Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

About Employee Ownership Canada (EOC)

Employee Ownership Canada (EOC) is the foremost advocate for broad-based employee ownership in Canada, representing a dynamically growing sector of employee-owned businesses and service providers. Originally known as ESOP Association Canada since the 1990s, EOC has been a critical resource for promoting various employee ownership models. Following the recent passage of landmark federal legislation for Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs), EOC merged with the Canadian Employee Ownership Coalition (CEOC), solidifying its position as a leader in legislative advocacy. Now rebranded, Employee Ownership Canada aims to significantly expand the employee ownership sector with newly acquired seed funding, transforming into a world-class industry association dedicated to promoting and supporting employee ownership across the country.

About this Role

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Employee Ownership Canada (EOC) will report to the Board of Directors and be responsible for setting strategic goals, managing organizational operations, and ensuring legal compliance. As the visionary and entrepreneurial leader of EOC, the CEO will leverage new federal legislation and tax incentives to transform the organization into a world-class association. This role includes growing membership, advancing public policy goals, and building awareness of employee-ownership models within the business and advisory communities. The CEO will also lead communications efforts, serve as a media spokesperson, and oversee the organization’s finances. Key responsibilities include enhancing membership frameworks, strategizing on events and conferences, and ensuring fundraising through sponsorships and value-added services. Additionally, the CEO will manage a team, maintain compliance with relevant acts, and secure the permanency of the federal EOT capital gains tax exemption.

Responsibilities

• Entrepreneurially build out the organization from its existing infrastructure into a professional industry association.
• Develop strategic plans, including a multi-year government relations strategy, and monitor KPIs.
• Ensure EOC stays on top of political developments that impact the sector as or before they happen.
• Tailor advocacy efforts to political parties and departments for maximum impact.
• Navigate parliamentary procedures, political parties, party platforms, and election cycles to effectively advance employee ownership policies.
• Expertly match advocacy timing with important milestones like Budgets and legislative cycles.
• Expand networks with relevant politicians, political staffers, and civil servants.
• Secure timely meetings with important decision-makers on a regular basis.
• Secure the permanency of the federal EOT capital gains tax exemption.
• Build productive relationships with relevant industries and their associations for collaboration.
• Increase membership annually to meet targets agreed upon with the Board.
• Develop a new membership structure, including tiers, and pricing.
• Develop and execute an awareness strategy to turbocharge the awareness of the new Employee Ownership Trust model across Canada.
• Undertake a rebranding exercise, including a website refresh.
• Deliver expert speeches and strategic deputations to politicians and committees.
• Foster an active employee ownership community through a newsletter and events, and respond to member inquiries.
• Organize announcements for newly formed EOTs to attract earned media and attendance of politicians.
• Plan profitable annual conferences and awareness events.
• Hire and manage EOC staff as required to meet strategic objectives.
• Keep the Board aware of important developments and leverage their expertise as required.
• Ensure compliance with Ontario’s Not-for-Profit Corporations Act and various lobbying Acts.

Requirements

• Exceptional leadership skills in collaboration, inclusion, and mentoring.
• Strategic, entrepreneurial mindset.
• Experience navigating government and political institutions to achieve objectives.
• Strong communication skills including clear articulation, logical presentation, and public speaking.
• Ability to manage competing member priorities, ensuring the association’s value is recognized.
• Passion for networking and building connections.
• Assertiveness, integrity, and strategic planning experience.
• Experience leading and managing transformational change in an organization.
• 7+ years of experience in industry associations, government, politics, or other relevant fields.
• Ability to navigate political dynamics and government bureaucracy.
• Experience developing and maintaining strategic and collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Proficiency in managing multiple, potentially competing, member priorities.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary of $130,000 to $180,000 per year, based on experience.
• Performance-based bonus plan.
• Vacation.
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits.