Executive Director

Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association; Fort McMurray; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit organization, focused on promoting Indigenous economic growth, is seeking an Executive Director to lead its strategic initiatives in Fort McMurray. The successful candidate will provide visionary leadership, cultivate relationships with communities and industry, and ensure the successful execution of programs. A strong background in non-profit management and a deep understanding of Indigenous cultures is required. A competitive compensation package based on experience will be offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of senior leadership experience in non-profit organizations or business associations.
• Proven track record of developing and executing strategic plans with measurable outcomes.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and understanding of their business ecosystems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute NAABA's multi-year strategic plan.
• Cultivate relationships with Indigenous entrepreneurs and stakeholders.
• Oversee programs and ensure alignment with strategic objectives.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Leadership

Relationship Building

Communication

Cultural Competency

Education

Post-secondary degree in business, economics, public administration, Indigenous studies, or related field

Job description

About NAABA

Founded in 1993, NAABA is a non-profit organization committed to creating an environment that promotes business, capacity and economic growth opportunities for Indigenous people. NAABA certifies that all Full Members are at least 51% Indigenous-owned and controlled and are local to the region of Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo. The association supports economic prosperity and advocates for economic inclusion and opportunities within the resource-rich Wood Buffalo area.

Position Overview

The Executive Director (ED) of NAABA provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership to advance the mission of certifying and promoting Indigenous-owned businesses in the Wood Buffalo region. Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the ED is responsible for shaping and executing a strategic plan that fosters economic growth, builds strong relationships with Indigenous communities, industry, and government, and positions NAABA as a trusted voice for Indigenous business.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership and Vision

·Develop and execute NAABA’s multi-year strategic plan in alignment with its mission, vision, and values.

·Collaborate with the Board of Directors to identify and prioritize organizational goals and emerging opportunities.

·Lead organizational growth and transformation to expand support services and increase regional impact.

·Act as a visible and credible ambassador, advancing NAABA’s reciprocity agenda on local, regional, and national stages.

Stakeholder and Community Engagement

·Cultivate strong relationships with Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities, member businesses, government bodies, industry partners, and key stakeholders.

·Represent NAABA at community events, industry conferences, and networking opportunities to enhance visibility and influence.

·Continuous research and champion Indigenous procurement and business inclusion policies through proactive advocacy and strategic partnerships.

Operational and Program Management

·Oversee all programs, services, and member support initiatives, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

·Facilitate the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs that drive member capacity, workforce development, and business growth.

·Maintain effective and transparent communication with the Board and ensure timely reporting on progress and performance metrics.

Organizational Governance and Risk Management

·Implement board-approved policies and operational procedures; ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

·Identify organizational risks and opportunities and develop mitigation strategies.

·Provide leadership in financial stewardship, including the development and management of annual budgets and diversified revenue streams.

Financial Stewardship and Revenue Development

·Provide strategic financial leadership to ensure NAABA’s long-term sustainability and growth.

·Develop, manage, and oversee the annual budget in alignment with organizational goals and priorities; monitor financial performance and ensure transparent, accurate reporting to the Board of Directors.

·Ensure responsible fiscal management, including effective allocation of resources, cost control, and adherence to all financial policies and regulatory requirements.

·Identify and pursue diverse revenue streams, including government grants, corporate sponsorships, philanthropic contributions, membership fees, and social enterprise opportunities.

·Build and implement a comprehensive fund development strategy to support existing programs and enable strategic growth initiatives.

·Strengthen financial resilience by fostering relationships with funding partners and cultivating a culture of accountability and value creation within the organization.

Team Leadership and Talent Development

·Inspire, mentor, and manage a small but dedicated team, fostering a high-performance, culturally respectful, and inclusive work environment.

·Support staff development through goal setting, performance management, and continuous learning opportunities.

·Build internal operational structures and processes to support long-term organizational sustainability.

Qualifications and ExperienceEducation

·Post-secondary degree in business, economics, public administration, Indigenous studies, or a related field. Equivalent leadership experience may be considered.

Professional Experience

·Minimum 7–10 years of senior leadership experience in non-profit organizations, economic development agencies, or business associations.

·Proven track record of developing and executing strategic plans and initiatives with measurable outcomes.

·Experience working with Indigenous communities, with a strong understanding of Indigenous history, cultures, and business ecosystems, including procurement policies, and how these factors inform and influence economic development, community priorities, and business practices

·Strong financial and operational management experience, including budgeting, resource allocation, and revenue diversification.

·Demonstrated success in building partnerships with industry, government, and community stakeholders and rights holders

Core Competencies

·Inspirational Leadership: Ability to inspire trust, mobilize teams, and drive cultural and organizational change.

·Relationship and Partnership Building: Skilled in developing strong, collaborative relationships across diverse communities and sectors.

·Strategic Thinking and Execution: Able to balance visionary leadership with practical operational oversight.

·Communication: Strong public speaking and interpersonal skills; effective at articulating complex ideas to diverse audiences.

·Cultural Competency: Deep respect for, and understanding of, Indigenous cultures, traditions and rights; commitment to advancing Indigenous economic participation.

Additional Requirements

·Must reside in the Fort McMurray area; flight support, or camp accommodations are not provided.

·Flexibility to attend evening or weekend meetings and events as required.

·Proficient in Microsoft Office and modern collaboration tools.

Compensation

A competitive compensation package commensurate with experience and qualifications, including benefits, will be offered.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their experience, passion, and fit for the role.

NAABA strongly encourages applications from qualified individuals who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit. If you are comfortable doing so, please self-identify in your cover letter or resume. Your lived experience and connection to Indigenous communities are valuable assets to our leadership and our mission.

The application process will close on August 15, 2025.

For inquiries, please contact NAABA at 780.791 0478.