The Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) is
Canada's leading national association and charity uniting community organizations and practitioners in strengthening Canada's communities. With several hundred members across the country and resources being used by over 10,000 groups in every province and territory, CCEDNet provides support and leadership to efforts by CED organizations to create economic opportunities and enhance the social and environmental conditions of Canada's communities. As a member-led Network, CCEDNet engages a broad and inclusive range of community interests in common efforts to influence policy, create stronger and fairer local economies, tackle poverty and homelessness, and invest in sustainable communities. The Executive Director will support and lead this effort, alongside a committed national Board of Directors and dedicated staff.

As Executive Director, you will inspire action and champion initiatives to achieve the goals outlined in CCEDNet's strategic plan. Accountable for all operations and business planning, you ensure that programs, communications and resources are continually enhanced to deliver member value and organizational performance. You lead in a way that creates a culture of possibility, action and outcomes and core to your role is ensuring effective work by all staff while at the same time providing them the space to lead and be innovative and responsive to member priorities. You also play an important external role, building relations with members, stakeholders, partners, the media, governments, funders, and the public. As the key spokesperson and advocate, you further strengthen CCEDNet's policy impact by leveraging its credibility and the many partnerships it has forged to achieve its mission. You help to connect the Network's national and regional committees and work with the board in advancing a "communities agenda" that responds to emerging opportunities and challenges. You lead efforts to grow sustainable and innovative sources of revenue for the Network and the CED sector.

As the ideal candidate, you are an inclusive, empowering, and decisive leader who fosters a culture of learning, excellence, and accountability in your team. You bring existing funder relationships, proven revenue generating experience, and experience in management of senior staff. You are an energizing professional with exceptional relationship abilities and business management skills. You are a strong communicator that can build and sustain relations with a range of interests, including staff, Board, members, governments, funders, partners and the media. Your proficiency in both official languages and previous experience working with a nonprofit board will serve you well, as will your knowledge of the CED sector in Canada. You have both vision and practical leadership skills in building a diverse and sustainable business plan for the Network.

Location of the position is negotiable. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered to the right candidate.

Please submit a letter of application, CV and three current references by April 30th, 2008 to president@ccednet-rcdec.ca. Short listed candidates are expected to be available for an interview between May 21st and 24th.

REQUIREMENTS

• Proven experience in managing large and complex non governmental organizations, with multiple stakeholders and funding sources.
• Knowledge of community economic development and the social economy.
• A background in business planning, managing fund development and funder relations.
• Experience of public policy development and public relations to advance social, economic and ecological sustainability.
• Experience managing senior staff in a collaborative team environment.
• A track record of supporting non profit boards of directors and member-based organizational structures
• Strong communication skills
• Proficient in both official languages
• Ability to travel