Chief Executive Officer - Black Business Initiative (Filled)

Royer Thompson Management & Human Resources Consulting; Halifax; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Chief Executive Officer to lead a transformative organization dedicated to fostering a thriving Black business community. This role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on economic prosperity and community engagement across Canada. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of experience in senior leadership, demonstrating a passion for empowering Black entrepreneurs and building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders. As a visionary leader, you will drive strategic initiatives, manage operations, and inspire a dedicated team to achieve organizational excellence. Join a mission-driven firm that values diversity and inclusion while making a tangible difference in the community.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of senior leadership experience in a multi-stakeholder environment.
• Strong communicator with a track record of engaging high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day management of the organization and a team of 20+ staff.
• Galvanize community and business stakeholders for a shared purpose.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Community Engagement

Strategic Vision

Education

Undergraduate Degree

Diploma in Business or Related Field

Job description

Committed to growing a thriving and vibrant Black business community in Canada.

The Black Business Initiative (BBI) is Canada's longest-serving Black business development initiative, founded in 1996 by the Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia to address the unique needs confronting Nova Scotia’s Black business community. With a deep commitment to fostering a dynamic and vibrant Black presence within Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Region, today, the BBI is a leader and catalyst for job creation, equitable participation, and advancing economic prosperity across Canada.

For over twenty-five years, the BBI has convened, mobilized, supported, and led meaningful projects and initiatives within Black Canadian communities. The organization lives its mission of positively influencing business culture in the Atlantic Provinces by promoting and assisting in developing Black-owned businesses and supporting Black entrepreneurs at every step of their journey.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Board(s) through the BBI Chair, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has a unique opportunity to build upon the organization’s momentum: by standing on the shoulders of their ancestors, they can profoundly impact its future for generations to come. As an ambassador and champion for the vision, mission, and strategic direction of BBI and its composite group of companies, the CEO has a track record of galvanizing community, government, and business stakeholders to align on a shared purpose. The CEO is responsible for the day-to-day management of the organization, including a team of 20+ staff, and has accountability for operations, administration, marketing, human resources, and finance functions.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate has an undergraduate degree or diploma or equivalent related business experience, with at least five to ten years of progressive senior leadership in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. They possess an entrepreneurial mindset with experience as a Black entrepreneur and/or as a leader in a related business context (i.e., finance, marketing, etc.). The CEO is passionate about identifying opportunities to enable Black business leaders to grow their organizations and to overcome key challenges. They are savvy in building strong, long-term relationships with community and partners, including funders, and are committed to fostering organizational excellence. The CEO is an exceptional communicator and an inspiring people leader, with demonstrated experience cultivating and engaging high performing teams. The successful candidate demonstrates that they are attuned to the needs and opportunities within the local and national Black business communities and have a clear strategic vision focused on growth and expansion to strengthen BBI’s brand and impact.

Diversity and Inclusion

Royer Thompson is committed to presenting a diverse and inclusive roster of candidates to our clients. We welcome and encourage applications from under-represented groups: Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, persons with a disability, women, and persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity. If you are a member of one of these under-represented groups, we invite you to self-identify on your cover letter or resume. Preference will be given to African Nova Scotians/people of African descent. Additionally, we provide accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodation(s) to participate in the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail]

Royer Thompson Management & Human Resources Consulting is a Canadian talent management firm focused on capturing the full potential of people in organizations by supporting a shared sense of purpose, recruiting and cultivating leadership, and fostering an innovative, caring and entrepreneurial spirit.