Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Stepping Stones Crisis Society | Cold Lake, Alberta

Stepping Stones Crisis Society is looking for a dedicated leader to guide its mission. This is more than a leadership role; it is an opportunity to ensure long-term stability and cultivate a deeply collaborative, trauma-informed culture for staff, clients, and the community.

Stepping Stones Crisis Society is dedicated to empowering women and children to build a safer future. Based in Cold Lake, Alberta, the Society’s mission is to provide safe spaces, emergency shelter, and critical resources to those facing family violence and crisis. The Society operates from a newly opened, 50,000-square-foot facility designed to provide a comprehensive continuum of care, with an expanded capacity to 63 emergency shelter beds and 12 second-stage housing units. By bringing essential services, including a 24-hour helpline, emergency shelter, Joie's Phoenix House, and community outreach, under one roof, Stepping Stones ensures that no one in the community faces abuse alone.

As the organization’s primary leader, the CEO is accountable to the Board of Directors for all organizational, fiscal, strategic, and cultural oversight. Stepping Stones is seeking a steady, compassionate leader who skillfully balances accountability with empathy, understands how violence and crisis manifest in rural settings, and is committed to the long-term sustainability of this vital organization.

Overview of the Role

• Strategic Governance: Serve as the primary advisor to the Board of Directors, developing and leading the strategic plan while ensuring effective governance and alignment with Stepping Stones’ mission.

• Sustainability & Finance: Lead the organization's sustainability plan to secure long-term financial stability, overseeing complex budgets and ensuring fiscal accountability.

• Community Ambassador: Act as the face of the organization, deeply integrating Stepping Stones into the community by building relationships with funders, government agencies, and the public.

• Culture & Leadership: Provide inspirational leadership to a multidisciplinary team, fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace culture.

• Team Development: Prioritize team development through mentorship, coaching, and opportunities for professional advancement.

• Program Excellence: Oversee the design and evaluation of programs to ensure they remain relevant, effective, and compliant with best practices in shelter management.

Qualifications & Competencies

The Ideal Candidate: A relationship-focused leader with proven leadership experience, ideally within the non-profit or human services sectors. Beyond experience, we are seeking a leader defined by specific qualities that align with the values of the organization:

Education & Experience

• Education: Post-secondary education in human services, social work, business administration, or a related field is preferred. A professional designation (e.g. MBA, CPA, or a relevant designation/certificate in the Social Services sector) is highly desirable.

• Financial Acumen: Strong financial knowledge, with experience managing budgets and complex financial planning.

• Proven Leadership Experience: Minimum 5 years of executive leadership experience within a diverse non-profit or human services organization, grounded in a servant-leadership philosophy characterized by connection, empathy, active listening, and the ability to inspire trust. Brings a passion for developing people and fostering organizational cohesion, using mentorship and coaching to empower staff to grow into their full potential and ensure every team member feels heard, valued, and supported.

• An understanding of rural communities and specifically how violence and crisis dynamics operate within them.

• Longevity: The Society is seeking a leader who views this role as a long-term commitment, with a genuine interest in growing alongside the organization. The ideal candidate is dedicated to contributing to the organization over an extended period and is equally committed to supporting the long-term needs and well-being of the community.

• Relationship & Community Building: A strong track record of community integration, with the ability to build authentic, lasting relationships with funders, partners, and the broader community.

• Champion of Collaboration: Proven ability to foster deep connection and collaboration internally, breaking down silos across all departments, stores, and teams to ensure the entire organization moves forward together.

Stepping Stones Crisis Society offers a supportive and professional environment where you can make a tangible difference in the region, as well as offering:

• Competitive Salary: Remuneration commensurate with experience and leadership scope.

• Comprehensive Benefits: A full benefits and RRSP package.

• Modern Work Environment: The opportunity to lead from a brand-new facility designed to serve clients better.

Stepping Stones Crisis Society is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals.

How to Apply: To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Lakeland HR Solutions is supporting this recruitment on behalf of Stepping Stones Crisis Society.

We appreciate your interest in this impactful leadership opportunity. All applications are received in strict confidence.