THE OPPORTUNITY
We have an exciting opportunity for an Executive Director to join the Centre for Autism Services Alberta (CFASA). The Executive Director will report directly to the Board of Directors and provide leadership to enable the Centre to fulfill its mandate in the community. The Executive Director will ensure effective and efficient operations in line with the agency’s Purpose, Vision, Mission, and Strategic Plan, taking responsibility for the overall administration, management, and growth of the Centre, which includes program development, budgeting, human resources, public relations, and community engagement. Overseeing a complex organization with more than 250 staff and volunteers and managing an annual budget exceeding $11 million, the Executive Director will implement diverse programs such as education, therapeutic services, family support, vocational services, and community programming. This role requires a leader who embodies the principles of leadership, community engagement, and strategic vision to ensure CFASA continues to make a meaningful impact. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated track record in the not-for-profit sector, with experience in program delivery and the negotiation and management of government contracts.
THE ORGANIZATION
The Centre for Autism Services Alberta (CFASA) is a non-profit organization founded in Edmonton in 1997 by parents of children with autism. CFASA is the only autism-accredited service provider in Alberta and is committed to excellence. It offers services to autistic individuals to lead meaningful, engaged lives, serving children, teens, adults, and their families in the province of Alberta.
With office locations in Edmonton and Calgary, CFASA provides supports and services across the lifespan and spectrum for Autistic individuals and their families that change outcomes, foster independence, enrich lives, empower families, and transform communities.
Over the years, CFASA has expanded its reach and services significantly. In 2013 the organization extended its supports to teens, in 2014, CFASA further expanded its support to Calgary offering specialized services, and in 2015, adult programming was introduced in Edmonton. In 2017, CFASA grew their services beyond Alberta with educational workshop delivery. Responding to increasing demand, a new facility was opened in Calgary in 2023, offering early childhood programs.
Purpose
To empower autistic people and their families to thrive.
Mission
To provide comprehensive and innovative supports and services to those affected by autism.
Vision
Individuals with autism lead meaningful, engaged lives.
Values
Collaboration : We build authentic partnerships.
People Focused : We seek to understand each person’s specific context, dreams, and goals to promote their achievement.
Autistic Voice and Choice : Our services reflect what is important to autistic people.
Continuous Improvement : If better is possible, we do it.
To learn more about the Centre for Autism Services Alberta, visit their website at : www.centreforautismab.ca
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Models the personal leadership characteristics and maturity that shape the culture and positively impact the organization.
- Creates a culture of trust and respect by empowering others and sharing authority.
- Demonstrates tenacity, resilience, courage, and a settling presence, even during times of crisis and challenge.
- Models humility by placing organizational mission and the success and accomplishments of people above own needs.
Leadership and Strategic Planning :
Lead the development and execution of the operational plan to support the Centre's strategic objectives.Oversee the implementation and evaluation of programs, ensuring alignment with the Centre’s vision, mission, purpose and values.Recognize and identify community needs and trends; collaborate with and leverage strategic partnerships to address gaps and enhance service delivery.Foster a culture of excellence and support for all staff and volunteers.Tracks progress using appropriate benchmarks and performance measures and holds leaders accountable for results.Oversee the development and implementation of quality assurance processes that are integrated into all aspects of program management to ensure the delivery of best-in- class programs and services; successfully maintaining program accreditation.Budgeting and Resource Management :
Develops fiscal plans to maximize mission impact and provide long-term sustainability.Monitor and oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, expenditures, and financial reporting, ensuring transparency and accountability.Secure and manage sustainable funding through contracts, grants, fee-for-service opportunities, fundraising initiatives and other financial resources, maintaining strong relationships with funders and stakeholders.Oversee and uphold robust financial controls and policies to safeguard the Centre’s assets and ensure sustainability.Manage day to day operations, including Centre properties and assets to ensure efficient use of all resources.Human Resource Management :
Develop and maintain an effective organizational structure; lead, guide, advise, and support all team members in the successful execution of Centre programming.Establish a positive, inclusive, healthy, and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations.Promote fair and equitable treatment of all staff and volunteers.Creates a learning culture that supports and promotes the acquisition, application, and sharing of new knowledge.Public Relations and Communication :
Represent the Centre to the public, media, funders, and community stakeholders.Develop and execute communication strategies that enhance the Centre’s visibility and impact.Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and advocacy.Partnership and Community Development :
Engage with community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders to foster partnerships and enhance service integration.Gather and analyze data to inform improvements and measure the Centre’s impact.Inspire staff and volunteers to actively seek feedback on programming to enhance program effectiveness.Innovation and Project Management :
Oversee and guide organizational improvements and innovation efforts.Manage projects and allocate resources to achieve strategic objectives while balancing short-term and long-term goals.Ensure effective risk management and decision-making processes.Create a compelling vision for the Centre that inspires and motivates others to embrace change.Effectively manages the amount of change the organization can handle at any one time.Intentionally utilizes change as a strategy to expand options and opportunities and better leverage resources and capabilities.Board Support :
As the Board’s single official link to the operating organization, the Executive Director is accountable for total organizational performance and exercises all authority transmitted into the organization by the Board.Provide the Board with the information it requires to carry out its governance responsibilities.Provide the Board with strategic guidance to support governance and decision-making.Provide Monitoring reports to the board that ensure compliance with all legal and fiduciary duties and risk management.Identify, assess and inform the board of internal and external issues that may affect the organization.Serves as an ex-officio member of the Board, the Executive Committee and other committees as deemed appropriate for the board.Performs other duties as deemed necessary by the Board.QUALIFICATIONS
Graduate degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.Minimum of 10 years in a senior management role in the non-profit sector.Experience in program development, organizational management, and financial oversight.Understanding of disability issues related to autism, early childhood services, employment services, FSCD, PDD and relevant legislation.Clean criminal records and intervention record checks required.KEY COMPETENCIES
Strategic thinker with proven ability to negotiate with government bodies, secure funding, and manage budgets.Self-awareness, with strong interpersonal, communications, risk management, leadership skills and a desire to motivate others.Intense belief in the values of inclusion, understanding of neurodiversity affirming practices, experience with DEI and a commitment to continuous professional development and quality improvement.FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
SANDY JACOBSON | T : 780.944.1327| E : [email protected] | www.richardsonsearch.ca
