Executive Director – Sport Wood Buffalo Association (SWBA)
Location: Fort McMurray, Alberta (Hybrid)
Reports to: Board of Directors
Job Type: Full‑time
Salary: $90,000 - $120,000
Opening Date: May 22, 2026
Closing Date: June 5, 2026
About Sport Wood Buffalo Association
The Sport Wood Buffalo Association (SWBA) is an Alberta non‑profit society dedicated to sport history, sport development, and sport attraction in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB). Formed through the amalgamation of the Wood Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame and Wood Buffalo Sport Connection, SWBA is committed to celebrating our region’s sport legacy while advancing sport opportunities for athletes, coaches, officials, organizations, and facilities.
With an active contract to deliver sport attraction services for the community, SWBA plays a central role in enhancing the region’s profile provincially and nationally, driving community pride and generating economic growth. We work closely with partners such as Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development & Tourism (FMWBEDT), local non‑profits, businesses, governments, and sport organizations.
We are looking for a dynamic, visionary, community‑minded Executive Director to lead this exciting next chapter.
Position Summary
The Executive Director (ED) is the senior leader responsible for the overall management, strategic implementation, financial stewardship, and operational performance of SWBA. This role leads a multi‑faceted portfolio including:
- Sport history and the Sports Hall of Fame
- Community sport development and engagement
- Sport attraction strategy and delivery
- Organizational development and administration
- Facility management
- Team leadership, partnerships, and stakeholder relations
The ED will work closely with the Board of Directors to carry out the mission, vision, and strategic priorities of SWBA. This individual is a relationship‑builder, strong communicator, innovative problem‑solver, and community ambassador who is passionate about advancing sport in the Wood Buffalo region.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
- Champion and operationalize SWBA’s mission, vision, values, and strategic framework.
- Lead annual operational planning, budgeting, performance tracking, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for SWBA.
- Provide the Board with timely reporting, strategic advice, and governance support.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory regulations, non‑profit requirements, and AGLC rules.
Sport History & Hall of Fame Development
- Lead the ongoing development, promotion, and stewardship of the Sports Hall of Fame.
- Enhance the visibility, accessibility, and sustainability of regional sport heritage.
- Build partnerships with historians, media, athletes, community contributors, and provincial & national hall of fame organizations.
Sport Development & Community Impact
- Support and elevate sport pathways for athletes, coaches, officials, and local sport organizations.
- Identify community sport gaps and advocate for infrastructure, programs, and capacity needs.
- Facilitate programming and collaboration across rural, Indigenous, and diverse communities.
- Stay current on emerging sport trends, best practices, and provincial/national sport strategies.
Sport Attraction & Regional Promotion
- Oversee SWBA’s sport attraction responsibilities to attract, support, and retain major events.
- Strengthen partnerships with FMWBEDT, facility operators, event organizers, and sport bodies.
- Promote the RMWB as an exceptional place to live, train, compete, and host events.
Financial & Operational Management
- Develop, manage, and monitor the annual budget, ensuring responsible use of funds.
- Prepare accurate financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) and regular Board reporting.
- Manage grants, apply for new funding, and oversee AGLC‑compliant allocations.
- Negotiate agreements, contracts, and partnerships that enhance organizational sustainability.
- Manage SWBA facilities, ensuring safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
Team Leadership & Human Resources
- Lead, inspire, and retain a high‑performing team of staff and/or volunteers.
- Oversee recruitment, training, supervision, performance evaluation, and workforce planning.
- Foster a positive, collaborative, innovative workplace culture.
Marketing, Communications & Stakeholder Relations
- Build upon SWBA’s community presence, brand, and membership.
- Oversee public relations, media relations, and digital communication platforms.
- Maintain strong relationships with non‑profits, governments, sport groups, businesses, and the public.
Data, Evaluation & Administration
- Collect and analyze data to measure program effectiveness, event outcomes, and community impact.
- Maintain insurer compliance, risk management practices, and asset protection.
- Implement efficient administrative systems, processes, and policies.
Education & Experience Requirements
Education
- Post‑graduate certificate preferred or post secondary degree in Kinesiology, Sport Management, Recreation, Business Administration, or related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience
- 5–7 years in sport, recreation, non‑profit management, tourism, or a related field.
- Demonstrated success in leadership roles involving strategic planning and organizational development.
- Experience with financial management, budgeting, grant writing, and reporting.
- Experience overseeing facility operations is considered a strong asset.
Additional Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of Alberta’s sport ecosystem and regional sport development.
- Experience with payroll and accounting systems (asset).
- Competence with Microsoft 365, cloud‑based tools, and document‑sharing platforms.
- Proven project and event management skills.
- Excellent public speaking, media relations, and communications abilities.
- Strong relationship‑building skills with community partners and stakeholders.
- Highly organized and self‑directed, with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Board governance experience is an asset.
Working Conditions
- 40 hours/week with flexibility for occasional evenings, weekends, or travel.
- Combination of office, community facility, and remote work.
- Regular interaction with athletes, sport organizations, volunteers, public partners, and community members.
- Travel within the Wood Buffalo region and occasionally provincially/nationally.
- Must adhere to SWBA policies and model organizational values.
Location Requirement
- Must reside in Fort McMurray, Alberta, or be willing to relocate within 14 days of hiring.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $90,000.00-$120,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Fort McMurray, AB
