Chief Executive Officer

About This Role

This leadership role involves providing strategic direction for the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) and advancing its mission as a regional economic development organization. The CEO will work with the Board and regional partners to identify economic priorities, build relationships, and translate these into practical initiatives. It suits a leader comfortable with both strategic planning and direct execution within a small, entrepreneurial organization.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Board to establish, implement, and periodically review VIEA’s strategic direction, translating it into annual priorities, workplans, budgets, and measurable outcomes
• Identify emerging economic opportunities, challenges, and shared priorities across Vancouver Island and the rural islands, including areas where regional collaboration can create greater impact
• Identify opportunities for VIEA to provide regional leadership, coordination, convening, or a platform for collective action
• Lead regional economic development initiatives related to competitiveness, productivity, investment attraction, economic resilience, and sustainable economic development
• Use regional economic research, data, intelligence, and dialogue to inform VIEA’s priorities and translate shared opportunities into practical initiatives, partnerships, and action
• Build and maintain strong relationships with First Nations, communities, local governments, provincial and federal governments, businesses, industry organizations, economic development organizations, educational institutions, funders, and community partners
• Develop respectful and meaningful relationships with First Nations and support Indigenous participation and leadership within the regional economy
• Position VIEA as a credible regional convener and voice on Vancouver Island economic issues, and represent the organization with governments, partners, stakeholders, media, and at regional, provincial, and national forums
• Develop new projects, partnerships, funding proposals, sponsorships, and other revenue opportunities that advance VIEA’s strategic direction and contribute to long-term organizational sustainability
• Work with the Board to strengthen and diversify VIEA’s funding and revenue model, while assessing the strategic, financial, and organizational implications of new opportunities before commitments are made
• Drive VIEA initiatives from concept and funding through implementation, reporting, evaluation, and completion
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, including workplans, timelines, budgets, contracts, deliverables, partner commitments, and reporting requirements
• Ensure funded project commitments, contractual obligations, and reporting deadlines are completed accurately and on time
• Lead the day-to-day management and operations of the organization, including the systems, processes, records, and administrative practices required to support effective delivery and organizational continuity