Executive Director

The Salvation Army in Canada; Calgary; On-site; CAD 139,241 - 174,052; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Canada is seeking an Executive Director to lead Calgary Community Services. This leadership role will oversee a large, multi-site social services operation, ensuring alignment with the organization's mission and high-quality service delivery.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred), 10+ years of leadership experience in social services, and a strong skill set in stakeholder management and strategic direction. The position offers a competitive salary range with opportunities for professional development.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in social services or a related sector.
• Proven experience leading large-scale, multi-site, complex operations.
• Strong experience working within community services, shelter systems, or similar environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a large, multi-site social services operation.
• Provide strategic direction and vision for program delivery.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies and standards.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Communication

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s preferred

Job description

Job Description

The Executive Director will lead Calgary Community Services, overseeing a large, complex, multi‑site social services operation that includes shelter, housing, and community programming. This role provides senior leadership across all programs, operations, and services—ensuring alignment with The Salvation Army’s mission, values, and regulatory requirements. The Executive Director II is responsible for driving operational excellence, advancing innovation, and ensuring high‑quality service delivery in a dynamic and demanding environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a large, multi‑site social services operation through senior leaders and cross‑functional teams
• Provide strategic direction and vision for program delivery, organizational standards, and evaluation frameworks
• Lead senior managers and directors, ensuring alignment, accountability, and performance across all service areas
• Drive continuous program improvement, innovation, and mission alignment across multiple service lines
• Manage and support innovation initiatives, including oversight of funding programs and scalable projects
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, standards, and legislative requirements
• Partner with internal functions (HR, Audit, Risk, IT) to strengthen systems, governance, and performance
• Oversee data, performance metrics, and evaluation processes to enhance service delivery outcomes
• Manage budgets, monitor expenditures, and provide financial oversight and strategic input
• Lead cross‑functional and ad‑hoc initiatives that improve organizational capacity and impact

Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as a highly visible, hands‑on, and responsive leader in a complex and fast‑paced environment
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, government agencies, funders, and stakeholders
• Lead external partnerships at a strategic level, ensuring collaboration to support clients and services
• Navigate and lead within complex shelter and community services environments, including working with vulnerable populations
• Represent the organization externally, including media and community engagement

Qualifications

Education & Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in a related field
• Relevant certifications (e.g., First Aid/CPR, Mental Health First Aid) or willingness to obtain

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in social services or a related sector
• Proven experience leading large‑scale, multi‑site, complex operations
• Demonstrated success in leading through leaders (senior managers/directors)
• Strong experience working within community services, shelter systems, or similar environments

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strategic and operational leadership in complex organizations
• Strong stakeholder management and partnership‑building capabilities
• Ability to operate effectively in high‑pressure, mission‑driven environments
• Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and resources
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and problem‑solving skills
• High integrity, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity
• Ability to balance hands‑on execution with strategic leadership

Working Environment

• Office‑based with regular presence across multiple sites in Calgary
• Exposure to dynamic environments, including shelters and community services supporting vulnerable populations
• Requires resilience, adaptability, and ability to manage competing priorities in a demanding setting

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $139,241.88 to $174,052.36 with a maximum of $208,862.83. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [e-mail] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.