Executive Director

Edmonton Downtown Business Association; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Edmonton Downtown Business Association seeks an Executive Director to lead their strategic vision and operational excellence. This role involves engaging with the community, navigating government relations, and ensuring the organization's mandate supports Downtown Edmonton's vibrancy. The successful candidate will possess strong leadership skills and a passion for community development.

Benefits

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion commitment

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong operational leadership experience in mission-driven organizations.
• Experience working in the not-for-profit environment.
• Experience building relationships with government and community stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the EDBA's senior member and manage day-to-day operations.
• Lead initiatives that enhance the Downtown experience.
• Foster partnerships with various stakeholders and advocate for member businesses.

Skills

Operational Leadership

Community Engagement

Government Relations

Advocacy

Financial Management

Education

Post-secondary education in related field

Job description

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As the lead activator and advocate shaping Downtown Edmonton, the Edmonton Downtown Business Association (EDBA) exists to promote and support the economic, political, and social vitality of Edmonton’s Downtown core. Established in 1985 as a Business Revitalization Zone and operating today as a provincially legislated Business Improvement Area (BIA), the EDBA is funded through a levy paid by businesses within its defined boundaries and governed by the Alberta Municipal Government Act.

The EDBA represents the interests of its members and leads initiatives that enhance the Downtown experience, including public programming, urban activation, and strategic advocacy. Through partnerships with business owners, community organizations, elected officials, and the public, the EDBA fosters a vibrant, inclusive, and economically resilient Downtown.

The organization’s current strategic priorities include :

• Serving as the leading voice and convening force in Downtown recovery
• Ensuring the Downtown community is engaged in solutions to systemic social issues
• Generating continuous service value for members
• Creating and promoting a remarkable, attractive Downtown experience

As the Downtown core enters a new phase of renewal and stability, the EDBA is transitioning from a period of bold, urgent action to one of consolidation, clarification, and sustained impact. This is a moment to refine the EDBA’s mandate, deepen operational excellence, and build strong, clear partnerships with government and community stakeholders.

For more information on the EDBA, please visit their website .

The Opportunity

• Reports to : EDBA Board of Directors
• Direct Reports (3) : Director of Operations, Director of Marketing and Communications, Director of Finance and Administration. The total organizational headcount is 10.
• Location : Edmonton, AB

Mandate

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as the EDBA’s most senior member of staff and is responsible for the organization’s strategic direction and day-to-day operations. As the organization shifts from a period of intense activity into a phase of refinement, the next Executive Director will play a critical role in clarifying the EDBA’s long-term mandate, optimizing its internal operations, and restoring focus to its core role as a convener, collaborator, and advocate for member businesses.

The successful candidate will be a pragmatic, thoughtful leader with strong operational instincts, political acuity, and a deep commitment to serving Downtown Edmonton’s business community. This is a role for someone who can define and deliver strategic clarity while strengthening organizational discipline.

With municipal and provincial shifts on the horizon, the Executive Director must also navigate complex government relationships and funding mechanisms, ensuring EDBA’s voice is both constructive and credible.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Work with the Board to clarify and communicate the EDBA’s mandate for the next phase of its operations, ensuring an achievable and member-centric strategic vision.

Operational Excellence

• Successfully deliver on key EDBA programs; ensure the effective use of financial, physical, and human resources; and drive exceptional value for member businesses in the Downtown core.

Member & Stakeholder Engagement

• Deepen relationships with the membership, address needs, and ensure the EDBA delivers tangible value for Downtown businesses.
• Maintain consultative and collaborative relationships with residents, community partners, and peer organizations to foster a connected Downtown ecosystem.

Government & Public Relations

• Represent the EDBA with all levels of government; advocate for Downtown Edmonton in policy conversations and funding discussions.
• Navigate political environments and legislative change, offering insight and influence on matters affecting the Downtown core.
• Serve as a public-facing ambassador when appropriate, ensuring the EDBA’s voice is strategic, consistent, and aligned with member interests.
• Lead a high-performing staff team; establish clear performance expectations, provide mentorship, and ensure alignment with organizational values.
• Support a collaborative culture and professional growth across the organization.

First-Year Deliverables / Measures of Success

Success in the first year will be determined by the candidate’s ability to :

• Define and communicate a focused mandate for the EDBA that reflects member priorities and clarifies the organization’s role in addressing Downtown challenges without overextending its scope.
• Build trusted relationships with government, particularly at the municipal level, and articulate a clear partnership vision.
• Effectively deliver on key EDBA programs, including Downtown Shine, the Night Patrol program, and the EDBA Ambassador program.
• Position the EDBA for sustainable success in the context of potential future shifts that could impact the organization in the coming years.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have the following :

Education :

• Post-secondary education in a related field. Equivalent experience may be considered.

Experience :

• Strong operational leadership experience in a mission-driven or member-focused organization.
• A demonstrated depth and breadth of experience working in the not-for-profit environment.
• Experience with and comfort building strong relationships with interested parties, including all levels of government, association members, partner organizations, and community members.
• Experience working with government, navigating complex funding relationships, and participating in policy or advocacy work.
• Experience and comfort pursuing diverse and complex funding opportunities.
• Experience being the ambassador of an organization or working with the media directly would be an asset.

Competencies and Attributes :

• Passionate about Edmonton's Downtown's current and future state and committed to making a tangible impact.
• Exceptional operational skills and a proven track record of operational success.
• An exceptional communicator in all forms and able to navigate nuanced and politically charged conversations.
• Strong financial management and strategic planning capabilities.
• A demonstrated ability to lead strong teams, manage stakeholders, and foster collaboration.
• A pragmatic and grounded leadership style – the ability to focus, align, and execute.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with a readiness to evolve the organization’s approach as opportunities and challenges emerge.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The EDBA is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse team benefits and is essential to service excellence. The EDBA welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. It encourages women, members of racialized communities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity to confidentially self-identify at the time of application. In accordance with provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Mullen and the EDBA upon request throughout the recruitment, selection and / or assessment process. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions

If this opportunity excites you, please send an application including a resume and cover letter to [e-mail].

Seniority level

Seniority level

Executive

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Strategy / Planning, Public Relations, and Business Development

Civic and Social Organizations

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