Executive Director – Edmonton Immigrant Services Association

THE OPPORTUNITY

Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) is seeking a relationship-focused, values-driven Executive Director to lead the organization through its next phase of stewardship and growth. This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership role for a leader who is comfortable operating in complexity, balancing warmth with firmness, and guiding people and systems through ongoing change while remaining deeply grounded in community impact.

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is accountable for the overall leadership, sustainability, and performance of a mature, well-established organization with approximately 60 staff, a $6M operating budget, and a strong reputation in the settlement sector. The role requires close oversight of organizational operations, including financial accountability in a government-funded environment, collaborative leadership within a unionized workforce, effective governance partnership, proactive risk management, and strong government and community relations.

The Executive Director will work in a fast-changing environment shaped by immigration policy, funding cycles, and evolving community needs. Success in this role requires political and stakeholder savvy, comfort with detailed reporting and periodic audits, and the ability to pivot calmly and decisively when priorities shift.

THE ORGANIZATION

Edmonton Immigrant Services Association (EISA) is a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to supporting newcomers, including immigrants, refugees, and first-generation Canadians, as they navigate settlement, integration, adaptation, and lifelong learning. EISA has grown into a trusted settlement provider serving approximately 10,000 clients annually across Edmonton, St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan and Grande Prairie.

EISA delivers primarily school and community embedded settlement services, with staff working directly in schools, libraries, and community spaces to connect newcomers and families to the supports they need. The organization’s work is deeply rooted in culturally responsive, client-centred practice and is supported primarily through federal funding, with additional municipal and provincial partnerships.

EISA is known for its people-centred, team-oriented culture, flat organizational structure, and collaborative workforce. Grounded in equity, inclusion, accountability, and collaboration, the organization works closely with funders, school boards, libraries, and community partners to remove barriers, strengthen belonging, and support newcomers in building stable, meaningful lives in Canada.

Vision

An inclusive society where newcomers from all backgrounds thrive and reach their full potential.

Mission

Helping newcomers successfully settle and integrate in Edmonton and Grande Prairie.

Values

• We value equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
• We believe that people are our most valuable resource.
• We believe in client-centred and holistic service delivery.
• We value innovation and service excellence.
• We value strong collaborative partnerships.
• We value integrity, accountability, and reliability.

For more information, please visit their website: www.eisa-edmonton.org.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Governance

• Serve as the primary advisor to the Board of Directors, developing and leading the strategic plan while ensuring effective governance and alignment with the organization’s mission.
• Identify, assess, and inform the Board of Directors of internal and external issues that affect the organization.
• Act as a professional advisor to the Board of Directors on all aspects of the organization’s activities.
• Foster effective teamwork between the Board and the Executive Director and between the Executive Director and staff.
• In addition to the Chair of the Board, act as a spokesperson for the organization.
• Conduct official correspondence on behalf of the Board as appropriate and jointly with the Board when appropriate.
• Represent the organization at community activities to enhance the organization’s community profile.

Organizational Planning and Management

• Develop an operational plan which incorporates goals and objectives that work towards the strategic direction of the organization.
• Ensure that the operation of the organization meets the expectations of its clients, Board and Funders.
• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization.
• Draft policies for the approval of the Board and prepares procedures to implement the organizational policies; reviews existing policies on an annual basis and recommends changes to the Board as appropriate.
• Ensure that personnel, client, donor and volunteer files are securely stored, and privacy/confidentiality is maintained.
• Provide support to the Board by preparing meeting agenda and supporting materials.

Program Planning and Management

• Ensure the development and implementation of responsive, client-centered, and holistic services and programs.
• Ensure that the programs and services offered by the organization contribute to the organization’s mission and reflect the priorities of the Board.

Human Resources Planning and Management

• Oversee the development and implementation of the human resources policies, procedures and practices.
• Ensure a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations.
• Oversee the recruitment and hiring of qualified management staff.
• Ensure that orientation and onboarding training is provided to all new staff.
• Prioritize leadership development through mentorship, coaching, and opportunities for professional advancement.
• Provide inspirational leadership to a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace culture.
• Ensure a performance management process for management staff which includes monitoring the performance of the staff on an on-going basis and an annual performance review.

Financial Planning and Management

• Work closely with the Finance Manager and the Board’s Finance Committee to provide leadership for financial planning and accountability of budgets, audits, risk mitigation, and long-term sustainability.
• Work with the Board to secure adequate funding for the operation of the organization
• Explore diverse funding sources and oversee writing of proposals and fund-raising plans.
• Ensure expenditure is based on approved organizational budget.
• Ensure that sound bookkeeping and accounting procedures are followed.
• Ensure administration of the organization’s funds are in accordance with the approved budget and monitors the monthly cash flow.
• Ensure that the Board is provided with comprehensive, regular fiscal reports on the organizational revenues and expenditure.
• Ensure organizational compliance with all legislation covering taxation and withholding payments.

Community Relations/Advocacy

• Communicate with stakeholders about the organization’s work and identifies changes in the community served by the organization.
• Build good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with funders, community groups, and the public to help achieve the goals of the organization.

Risk Management

• Identify and evaluate the risks to the organization and implement measures to control risks.
• Ensure that the Board of Directors and the organization carries appropriate and adequate insurance coverage.
• Ensure that the Board and staff understand the terms, conditions and limitations of the insurance coverage.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Post-secondary education; a master’s degree preferred in human services, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of senior executive leadership experience within a diverse nonprofit or human services organization.
• Demonstrated experience providing financial leadership in a government-funded, high-accountability environment, including budget oversight, contribution agreements, audit readiness, claims documentation, and detailed reporting.
• Experience leading within a unionized workforce and working constructively with labour relations (AUPE or comparable union environment preferred).
• Proven ability to build trust-based relationships with funders, partners, and community stakeholders, and to represent an organization with professionalism and credibility.
• A clear commitment to newcomer settlement, inclusion, equity, and culturally responsive service delivery.
• A current and clear criminal record check, including vulnerable sector screening.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity: Demonstrates a deep commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and intercultural understanding, and leads in alignment with EISA’s mission, values, and the lived experiences of newcomers and refugees.
• Understanding Others: Listens actively, demonstrates empathy and self-awareness, and seeks to understand diverse perspectives, recognizing power, privilege, and systemic barriers.
• Leadership: Provides collaborative, values-based leadership that emphasizes shared decision-making, sound judgment, adaptability to policy and funding shifts, and resilience in a complex, publicly funded environment.
• Program Delivery: Oversees high-quality, accountable program delivery across distributed and embedded service models, ensuring outcomes, consistency, and continuous improvement.
• Governance: Partners effectively with the Board in a governance-focused relationship, supporting strategic direction, accountability, and organizational risk management.
• Staff Management: Fosters a healthy, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture, leads collaboratively in a unionized environment, and prioritizes staff wellbeing, retention, and professional growth.
• Fund Development & Financial Management: Provides strong financial stewardship of public funds, including contribution agreements, reporting, audits, and compliance, while maintaining constructive relationships with government funders.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

SANDY JACOBSON | T: 780.944.1327| E: sandy.jacobson@richardsonsearch.ca | www.richardsonsearch.ca