Chief Executive Officer

THE ORGANIZATION

Founded in 1980, the Southern Alberta Community Living Association (SACLA) is a well-established not-for-profit organization based in Lethbridge, Alberta. For more than 45 years, SACLA has been guided by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and has earned a proud reputation for providing innovative, person-centered supports for individuals with disabilities and their families.

SACLA believes that possibilities exist for everyone and that people thrive when they are fully included in their communities. With approximately 250 dedicated professionals, SACLA delivers flexible, customized supports and manages 20 residential properties that provide safe and supportive living accommodations.

Beyond its core supports—such as mobile support, respite care, supported living, and home share arrangements—SACLA also leads innovative initiatives like CATALYST, a social innovation program that helps address under-employment and promotes economic participation for people with disabilities. The organization also supports life-enriching opportunities through initiatives such as the Discover the World Fund, which enables individuals to pursue unique experiences like travel, reconnecting with family, or attending cultural events.

SACLA’s approach is grounded in individual-centered and customized programs and services, using innovative technology platforms like MyCompass: People Powered Planning to deeply understand each person’s history, preferences, relationships, and dreams, and to design supports that foster growth and belonging. The organization is not content with the status quo—continuously seeking new ways to create inclusion, strengthen relationships, and expand opportunities for lifelong learning.

Mission

Cultivating relationships, connecting communities, creating possibilities.

Vision

Vibrant communities where people connect, contribute, and are valued.

Values & Guiding Principles

SACLA’s work is guided by a strong set of values and principles that shape its supports and relationships:

• Inclusion – Services help individuals be fully included and live meaningful, contributing lives in their communities.
• Flexibility – Supports are individualized and responsive to personal, family, and community dynamics.
• Relationships – SACLA assists individuals in maintaining and developing connections with family, friends, and community members.
• Lifelong Learning – Recognizing the potential of every individual, SACLA provides opportunities for ongoing development and personal growth.
• Continuous Innovation – SACLA embraces change and actively explores new ways to build capacity, foster community connections, and enhance quality of life.

 

For further information on SACLA, please visit their website at www.sacla.ca

 

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) will lead Southern Alberta Community Living Association (SACLA) into its next chapter of growth, sustainability, and social impact. This is a dynamic and multi-faceted CEO role, providing strategic direction, inclusive leadership, and operational oversight across the organization in alignment with the organizational mandate and Board direction.

The incoming CEO role will provide both outfacing leadership, representing the organization in the community and the broader sector, as well as strong internal governance, ensuring responsive and robust programs, a strong organizational culture and long-term financial stability and growth.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead a well-respected, community-focused non-profit organization that has been advancing inclusion and quality of life for individuals with developmental disabilities. As the next CEO, you will shape the future of the organization that has a long-standing impact throughout the community.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

People Leadership

• Inspires and empowers a high-performing team, fostering alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities through inclusive and purpose-driven leadership.
• Designs and evolves an organizational structure that supports operational effectiveness and strategic growth, in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Provides executive oversight of all people-related functions, including labour relations, talent acquisition, onboarding, professional development, performance management, employee engagement, and succession planning.
• Champions a healthy, safe, and equitable workplace culture, ensuring compliance with HR policies, labor standards, and occupational health and safety regulations.
• Leads strategic workforce planning and change management initiatives, positioning the organization to adapt, innovate, and thrive in a dynamic non-profit environment.

 

Government & Stakeholder Relations

• Leads the development of strategic partnerships with government agencies, corporate partners, community organizations, and philanthropic supporters to advance the organization’s mission and impact.
• Cultivates and maintains strong relationships with the Board of Directors, donors, advisors, and other key stakeholders, ensuring the organization is well-represented and its interests protected.
• Proactively identifies and develops diverse funding opportunities, leveraging existing assets, exploring new revenue streams, and pursuing social enterprise and innovative partnerships to enhance financial resilience and long-term sustainability.
• Establishes collaborative relationships with peer organizations, funders, elected officials, and community leaders to foster shared initiatives and amplify collective impact.
• Serves as a visible and influential spokesperson, representing the organization through public speaking engagements, media interviews, and stakeholder communications to enhance visibility and trust.

 

Strategic & Board Relations

• Provides full Board support and participates as an active member in governance.
• Works with the Board to develop a strategic plan to set the overall direction for SACLA, ensuring strategies advance the mission, vision, values, and objectives of the organization.
• Develops and executes the strategic plan with the support of the entire organization.
• Works with the Board of Directors on addressing governance issues by identifying opportunities, providing support, and initiating approved recommendations or actions.
• Presents an annual operating plan and budget for approval.
• Ensures members of the Board have timely information necessary to perform their fiduciary duties and other governance responsibilities.

 

Operational Excellence

• Leads the development and implementation of efficient operational systems that support program delivery, financial sustainability, and organizational growth.
• Ensures alignment between strategic goals and day-to-day operations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
• Ensures all housing and program facilities maintain current operational licenses and accreditations, in compliance with regulatory standards and organizational policies.
• Cultivates cross-functional collaboration and staff engagement, promoting operational excellence through inclusive leadership and transparent communication.
• Provides strategic oversight of housing and related assets, ensuring they meet all health, safety, and regulatory standards while being managed in a fiscally responsible and environmentally sustainable manner.
• Evaluates and implements new and emerging technologies that enhance organizational efficiency, service delivery, and scalability.

 

Financial Management & Stewardship

• Develops an annual budget supported by strategies for increasing revenue, growth, and organizational sustainability; ensures resources are properly allocated.
• Reviews activity reports and financial statements; evaluates operational and financial performance to determine progress and status in achieving objectives and revises objectives and plans according to current conditions.
• Maintains full awareness of the complete financial, statistical, and accounting records of the organization.
• Ensures that operating results established in the annual budget are achieved and operating expenses are controlled within budget.
• Ensures the accuracy, integrity and timeliness of all financial accounting and reporting.
• Works with Director, Finance to ensure year end financials are complete and ready for auditors.

 

Risk Management

• Develops and oversees enterprise-wide risk management strategies to safeguard the organization’s mission, assets, reputation, and long-term sustainability.
• Identifies, assesses, and mitigates financial, operational, legal, and reputational risks, ensuring compliance with non-profit governance standards and regulatory requirements.
• Establishes and maintains crisis management and business continuity plans, preparing the organization to respond effectively to emergencies and unforeseen disruptions.
• Collaborates with the Board of Directors and senior leadership to monitor risk exposure and implement proactive measures that align with strategic goals and fiduciary responsibilities.
• Promotes a culture of accountability and transparency, embedding risk awareness into organizational decision-making, program development, and stakeholder engagement.

 

FIRST YEAR – MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Builds strong relationships across the organization, ensuring all staff feel valued, supported, and engaged in SACLA’s mission and culture.
• Establishes strong partnerships and collaborates effectively with key stakeholders, including guardians and family members, the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT), Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD), and community agencies to support clients needs and ensure person-centred coordinated service delivery.
• Assesses and optimizes the organizational structure and resource allocation to ensure alignment with strategic priorities, placing the right people in the right roles and maximizing workforce effectiveness across programs and operations.
• Fosters a culture of recognition, inclusion, and continuous learning, strengthening employee engagement and retention.
• Leads the development and launch of a new strategic plan in collaboration with the Board and senior leadership team, setting a clear vision, measurable goals, and priorities that align with the organization’s mission and future growth.

 

THE INDIVIDUAL

This is an excellent opportunity for an innovative, community-driven, and inclusive leader who is dedicated to service leadership, governance, and organizational development. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of successfully leading organizations, demonstrating strategic vision, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement within mission-driven environments.

 

Education

• Post-secondary education in a related field (i.e., Social Work, Non-Profit Management, Business Administration).

 

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive senior leadership experience in business, human services, or the non-profit sector, or an equivalent combination of experience, education, and skills will be considered.
• Proven leadership skills and change management experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of strategic and operational planning in combination with board governance, financial management, community engagement, and fund development.
• Demonstrated experience managing and overseeing operations within unionized environments, including effective interpretation and application of collective agreements.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously and meet the time demands of unpredictable activities.
• Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills, with a commitment to providing a safe and inclusive organizational culture.
• Must be able to provide a clear, current Criminal Record Check, including the Vulnerable Sector Check.

 

Competencies and Knowledge

• Demonstrates progressive leadership and collaboration skills.
• Strong business and financial acumen with a proven ability to work within the community service and/or non-profit sector.
• Demonstrates initiative, collaboration, adaptability, and resourcefulness.
• Displays high emotional intelligence, uses tact and diplomacy in dealing with complex or challenging situations.
• Champions positive working relationships with all staff and external partners.
• Experience in working with governance boards and in setting boundaries with operations.
• Experience in strategic leadership in fund development, including cultivating donor relationships, securing grants and sponsorships, and driving innovative fundraising initiatives to support long-term financial sustainability.
• Effectively manages competing priorities in a dynamic non-profit environment, demonstrating resilience, adaptability, and the ability to perform under pressure while maintaining focus on mission-driven outcomes.
• Understanding of Canadian disability rights, more specifically, Alberta governance, policy frameworks, and service delivery models, is an asset.

 

Personal Profile

• Compassionate and inclusive leader who models and displays ethical leadership.
• Highly accountable with a passion to build organizational capacity and deliver results.
• Innovative and can think outside the box.
• Demonstrates resilience and composure under pressure.
• Builds trust with credibility, transparency, and consistent follow-through.
• Highly respectful of others; values and respects diverse perspectives.
• Strategic and analytical thinker.

 

COMPENSATION

An excellent compensation package awaits the successful candidate.

 

LOCATION

Lethbridge, Alberta.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The CEO position requires full-time, on-site leadership, offering some flexibility, but remote or hybrid work arrangements not available.

 

TRAVEL

Minimal travel is required, primarily to Edmonton for government advocacy work (about once per quarter), with occasional additional travel as needed. Valid driver’s license is required.

 

HOW TO APPLY

For the opportunity to join SACLA in the role of CEO, please email your resume to DreamBig@profoundtalent.com referencing Position ID # AMTT-682354.

Should you have an inquiry regarding this position, please contact Max Frank at 587-200-0114 ext. 102 or Paul Phillips at ext. 105.

For further information on ProFound Talent Inc. please visit: www.profoundtalent.com

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

ProFound Talent is a woman owned and operated business, recognized and certified by Women Business Enterprise (WBE). We pride ourselves in supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in our recruitment processes and in our work environment, where every individual feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals to which you may confidentially share your accommodation needs at time of application. We will adjust our processes to ensure you have an inclusive, fair, and respectful experience that allows you to represent yourself in your unique and most authentic way.

 

* We thank all applicants for your submissions, however only candidates being considered for this role will be contacted. *