The Alberta Teachers’ Association invites applications for the position of
Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Competition: ESO3/26
Location: Edmonton
Commencement: June 1, 2026 (or on a mutually agreeable date)
Position Overview
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) is the organization’s senior executive leader, as established under the Teaching Profession Act and ATA bylaws. Reporting to Provincial Executive Council (PEC), the Executive Secretary and CEO is accountable for advancing the ATA’s legislated mandate and for providing strategic, operational and organizational leadership in support of ATA members.
Working in close partnership with elected leadership, the Executive Secretary and CEO leads the implementation of PEC-approved strategic priorities and ensures the effective stewardship of the ATA’s people, resources, programs and reputation. The role provides strategic direction, inclusive leadership and operational oversight across the ATA, ensuring alignment with the objects set out in the Teaching Profession Act and the direction established by PEC and the Annual Representative Assembly (ARA).
The Executive Secretary and CEO provides prominent external leadership, representing the ATA to its members, government, education partners and the public. This includes cultivating trusted relationships across the education sector, participating in public policy discussions and supporting advocacy on behalf of the teaching profession. Internally, the role is responsible for fostering a strong organizational culture; ensuring effective management systems; and promoting a respectful, inclusive and high-performing workplace.
This position offers a unique opportunity to lead a highly respected member‑driven organization at a critical time for public education in Alberta. Candidates who bring strategic insight; strong relationship-building skills; and the reputation, commitment and energy needed to lead in a complex and highly visible environment are encouraged to explore this opportunity.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will bring the following qualifications and experience:
- Extensive senior leadership experience in public education, a professional association or a comparably complex member-based organization
- A proven track record of leading in politically complex, multipartner environments, with the ability to navigate competing interests while advancing organizational priorities
- Demonstrated commitment to the ATA and its mission, or to another Canadian teachers’ organization, along with a strong understanding of the public education context in Alberta
- Strong experience in operational and financial leadership within a not-for-profit or public sector environment, including budgeting, resource allocation and organizational accountability
- Well-developed ability to analyze data and information, identify risks and opportunities, and respond effectively to emerging issues affecting the ATA and its members
- Demonstrated success in developing and sustaining collaborative partnerships, including productive relationships with government, education partners and key stakeholders
- Strong capabilities in people leadership and change management, with a commitment to equity, inclusion and respect for the diversity of the teaching profession
- A university degree, preferably at the master’s level or higher, from a recognized institution, or an equivalent combination of education and senior leadership experience
The following are additional considerations:
- A teaching certificate is strongly preferred.
- Travel and evening and weekend work may be required.
- The ability to work in the French language is considered an asset.
- School leadership experience is considered an asset.
What This Position Offers
The successful candidate will be employed under a personal services contract, which includes an attractive compensation and benefits package. The initial location will be in Edmonton, but future assignments may be at any current or future ATA office. Duties will commence on June 1, 2026, or on a mutually agreeable date.
Applicants should quote position ESO3/26 and include the names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of at least two references who are not ATA employees or elected officials of its provincial executive. Applications must be received by 4:00 pm on April 3, 2026, and should be addressed to
Ms Kathryn Dick
Human Resources Director
The Alberta Teachers’ Association
11010 142 Street NW
Edmonton, AB T5N 2R1
E-mail: careers@ata.ab.ca
As an employer, the ATA aims to reflect and respond to the diversity of our membership, our staff and the public. To help us better serve our members across the province, applicants who speak more than one language or offer diversity in other areas are encouraged to identify these assets in their employment application.
For more information, please visit www.teachers.ab.ca.