriate collaboration between funders.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with other funding agencies and donors.
• Ensure effective management, accountability, and stewardship of all financial resources.
• Ensure that the process for expending funds or donations is well defined, efficient and transparent.
• Manage the regular submission of financial statements, quarterly reports and other statistical information to the Board.

COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS

• Build trustworthy, respectful and strong relationships with key agencies ensuring effective and consistent communication. Work collaboratively to develop and enhance partnerships through which the organization’s mandate can be promoted.
• Develop, foster, and maintain respectful, collaborative relationships with Indigenous rights holders, Indigenous communities, organizations, and partners. Ensure engagement is grounded in cultural awareness, mutual respect, and a commitment to reconciliation, while supporting collaborative initiatives that advance ACT’s mandate and objectives.
• Contribute to public policy advocacy and work with government partners to advance ACT’s objectives.
• Increase awareness of ACT by developing effective relationships with local media.
• Provide oversight and maintain effective relations with external and internal stakeholders.
• Act as the formal spokesperson for ACT in all matters, other than those that are Board related.
• Promote and maintain a professional relationship with individuals, groups, or agencies in the community.
• Advocate with community, government, and law enforcement agencies regarding the development and provision of services to clients.

GOVERNANCE/BOARD RELATIONS

• Play a leadership role with the Board in ACT’s strategy development. Support the Board in decision-making, planning and establishment of strategic objectives and initiatives, and the formulation of operational policies.
• Deliver information required to the Board as necessary to enable the Board to meet its obligations, mandate, and discharge their governance responsibilities.
• Identify issues and provide full and comprehensive information, analysis, and advice to the Board. Discuss emerging internal and external issues and high-priority needs with the Board to identify ways in which ACT can assist in addressing these issues.
• Develop operating plans and budgets for Board approval.
• Develop policies for Board approval.
• Report regularly to the Board and its committees on the activities of ACT and its financial and operational status.
• Attend Board or committee meetings as required.

THE PERSON

ACT is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; Indigenous persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the ACT mission.

QUALIFICATIONS & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

The candidate will have relevant academic preparation with a preference for a minimum of an undergraduate University degree in a related field. The individual will have significant executive or senior management experience with a demonstrated track record of building collaborative partnerships and successfully working with service providers, funders, governments, Indigenous communities, and other key stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have experience leading organizational growth, expansion, or service delivery into new geographic regions, including developing strategic partnerships, assessing community needs, and establishing a sustainable organizational presence in new markets or jurisdictions. Experience navigating diverse regulatory, funding, and stakeholder environments while managing growth and change will be considered a strong asset.

The individual will have a proven background in developing and executing fund development strategies, securing grants and other funding opportunities, and identifying new sources of revenue to ensure long-term organizational sustainability. The candidate will also possess strong financial management and budgeting experience, with the ability to effectively steward organizational resources during periods of growth and expansion.

A sound understanding of board governance, strategic planning, and the not-for-profit sector is essential. The successful candidate will be a visionary and collaborative leader with experience translating strategic priorities into measurable outcomes while fostering a positive organizational culture and supporting staff development.

Knowledge of the current environment, challenges, and opportunities related to human trafficking and antitrafficking programs, particularly as they affect vulnerable populations in Western and Northern Canada, would be considered a significant asset.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES

Strategic Leadership: Ability to look at the “big picture” while still attending to details; proven success in strategic thinking and planning; can translate operational priorities into action and lead change; demonstrated ability to lead, coach and motivate others.

Innovative: An innovator with a positive and results driven attitude, who takes initiative, anticipates, and proactively solves problems, enjoys leading change and takes informed risks in pursuit of improvement. Develops new and unique ways to improve operations and create new opportunities.

Demonstrates Character: Displays a quality guided by noble principles with the conviction and courage to do the right thing always; demonstrates integrity, ethics, responsibility, character, and virtue; has a developed personal and progressive value system based on a high sense of integrity and desire to treat others as he or she would expect to be treated.

Visionary: Ability to formulate and articulate a detailed vision for the organization and communicate vision and expectations.

Relationship Building: Ability to develop and strengthen positive and productive collaborations and relationships with organizations and individuals both internal and external to the organization. Establishes credibility and respect; builds strong working relationships with staff, volunteers, and external stakeholders.

Inspirational: Models positive behaviour and provides an example to follow; encourages and motivates others; exudes real engagement and passion for the role/tasks; becomes and remains deeply committed; shows elevated levels of enthusiasm for the role/tasks; engages positively with others with a sense of humour, being open to others’ views and feelings; maintains a positive attitude even in adversity.

Resilience: Maintains perspective, a positive outlook and effectiveness when under pressure; uses specific strategies to assist self and others to cope, including humour, prioritizing, adjusting resourcing of key tasks; deals effectively with failure and obstacles; does not see failure as personal rejection.

Problem Solving & Judgment: Ability to anticipate problems and deal with them proactively. Has excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills and is a confident decision-maker; seeks and considers input of others. Can make difficult decisions and communicate these decisions effectively.

Business and Political Acumen: Possesses a keen business sense for financial, operational, and personnel matters. Understands the role government plays in social justice issues and advocacy, funding relationships, and is astute in the means that secure the ends. Develops new ideas and moves them forward. Utilizes all the resources available and involves other members of the team as necessary to get the job done. Creative and takes advantage of opportunities, while recognizing the necessity of working within limited resources.

Communication Skills: Open and straightforward style with all audiences and an ability to effectively communicate with all stakeholders; candid and respectful with everyone. Possesses strong written and verbal communication skills and presentation abilities.

Team Player/Teamwork: Demonstrated success leading a team; talks openly with

others; establishes expectations; holds self and others accountable; supports group decisions; shares credit; builds enthusiasm for goals; and resolves conflict appropriately. Works in a collaborative and solutions-focused manner to achieve outcomes that align with the needs of the organization.

COMPENSATION

A competitive compensation package will be provided including an attractive base salary and excellent benefits. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to:

Recruitment@weareact.org 780-474-1104