Executive Director

Wendy Ellen Inc. is a human resources consulting firm that partners with small and medium-sized organizations supporting. Our Client ECALA is looking for a dynamic Executive Director who serves as the primary spokesperson, advocate, and representative in Adult Foundational Learning. The successful candidate is accountable for organizational performance, financial sustainability, and community impact.
Lead the Future of Adult Learning in Alberta   The Edmonton Community Adult Learning Association (ECALA) is seeking an accomplished, relationship-focused, and strategic Executive Director to lead the organization in advancing adult foundational learning across Edmonton and Alberta.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director serves as ECALA's chief executive officer and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, financial stewardship, government relations, grant administration, community engagement, and organizational oversight.
The Executive Director will champion adult literacy, numeracy, digital literacy, English language learning, employability, and lifelong learning opportunities while overseeing the stewardship of more than  $2.5 million  in annual public and community investments that support Community Adult Learning Programs and adult learners throughout the region.
This is an exceptional opportunity to influence policy, strengthen community partnerships, support innovative learning initiatives, and demonstrate measurable outcomes that improve the lives of adult learners and strengthen communities.
About ECALA   ECALA supports and strengthens adult foundational learning opportunities by providing leadership, funding, advocacy, professional development, collaboration, and capacity-building support to community-based adult learning organizations.
Through partnerships with government, community organizations, Indigenous communities, educational institutions, and stakeholders, ECALA helps ensure that adults have access to learning opportunities that improve quality of life, employment readiness, community participation, and lifelong learning.
Position Summary   The Executive Director is responsible for implementing ECALA's strategic priorities, supporting effective governance, leading organizational operations, stewarding public funding, and fostering strong relationships with government ministries, grant recipients, community organizations, Indigenous partners, educational institutions, employers, and funders.
The Executive Director serves as ECALA's primary spokesperson, advocate, and representative and is accountable for organizational performance, financial sustainability, and community impact.
Strategic Leadership & Advocacy     Provide visionary and strategic leadership aligned with ECALA's mission, values, and Board-approved strategic plan.
Position ECALA as a recognized leader and advocate for adult foundational learning throughout Edmonton and Alberta.
Identify emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges affecting adult learners and community-based learning organizations.
Advocate for increased awareness, investment, and support for adult foundational learning.
Promote innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement across the organization and sector.
Ensure organizational decisions are guided by equity, inclusion, accessibility, reconciliation, and learner-centered principles.
Government Relations & Sector Leadership     Develop and maintain strong relationships with municipal, provincial, federal, and Indigenous governments.
Serve as ECALA's primary liaison with government ministries, elected officials, funding partners, and sector stakeholders.
Represent ECALA at meetings, conferences, community forums, and government consultations.
Monitor policy developments and funding priorities impacting adult learning and community education.
Advocate for sustainable investment in adult foundational learning programs and services.
Collaborate with sector organizations and community partners to advance shared priorities and outcomes.
Grant Administration & Community Investment     Provide oversight and stewardship for more than  $2.5 million  in annual operational and grant funding.
Ensure grant allocation processes are transparent, equitable, evidence-informed, and aligned with strategic priorities.
Manage funding agreements, reporting requirements, monitoring activities, and accountability frameworks.
Support the Board and committees in making informed funding decisions.
Evaluate grant-funded initiatives and measure outcomes against organizational objectives.
Ensure compliance with provincial funding agreements and Community Adult Learning Program requirements.
Organizational Leadership     Lead, mentor, and develop a dedicated and high-performing team.
Foster a workplace culture of collaboration, accountability, inclusion, innovation, and continuous learning.
Ensure effective organizational planning, performance management, and succession planning.
Support staff development and organizational…