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Careers at CISS

Join our team and make a difference in Islamic education

Executive Director

Calgary Islamic School Society (CISS)

NOW HIRING
On-site – 2711 39 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T1Y 4T8
Full-time/contract position with an initial 24-month term
Starting at $90,000 annually (commensurate with qualifications and experience)

Position Summary

The Calgary Islamic School Society (CISS) is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Executive Director (ED) to lead and manage the transitional, operational, and strategic initiatives of the organization. This newly established role is a key leadership position responsible for executing the Board's vision, ensuring organizational excellence, and overseeing the successful delivery of the Alternative (Islamic Studies) Program in partnership with Prairie Rose School Division (PRSD).

The Executive Director will serve as the primary liaison between CISS and PRSD, while also overseeing school principals, administration, staff, facility management, strategic communications, and internal operations. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of Islamic education in Calgary while working in collaboration with a committed volunteer Board and a professional school system.

The Executive Director operates within Board-approved policies, budgets, and delegated authority.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Change Management

  • Serve as the official liaison between the CISS Board of Directors and PRSD
  • Collaborate closely with the Board Chair to plan, facilitate, and follow up on Board meetings
  • Facilitate the effective implementation of Board-approved decisions, strategic initiatives, and directives
  • Provide support to the Board in establishing, reviewing, and strengthening governance frameworks, policies, procedures, and accountability systems
  • Attend Board meetings and provide regular operational, financial, program, facilities, and risk updates to the Board
  • Represent CISS in meetings with PRSD or stakeholders when requested

2. Alternative Program Leadership, Oversight, and Development

  • Serve as CISS's primary contact for PRSD and Alternative Program matters
  • Work with PRSD, school principals, school administration, teachers, and CISS-appointed personnel to support program quality
  • Provide strategic leadership for the continuous evaluation, enhancement, and long-term development of the Alternative Islamic Studies Program, ensuring program effectiveness and recommending improvements to the Board
  • Oversee and/or work with a board-appointed qualified curriculum specialist/consultant on a comprehensive review and improvement of the Alternative Islamic Studies Program
  • Ensure that all aspects of the Alternative Islamic Studies Program align with and promote CISS's mission, vision, and Islamic educational values

3. Operations & Facilities

  • Oversee daily operations and serve as the lead contact for all CISS administration, maintenance, internal systems, vendors, and staff
  • Provide oversight to the Maintenance Director and support strategic priorities related to day-to-day facility operations, maintenance, and long-term planning
  • Coordinate CISS Board maintenance plans, capital upgrades, renovations, and facility improvement projects
  • Monitor maintenance project timelines, vendor performance, quality of work, adherence to safety standards, and budget compliance

4. Financial Oversight

  • Collaborate with and assist the CISS Board Chief Financial Officer in monitoring and preparing regular financial reports and the annual operating budget and updates to the Board and community
  • Support the implementation of sound financial practices by ensuring fiscal accountability, appropriate documentation, and adherence to financial controls and policies
  • Track expenses against the approved budget and prepare regular variance reports

5. Communications & Community Relations

  • Represent CISS publicly in a professional manner that reflects its mission, values, and community expectations
  • Establish and maintain effective communication channels with parents, staff, donors, volunteers, and the broader community
  • Oversee the CISS website, social media platforms, public updates, and organizational communications
  • Deliver regular updates to parents and stakeholders, fostering transparency, trust, and community engagement
  • Assist with donor relations, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach initiatives
  • Handle sensitive communications with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment

6. Human Resources & Organizational Culture

  • Foster a professional, respectful, and service-oriented culture rooted in Islamic values
  • Develop and implement performance expectations and evaluation processes for CISS-administered principals and staff
  • Support Alternative Program staff development, role clarity, accountability, professional growth, and succession planning
  • Collaborate with principals on the hiring, discipline, performance improvement, or termination decisions of the Alternative Program staff
  • Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in personnel and organizational matters

Qualifications

Required

  • Minimum of 7 years of progressive senior leadership experience in non-profit organizations, education, operations, community-based programming, or related management settings
  • Degree or diploma in Business Administration, Education, Non-profit Management, Public Administration, or a related field
  • Demonstrated experience in staff leadership, budget management, project oversight, vendor management, and stakeholder engagement
  • Experience working within a Board, committee, or governance structure
  • Strong understanding of educational systems, program administration, curriculum development, or alternative education programming
  • Demonstrated financial literacy, including experience with budget development, monitoring, financial controls, and reporting
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, organizational, and project management skills
  • Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment
  • Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check

Preferred

  • Experience in Islamic schools, faith-based organizations, or community-based educational settings
  • Familiarity with Alberta's education system, including alternative education programs and relationships with school divisions
  • Understanding of and respect for Islamic educational values and the mission and vision of CISS
  • Experience with facilities management, capital projects, communications, public relations, or policy development
  • Experience working with donors, volunteers, community stakeholders, and partnership development

Core Competencies

  • Strategic Leadership and Execution
  • People Leadership and Team Development
  • Communication, Transparency, and Relationship Building
  • Financial Stewardship and Budget Oversight
  • Stakeholder Engagement

Ready to Apply?

If you are passionate about Islamic education and have the experience and skills to lead CISS into its next chapter, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

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