Who We Are
For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.
Mission Statement
The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.
Job Description:
The Executive Director will lead Calgary Community Services, overseeing a large, complex, multi-site social services operation that includes shelter, housing, and community programming.
This role provides senior leadership across all programs, operations, and services—ensuring alignment with The Salvation Army’s mission, values, and regulatory requirements. The Executive Director II is responsible for driving operational excellence, advancing innovation, and ensuring high-quality service delivery in a dynamic and demanding environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and oversee a large, multi-site social services operation through senior leaders and cross-functional teams
Provide strategic direction and vision for program delivery, organizational standards, and evaluation frameworks
Lead senior managers and directors, ensuring alignment, accountability, and performance across all service areas
Drive continuous program improvement, innovation, and mission alignment across multiple service lines
Manage and support innovation initiatives, including oversight of funding programs and scalable projects
Ensure compliance with organizational policies, standards, and legislative requirements
Partner with internal functions (HR, Audit, Risk, IT) to strengthen systems, governance, and performance
Oversee data, performance metrics, and evaluation processes to enhance service delivery outcomes
Manage budgets, monitor expenditures, and provide financial oversight and strategic input
Lead cross-functional and ad hoc initiatives that improve organizational capacity and impact
Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement
Serve as a highly visible, hands-on, and responsive leader in a complex and fast-paced environment
Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, government agencies, funders, and stakeholders
Lead external partnerships at a strategic level, ensuring collaboration to support clients and services
Navigate and lead within complex shelter and community services environments, including working with vulnerable populations
Represent the organization externally, including media and community engagement
Qualifications
Education & Certifications
Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in a related field
Relevant certifications (e.g., First Aid/CPR, Mental Health First Aid) or willingness to obtain
Experience
10+ years of progressive leadership experience in social services or a related sector
Proven experience leading large-scale, multi-site, complex operations
Demonstrated success in leading through leaders (senior managers/directors)
Strong experience working within community services, shelter systems, or similar environments
Key Skills & Competencies
Strategic and operational leadership in complex organizations
Strong stakeholder management and partnership-building capabilities
Ability to operate effectively in high-pressure, mission-driven environments
Financial acumen and experience managing budgets and resources
Exceptional communication, influencing, and problem-solving skills
High integrity, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity
Ability to balance hands-on execution with strategic leadership
Working Environment
Office-based with regular presence across multiple sites in Calgary
Exposure to dynamic environments, including shelters and community services supporting vulnerable populations
Requires resilience, adaptability, and ability to manage competing priorities in a demanding setting
Compensation:
The target hiring range for this position is $139,241.88 to $174,052.36 with a maximum of $208,862.83.Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.
The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Relevant certifications (First Aid/CPR, Mental Health First Aid) or willingness to obtain
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in social services or related sector
- Proven experience leading large-scale, multi-site, complex operations
- Demonstrated success leading through senior managers/directors
- Strong experience working within community services, shelter systems, or similar environments
- Financial management and budget oversight experience
- Strong stakeholder management and partnership-building capabilities
What We Do
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world.
