Executive Director

About the role

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here. Mission Statement The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world. Job Description: The Executive Director will lead Calgary Community Services , overseeing a large, complex, multi-site social services operation that includes shelter, housing, and community programming. This role provides senior leadership across all programs, operations, and services-ensuring alignment with The Salvation Army's mission, values, and regulatory requirements. The Executive Director II is responsible for driving operational excellence, advancing innovation, and ensuring high-quality service delivery in a dynamic and demanding environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee a large, multi-site social services operation through senior leaders and cross-functional teams
• Provide strategic direction and vision for program delivery, organizational standards, and evaluation frameworks
• Lead senior managers and directors , ensuring alignment, accountability, and performance across all service areas
• Drive continuous program improvement, innovation, and mission alignment across multiple service lines
• Manage and support innovation initiatives, including oversight of funding programs and scalable projects
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, standards, and legislative requirements
• Partner with internal functions (HR, Audit, Risk, IT) to strengthen systems, governance, and performance
• Oversee data, performance metrics, and evaluation processes to enhance service delivery outcomes
• Manage budgets, monitor expenditures, and provide financial oversight and strategic input
• Lead cross-functional and ad hoc initiatives that improve organizational capacity and impact
• Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
• Serve as a highly visible, hands-on, and responsive leader in a complex and fast-paced environment
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, government agencies, funders, and stakeholders
• Lead external partnerships at a strategic level , ensuring collaboration to support clients and services
• Navigate and lead within complex shelter and community services environments , including working with vulnerable populations
• Represent the organization externally, including media and community engagement

Requirements

• Education & Certifications
• Bachelor's degree ( Master's preferred) in a related field
• Relevant certifications (e.g., First Aid/CPR, Mental Health First Aid) or willingness to obtain
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in social services or a related sector
• Proven experience leading large-scale, multi-site, complex operations
• Demonstrated success in leading through leaders (senior managers/directors)
• Strong experience working within community services, shelter systems, or similar environments
• Key Skills & Competencies
• Strategic and operational leadership in complex organizations
• Strong stakeholder management and partnership-building capabilities
• Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure, mission-driven environments
• Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and resources
• Exceptional communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills
• High integrity, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity
• Ability to balance hands-on execution with strategic leadership
• Working Environment
• Office-based with regular presence across multiple sites in Calgary
• Exposure to dynamic environments, including shelters and community services supporting vulnerable populations
• Requires resilience, adaptability, and ability to manage competing priorities in a demanding setting

Benefits

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