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Opportunities

President

OpenCircle

Status: Open Location: Edmonton, AB

The Organization

OpenCircle stands as a cornerstone of support for the Canadian construction industry, bringing over 35 years of expertise as a trusted not-for-profit association serving more than 1,500 member companies and their 50,000 employees. Originally established as Merit Contractors Association, OpenCircle has built its reputation on providing comprehensive employee benefits, industry advocacy, and professional development programs tailored specifically for construction professionals. The organization’s commitment to reinvesting revenue ensures members receive exceptional value through competitive rates while maintaining the highest standards of service.

As an organization that embraces innovation while staying true to its foundational values of responsiveness, alignment, and excellence, OpenCircle understands that success in construction requires more than just tools and materials – it requires investing in people. Through comprehensive health benefits, scholarship programs, tuition support, retirement planning assistance, and skills development initiatives, OpenCircle creates a circle of strength that enables construction companies and their employees to build not just structures, but lasting careers and fulfilling lives.

For more information, please visit their website.

The Opportunity

Reports to:The Board of Directors
Direct Reports:5: Director of Learning, Director of External and Government Relations, Director of Membership, Director of Operations, Director of Finance.
Location:Edmonton, Alberta

Mandate

The President will lead OpenCircle in its objective to strengthen member engagement, enhance organizational effectiveness, and drive membership growth. This individual will be responsible for operationalizing the Board’s strategic vision, fostering an outward-facing presence to build relationships and trust in the community, and championing sales and member retention efforts. The President will also be a visible advocate for the organization’s value proposition and ensure OpenCircle is recognized as a leader in supporting its members.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Partner with the Board to establish and execute a renewed organizational vision that emphasizes growth and market leadership
  • Drive the development and implementation of an innovative sales and membership growth strategy, with particular focus on member retention and market expansion
  • Lead the establishment of strategic partnerships with industry associations to create a unified voice for the construction sector
  • Serve as the primary ambassador for OpenCircle, actively representing the organization in industry forums and business communities
  • Champion innovative approaches to member engagement and service delivery

Operational Leadership

  • Align organizational structure and processes with strategic growth objectives
  • Implement efficient decision-making frameworks that enhance organizational effectiveness
  • Strengthen internal systems to support sales initiatives and member service excellence
  • Direct the modernization of operational processes to enhance competitiveness
  • Oversee the development and execution of comprehensive marketing and branding strategies

Financial Leadership

  • Develop and execute financially sustainable growth strategies that enhance OpenCircle’s competitive advantage
  • Identify and evaluate new revenue opportunities while ensuring value and sustainable support for existing members
  • Guide investment in systems and processes that enhance operational efficiency
  • Ensure financial strategies align with organizational growth objectives, organizational mission, and member needs

People Leadership

  • Build and lead a high-performing team focused on sales excellence and member service
  • Create a dynamic, collaborative culture that drives innovation
  • Establish clear accountability frameworks that support strategic objectives
  • Foster an environment that balances empowered decision-making with team alignment
  • Develop internal capabilities to support organizational excellence

First-Year Deliverables / Measures of Success

Success in the first year will be determined by the candidate’s ability to:

  • Design and execute an innovative membership growth strategy with clear and achievable targets.
  • Strengthen OpenCircle’s external presence, positioning it as a trusted and influential organization in the construction sector.
  • Streamline internal processes to enhance organizational performance and member service delivery.
  • Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture that encourages collaboration and high performance.
  • Showcase measurable progress in expanding partnerships and increasing member satisfaction.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education:

  • Post-secondary education in a related field is preferred.
  • Demonstrated commitment to lifelong learning is highly desirable.

Experience:

  • Proven experience in leadership roles, ideally at the VP level or equivalent.
  • Strong track record in sales, business development, or membership growth, with the ability to translate strategy into results.
  • Possesses an established network of relationships within the construction industry.
  • Experience leading teams in smaller organizations, particularly in construction or related industries, is an asset.
  • Familiarity with board governance and financial statement interpretation.
  • Demonstrated success leading sales and growth initiatives in a competitive market.
  • Track record of successful change management in prior organizations.
  • Knowledge of labor laws and employee benefits is advantageous.

Competencies and Attributes:

  • Visionary and inspiring leadership that displays humility, empathy, and adaptability with a commitment to ethical and transparent leadership.
  • Demonstrated success in sales leadership and business development.
  • Exceptional communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills along with energy and enthusiasm for community engagement and networking.
  • Strong emotional intelligence and ability to foster a sense of belonging among staff and members.
  • Ability to enable and coach staff while driving organizational success and building a high-performing, collaborative team.
  • Strong strategic thinking and execution capabilities.
  • Proven ability to lead organizational change and growth initiatives.
  • Strong financial acumen and business management skills.
  • Innovation mindset with the ability to identify and pursue new opportunities.
  • Hunger for personal and professional growth, with ambition to develop beyond the role.

Application Instructions:

If this opportunity excites you, please send an application, including a resume and cover letter, to connect@mullenleadership.com with the organization name and position title in the subject line of your email by no later than April 1st, 2025.

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