Executive Director

The Organization

The Edmonton Newcomer Centre (ENC) has been supporting newcomers of all ages and backgrounds including refugees, skilled immigrants, refugee claimants, and citizens since 1981. Each year, ENC serves newcomers from over 100 countries and delivers services in more than 30 languages.

ENC’s goal is to create a society grounded in the dignity of every human being through its core values: Social Justice, Diversity, Compassion, and Responsibility. Its vision is a future where citizens walk alongside newcomers, bridging their transition into the community and creating a culture that embraces the diversity newcomers bring.

ENC strives to offer strengths-based and team-based, client-centred holistic practices as it collaborates with newcomers to achieve their goals and enhance the quality of life for newcomers and all Canadians. With a bold strategic plan in place, ENC is entering a new phase of transformation that requires bold leadership, a renewed funding strategy, and a strong presence in the community.

For more information about ENC, please visit their website, and for more information about the ENC strategic plan, please contact a member of our team.

The Opportunity

• Direct Reports (4): Director of People and Communications, Director of Finance and Operations, Director of Fund Development and External Relations, Director of Programs and Services
• Location: On-site in Edmonton, Alberta

Mandate

The Executive Director is responsible for leading the organization with clarity, empathy, and strategic foresight. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as ENC’s senior-most representative ensuring alignment across staff and board, representing ENC to community, government, and sectoral stakeholders, and advancing the strategic priorities of the organization.

With the recent approval of a new strategic plan, the incoming Executive Director will focus on rebuilding trust, clarifying internal structures, and empowering a talented and mission-driven staff team. They will also play a critical role in strengthening the organization’s financial sustainability, enhancing its external advocacy and presence, and fostering a collaborative, values-aligned culture rooted in accountability, respect, and client service.

This is an opportunity for a leader ready to embrace complexity, unify diverse voices, and guide ENC through the next phase of its evolution—balancing internal renewal with external impact.

Key Accountabilities

• Strategic and Operational Leadership: Lead the implementation of the strategic plan with focus and urgency—aligning internal structures, clarifying priorities, and fostering integration across all functions.
• People Leadership: Model collaborative, empathetic, and accountable leadership. Build a healthy and respectful organizational culture, support staff well-being, and create space for emerging leadership.
• Financial Stewardship: Ensure financial health by diversifying revenue streams, building donor and partner relationships, and pursuing funding opportunities that align with ENC’s mission and values.
• Organizational Profile and Advocacy: Serve as a trusted voice and thought leader in Edmonton’s newcomer ecosystem and the national settlement sector. Enhance ENC’s public profile, advocacy reach, and community storytelling.
• Government Relations: Strengthen relationships with all orders of government, maintaining ENC’s reputation as a transparent, collaborative, and results-oriented partner.
• Fund Development: Build and execute a fund development strategy that includes philanthropic, private sector, and social enterprise components.

First-Year Deliverables / Measures of Success

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

• Demonstrate visible progress on the implementation of the strategic plan, with clear priorities and early wins.
• Build trust within the organization and establish strong relationships with staff, board, clients, community partners, and funders.
• Establish ENC as a respected and visible advocate for newcomers and the broader community.
• Launch and gain traction on a fund diversification strategy that positions ENC for long-term sustainability.
• Foster a more collaborative, communicative, and accountable internal culture grounded in ENC’s values.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education:

• A relevant undergraduate degree is required.
• A Master’s degree is considered an asset.

Experience:

• Lived experience as a newcomer or direct experience working with newcomer communities is highly valued.
• A proven track record of leadership in complex, mission-driven, and multi-service environments.
• Strong experience in fund development, donor engagement, and relationship building with community, government, and sector partners.
• Strong financial acumen and demonstrated capability in financial management, including budget oversight and revenue diversification.
• Experience navigating organizational change and leading teams through transformation.
• A background in advocacy, government relations, or social enterprise is considered an asset.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with a Board of Directors.

Competencies and Attributes:

• Strategic, courageous, and visionary—able to lead through change while staying grounded in purpose.
• Compassionate and culturally competent—skilled at building relationships across diverse communities.
• Collaborative and empowering—committed to fostering a healthy and inclusive workplace.
• Politically savvy and externally focused—able to navigate complex systems and advocate effectively.
• Action-oriented and accountable—clear in expectations, consistent in follow-through.
• Compelling communicator and storyteller who inspires trust and builds strong partnerships.
• Highly agile leader comfortable navigating ambiguity, shifting priorities, and rapid change without losing focus on the big picture.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Edmonton Newcomer Centre values Accountability, Compassion, Empowerment, and Interconnectedness in building an inclusive workplace. They invest in talent development, leadership growth, and diverse recruitment to foster a thriving team. By embracing different backgrounds and experiences, they create a high-performing, rewarding, and welcoming environment for all. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

If this opportunity excites you, please send an application package, including a resume and cover letter, to [email protected] with the position title and organization name in the subject line of your email.