Executive Director

ECALA is a Granting Council whose mandate is to administer grants for adult foundational learning in Edmonton. We connect grant recipients, government partners, and community organizations to ensure that adults across our city have access to the literacy and learning opportunities they need to meet their goals and be an active participant in their community.
We are at an exciting moment in our evolution, and we are looking for an exceptional leader to take us forward.
THE OPPORTUNITY  Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides the strategic vision, leadership, and operational excellence that advances ECALA's mission. This is a rare chance to shape the future of adult learning in Edmonton by influencing policy, building meaningful partnerships, and making a direct, measurable difference in people's lives.
You will work across a dynamic landscape alongside grant recipients, government agencies, community partners, and professional development providers to grow awareness of, and investment in, adult foundational learning across the city and province.
WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS  One in five Canadian adults struggles with literacy. ECALA exists to change that, and the Executive Director is the person who leads that work every day.
OUR VALUES   Transparency — We communicate openly, responsibly, and with accountability. Our communications are factual, timely, and relevant.
Collaboration — We acknowledge the power and privilege that come with being a funder. We walk alongside grant recipients and government partners to build genuine, lasting trust.
Accountability — We advance practices that support efficiency, stability, inclusivity, and continuous improvement. Every decision is shaped by the real needs of adult learners.
Trust, Inclusion & Empathy — We build trust through honesty and reliability, creating an environment that values diverse perspectives and treats every person with respect.
Indigenous Ways — We are committed to learning from Elders and knowledge holders, and to implementing the TRC Education Calls to Action in meaningful, substantive ways.
WHAT YOU'LL DO  Leadership & Advocacy   Champion ECALA's vision, mission, and guiding principles — internally and in the community
Raise the profile of adult literacy as a critical community and policy priority
Represent ECALA at the municipal, provincial, and federal level
Stay ahead of emerging trends and evolving needs in adult foundational learning
Engage with relevant literacy research to continuously strengthen community impact
Organizational Leadership   Translate Board-approved strategic and operating plans into action
Lead, hire, supervise, and develop a committed and capable staff team
Ensure all external communications, website, newsletters, social media, reflect plain language principles and represent ECALA with professionalism and clarity
Finance, Grants & Legal   Steward ECALA's financial resources with integrity within approved budgets and financial policies
Provide accurate monthly and annual financial reporting to the Board
Manage grant agreements, funding applications, and program reporting with accuracy and timeliness
Monitor and evaluate funded programs and support the Board in making sound allocation decisions
Ensure full compliance with government contracts, legislation, and the Community Adult Learning Program Policy
Board Governance   Partner with the Board and committees to build and maintain effective governance practices
Provide the Board with timely, accurate information to support confident, informed decision-making
WHO YOU ARE  You are a connector, a systems thinker, and a passionate advocate for equitable access to learning. You lead with empathy and accountability, and you know how to build trust across very different communities and contexts. You are energized by complexity, and you know how to turn vision into action.
Qualifications   Bachelor's degree in business administration, adult education, non-profit management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are welcome.
7–10 years of progressive leadership experience, including managing budgets exceeding…