Executive Director

Fueling Brains; Calgary; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Executive Director to provide strategic leadership across multiple academies. This pivotal role involves driving operational excellence, ensuring financial sustainability, and fostering a collaborative workplace culture. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in education leadership, operational management, and community engagement. With a focus on building leadership capacity and ensuring compliance with provincial regulations, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of children and families. Join this innovative organization and help shape the future of early childhood education in Alberta.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of leadership experience in education or child-focused organizations.
• Proven track record in operational management and strategic planning.
• Experience with Alberta's childcare or education system.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans for organizational alignment.
• Oversee operations and ensure compliance with Alberta ECE standards.
• Build relationships with parents and community stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership and Team Management

Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving

Financial Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication and Interpersonal Skills

Technological Proficiency

Education

Master's degree in Education

Certification in Early Childhood Education

Training in Leadership or Non-Profit Management

Tools

Operational Management Systems

Reporting Systems

Communication Platforms

Job description

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight

across multiple academies. This role ensures alignment with the organization's mission

and goals, driving operational excellence, financial sustainability, and a collaborative

workplace culture.

The Executive Director also plays a critical role in building leadership capacity within the

Academy cluster, ensuring a strong succession pipeline, and fostering a culture of

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

Leadership and Strategic Planning :

• Develop and implement strategic plans that align with the organization"s mission

and long-term goals.

• Lead Center Directors in driving key performance indicators (KPIs) such as

enrollment growth, academic success, and employee retention.

• Build and maintain a succession pipeline for pivotal roles across the Academy

cluster to ensure organizational continuity and leadership development.

Operational Management :

• Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure smooth functioning of multiple
• Manage enrollment targets and collaborate with marketing teams to meet
• Develop and monitor operational budgets, ensuring cost control and financial

performance.

• Demonstrate ease, familiarity and comfort with systems and technology across

multiple platforms to support operational efficiency and data-driven

decision-making.

Compliance and Quality Assurance :

• Ensure all academies comply with Alberta ECE standards, health, licensing and

all required industry and provincial regulations.

• Monitor health, safety, and well-being protocols for staff and students.
• Implement quality control processes to maintain high academic and operational

standards.

• Manage and ensure timely, accurate reporting to the Government of Alberta for

licensing, subsidy programs, and related compliance needs.

Staff Leadership and Development :

• Provide mentorship, coaching and professional development opportunities to

Center Directors and senior staff to build leadership capacity.

• Collaborate with HR to identify staffing needs, oversee recruitment and

onboarding, and promote professional development programs.

• Support Center Directors in managing staff and parental interactions, including

proactive conflict resolution strategies that foster trust, professionalism, and

community partnerships.

Community Engagement :

• Build and maintain relationships with parents, community partners, and

stakeholders.

• Represent the organization at public forums and community events to enhance

visibility and reputation.

• Work collaboratively with families to address and resolve billing-related concerns,

ensuring a positive experience and operational accuracy.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Education

Master's degree in Education, Business Administration, or a related field.

Certification or training in early childhood education, leadership, or

non-profit management is a plus.

• Experience

5-7 years of leadership experience in education, early childhood

programs, or child-focused organizations.

Proven track record in operational management, financial oversight, and

strategic planning.

Experience working with Alberta's childcare or education system and

knowledge of provincial regulations and licensing requirements.

• Key Skills

Leadership and Team Management : Ability to inspire and lead diverse

high-performing teams across multiple locations.

Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving : Experience in aligning

operational strategies with business goals.

Financial Management : Strong budgeting skills with experience

monitoring operational costs.

Stakeholder Engagement : Ability to build partnerships with parents,

community leaders, and government bodies.

Communication and Interpersonal Skills : Excellent written and verbal

communication to represent the organization in public forums.

Technological Proficiency : Comfort with navigating operational,

reporting, and communication systems across various platforms to

enhance effectiveness.

• Full-time role with flexibility for early mornings or late evenings as needed.
• Travel between academies required at least 4 days each week.
• High level of responsibility and interaction with children, staff and parents

Additional Requirements

• Criminal Record Check : Successful completion of a criminal record check,

including a vulnerable sector search.

• First Aid Certification : Valid Child Care First Aid and CPR or willingness to obtain

within the first three months of employment.

• Physical Requirements : Ability to engage in active play and lift up to 40 lbs.