Executive Director

Skills Canada Northwest Territories; Yellowknife; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization is seeking an Executive Director to lead its mission of promoting skilled trades and technology careers in NWT. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and strategic planning skills, with a commitment to advancing educational opportunities in skilled trades. Responsibilities include overseeing program delivery, fundraising, and managing operations, while fostering partnerships and community engagement.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management or related sector.
• Proven experience in strategic planning and fundraising.
• Strong understanding of skilled trades and technical education trends.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership aligned with the organization's mission and vision.
• Oversee program development, implementation, and evaluation.
• Manage day-to-day operations including HR, IT, and budget.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Strategic planning

Fundraising

Analytical skills

Education

Post-secondary education in nonprofit management, education, business administration

Tools

Databases

Spreadsheets

Word processing

Job description

Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer

of Skills Canada NWT, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing skilled trades and technologies. The Executive Director works collaboratively with the Board of Directors, staff, partners, and stakeholders to promote skilled trades and technology careers to NWT youth through programming, partnerships, and national representation. This individual provides visionary leadership, strategic direction, and operational oversight to ensure the organization fulfills its vision to contribute to a sustainable and valued trades and technology sector in the NWT.

This position reports to the Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

• Provide dynamic leadership aligned with the organization's mission, vision, and values.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors to develop and implement a strategic plan that drives growth and long-term impact. Report on the progress of the plan.
• Serve as the face of the organization, building strong relationships with stakeholders in education, industry, government, and the community.

Program Management and Delivery

• Oversee the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs that promote skilled trades and technologies, including the Territorial and National Skills Competitions.
• Ensure programming is inclusive, accessible, and reflective of the diverse and geographic nature of the NWT.
• Ensure programs align with current industry needs and emerging trends.
• Lead fundraising efforts, including grants, sponsorships, events, and donor relations.
• Develop and manage the annual budget in collaboration with the Board and external consultants.
• Ensure financial sustainability, transparency, and regulatory compliance.
• Prepare financial and operational reports for the Board of Directors and funding partners.

Operations & Administration

• Manage day-to-day operations, including human resources, IT, facilities, and vendor relationships.
• Lead and support staff, volunteers, and contractors to ensure high performance and alignment with organizational goals.
• Implement and maintain policies, procedures, and systems to enhance efficiency and accountability.
• Identify and mitigate potential risks to the organization’s operations, finances, and reputation.

Advocacy, Outreach, and Communications

• Advocate for the value of skilled trades and technologies at territorial and national levels.
• Represent the organization at conferences, public events, and media outlets.
• Develop and refine communications strategies, from web presence to external relationships, to strengthen the organization’s brand.

Governance and Board Relations

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Board of Directors and Skills NT staff.
• Develop, maintain, and support a strong Board of Directors in fulfilling governance responsibilities. Serve as ex-officio on the Board and committees.
• Manage board meetings, including agenda development, preparation, and documentation.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in nonprofit management, education, business administration, or a related field preferred.
• Five or more (5+) years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit management, education, workforce development, or a related sector.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to maintain professionalism in difficult circumstances.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, fundraising, and financial oversight.
• Strategic thinking, research, and analytical skills.
• Ability to influence and persuade stakeholders.
• Proficiency with computers and related software such as databases, spreadsheets, and word processing.
• Ability to work under deadlines and adapt to changing demands.
• Commitment to diversity, inclusion, cultural awareness, safety, and sensitivity in the workplace.
• Strong understanding of skilled trades, technical education, and workforce development trends.
• Experience working with a Board of Directors.
• Experience leading and motivating high-performing teams.
• Familiarity with public policy, government funding, and advocacy related to workforce development.