Executive Director

Location: Ottawa, Ontario (National role with travel)
Position Type: Full-time Executive Leadership
Posting Date: February 2026

Final date to receive applications: March 21, 2026

The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is seeking an experienced, values-driven leader to serve as our next permanent, full-time Executive Director (Executive Director).

This is a unique opportunity to lead a national Indigenous organization advancing sport, physical activity, recreation, and wellness for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. The Executive Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indigenous sport and supporting thriving, healthy communities nationwide.

Established in 1995, ASC is Canada’s national voice for Indigenous sport and recreation. We work in partnership with Provincial and Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies, Indigenous communities, and sector partners to expand access to equitable, culturally meaningful sport and wellness opportunities.

ASC leads and supports major national initiatives, including:

• National Aboriginal Hockey Championships (NAHC)
• Aboriginal Coaching Program
• Tom Longboat Awards and Indigenous Coaching Awards

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will provide strategic, operational, and cultural leadership during an important period of growth, transition, and renewed national impact. This role is ideal for a leader who can build strong relationships, guide organizational evolution, and advocate for Indigenous sport equity with integrity and vision.

The Executive Director will:

• Strengthen relationships with Indigenous communities, governments, and key stakeholders
• Lead implementation of the National Indigenous Sport Strategy
• Guide ASC’s next strategic plan and support governance evolution
• Oversee organizational operations, staff leadership, and funding agreements
• Represent ASC nationally as a trusted, collaborative voice
• Support and engage ASC’s provincial and territorial member organizations
• Champion culturally grounded, community-driven sport and wellness initiatives
• Advance philanthropic partnerships and resource development to support sustainable growth and expanded community impact

ASC is seeking a culturally grounded, adaptive leader who brings:

• Senior leadership experience in complex organizations
• A strong understanding of Indigenous cultures, values, and community priorities
• The ability to anticipate policy, social, and political shifts affecting Indigenous sport
• A persuasive and authentic advocacy style
• Sound judgment in balancing opportunity, accountability, and organizational risk
• A deep commitment to advancing equitable access to sport, recreation, and wellness

The Executive Director will work collaboratively with:

• Federal, provincial, territorial, and Indigenous governments
• National Sport Organizations, Multi-sport organizations, funders, and sector partners

As the public face of ASC, the Executive Director will lead with integrity, compassion, and intercultural respect.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong execution and project leadership skills
• Experience ensuring compliance with bylaws, regulations, and funding agreements
• The ability to provide clear guidance and advice to a Board of Directors
• Proven leadership in a dynamic not-for-profit or community-based environment

The Executive Director will bring knowledge of:

• Not-for-profit financial management and reporting
• Audit and accountability processes
• Funding applications, contribution agreements, and partnership stewardship
• Long-term fiscal sustainability and organizational health

ASC values a Executive Director who:

• Inspires staff through growth and transition
• Builds a collaborative and supportive team culture, including remote teams
• Demonstrates strong people leadership and HR oversight
• Creates a safe, respectful workplace that supports professional development

The ideal candidate will have:

• 5+ years of senior national-level leadership…