Chief Executive Officer

Job Description

About Us

The Southern Alberta Regional Victim Serving Society (SARVSS) provides a broad range of services under the Victims of Crime and Public Safety Act and Regulation, and in partnership with the Government of Alberta (GoA), the Alberta RCMP, specialized and community-based victim serving organizations, municipalities, and other local agencies.

SARVSS assists victims of crime throughout the criminal justice process by providing the core services of information, support, and referrals. SARVSS also supports communities by providing resources and support to people undergoing loss and tragic circumstances.

Roles and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible for the RVSS’s strategic leadership. Acting with exceptional corporate governance, the CEO accepts direct responsibility for executing the organization’s policies and strategic plan through programs and initiatives that meet the mission. The CEO is responsible for providing leadership, direction and vision, and managing the contractual obligations, administration, and finances of the organization.

This position provides guidance, leadership and oversight for a team of Centralized Professional Support Staff (CPSS), as well as front-line Court and Support Navigators and Volunteer Advocates.

The CEO will work in partnership with the CEOs from the other Regional Victim Services Organization to support aligned practices across all 4 Service Delivery Regions.

Duties of this position include:

Act as an operational advisor to the Board:

• Organize, attend and support Board activities in an advisory capacity (non-voting member).
• Support the development of the annual operational/business plan in accordance with the vision, mission, values, strategic direction and goals set by the Board.
• Oversee the implementation of the annual operational/business plan (as approved by the Board).
• Prepare and submit reports and meeting materials to the Board, on or before the required deadlines (supported by other members of the CPSS team); and present reports at the quarterly Board of Director and Committee meetings, as required.
• Provide support, advice, and information to the Board, as required.

Contribute as an integral member of the CPSS team:

• Direct supervisor of CPSS team members.
• Administrative duties as principal member of the leadership team, including attending meetings, forums and presentations, as required.
• Consult and provide support to CPSS on full a range of business activities within assigned portfolios (e.g., human resources, finance, court support, equity, diversity, inclusion, operations, etc.)
• Collaborate and coordinate with other CEOs regarding victim services policies, procedures, business practices etc.
• Fulfill requirements of the Program and Funding Agreement, including performance indicators and reporting.

Strategic Planning and Operational Management:

• Oversee the efficient and effective day-to-day operation of the organization.
• Work in partnership with the Board, staff and stakeholders to develop a long-term vision and strategic goals.
• Oversee the ongoing review and development of policies, procedures, and guidelines, and report annually.
• Engage in collaboration opportunities/forums on behalf the RVSS, including best practices, continuous improvement, environmental scans, cross-jurisdictional collaboration, engagement, etc.
• Maintain functional knowledge of victim services best practices, provincial legislation and processes.

Human Resources:

• Work closely with the Director of Regional Operations and Human Resources Business Partner to ensure effective implementation, and adherence to human resources and policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Uphold ethical practices and confidentiality to lead effectively and establish trust.
• Review and assess staffing requirements for organizational management and program delivery.
• Oversee recruitment, retention and training of employees (i.e., CPSS and front-line team members).
• Review and assess salary structures and pay practices within the framework of the Program and Funding Agreement.

Occupational Health and Safety:

• Provide strategic oversight to ensure the organization maintains a robust and compliant health and safety framework.
• Establish a positive, healthy and safe work environment in accordance with all appropriate legislation and regulations.
• Review and assess, in collaboration with Human Resources, appropriate responses to health and safety legislative requirements by:

1. Providing strategic oversight of investigations into near misses, incidents, and raised safety concerns, in collaboration with the Director of Regional Operations.
2. Confirming that all necessary communication and documentation is completed in alignment with organizational standards.
3. Reviewing and endorsing recommendations for appropriate corrective actions.
4. Monitoring management’s follow-through on preventive action commitments.

Finance:

• Provide oversight in the development of a comprehensive operational budget (within the framework of the Program and Funding Agreement).
• Work closely with the Finance Officer and Finance Committee of the Board to ensure effective implementation and due diligence of financial management policies and processes.
• Develop and ensure compliance with expenditure approval processes, with the designated signing authorities.
• Work closely with the Controller and Finance Committee to ensure the completion of the annual external audit.

Partnership Development and Public Relations:

• Engage in partnership discussions on behalf of the RVSS (as assigned by the Board).
• Facilitate partnership agreements, as required.
• Develop and maintain strong community collaborations, connections and partnerships with stakeholders, victim serving organizations, justice system partners, and community representatives to help achieve the goals of the organization.
• Maintain the positive profile of the RVSS within the community and act as the organization’s spokesperson (as designated by the Board)

Risk Management:

• Identify, evaluate and mitigate risks to the RVSS, including reputation, property, finances, and people (staff, Board members, volunteers, etc.).
• Facilitate the creation and maintenance a risk management framework.
• Ensure that the RVSS has adequate insurance coverage and that staff understand the insurance coverage.

Other:

• Pursue continual learning by participating in educational opportunities, such as in-services and training programs (internal and external).
• Be helpful, respectful, approachable and team oriented, building strong working relationships and a positive work environment.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Minimum of 4 years of post secondary education in Human Services, Social Sciences, Business, Management, Financial Management or a related field from a recognized post-secondary institution (degree preferred).

and

Minimum of 12 years of progressive leadership and managerial experience in a related field, including at least 5 years in a senior executive or C-suite role with accountability for strategic direction, people management, operations, and overall organizational performance.

Note: Equivalencies of a combination of education and directly related work experience may be considered to meet the minimum requirements.

Key Competencies and Assets:

• Defines and communicates a compelling long-term vision aligned with organizational goals.
• Motivates and engages teams through clear, confident, and empathetic communication.
• Makes timely, informed decisions, even under pressure or uncertainty.
• Demonstrates self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal sensitivity to build trust and navigate team dynamics.
• Leads change with resilience, helping teams adapt and thrive in evolving environments.
• Coaches and mentors team members to foster growth, performance, and leadership potential.
• Builds strong cross-functional relationships and promotes a culture of teamwork, inclusion, and collaboration.
• Leads by example with integrity, accountability, and follow-through.
• Encourages creativity and continuous improvement by challenging the status quo and supporting innovation.
• Strong business acumen across finance, people, governance, and operations.
• Knowledgeable of legislation, government systems, and nonprofit obligations relevant to victim services in Canada.
• Experienced in Board governance and strategic planning, including operational plans and policies.
• Demonstrates excellent organizational, prioritization, and budgeting skills.
• Exceptional people management, coaching, consulting, and analytical abilities.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, respectful and service oriented.
• Strong leadership and conflict resolution skills, with ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Other Information

• Enhanced criminal record check for vulnerable sector is required (current and clear, completed within 90 days of hire date).
• Valid class 5 driver’s license (or provincial equivalent).
• Online Victim Services training will be provided upon commencement of employment.

Salary: The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $120,150.00 to $148,500.00 per annum, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Location: The CEO will be engaged in a hybrid work arrangement, with presence at the Head Office in Airdrie, Alberta, as required to fulfill the responsibilities of the role. Travel to various communities may be required for the purpose of site visits, recruitment activities, and/or participation in investigations.

Applications must include both a resume and a cover letter. The cover letter is a key part of the selection process and should clearly demonstrate how your experience, leadership, and values align with this role and with SARVSS’s mission.