Executive Director

POSITION: Executive Director

JOB TYPE: Full Time

LOCATION: Wembley, Alberta

SALARY/WAGE: Starting at $115,000 (commensurate with experience)

CLOSING DATE: February 27, 2026 or until suitable candidate is found

JOB SUMMARY

The Agency is assisting Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum in the recruitment of an Executive Director. Located in the County of Grande Prairie, a vibrant and rapidly growing region in northwestern Alberta, the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum is one of Canadas premier palaeontology-focused museums, uniquely positioned at the intersection of research, education, tourism, and community engagement.

The Museum is seeking an experienced, visionary Executive Director to provide strategic and operational leadership for the organization. The ideal candidate will bring strong organizational leadership, proven relationship-building skills, and operational expertise, along with the ability to guide the Museum toward long-term sustainability and continued growth. This individual will be responsible for setting and advancing the Museums strategic direction, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring financial and operational excellence.

Reporting directly to the governing Board, the Executive Director serves as the Museums senior leader, overseeing all aspects of operations while fostering a culture of innovation, learning, collaboration, and accountability. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic and respected institution, enhance its regional and national profile, and ensure its continued impact in research, education, tourism, and community enrichment for years to come.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develops, evaluates, and adapts long-term strategies, priorities, and structures to respond to a changing operating and cultural environment.
• Provides visionary leadership to position the Museum for long-term success, balancing research, education, tourism, and community engagement.
• Oversees all Museum operations, including exhibitions, labs, outdoor programs, education, and visitor services.
• Leads complex decision-making to resolve ambiguous challenges that impact strategic direction and organizational sustainability.
• Develops and executes communication and marketing strategies that engage staff, volunteers, stakeholders, funders, and the public, enhancing the Museums profile and outreach.
• Provides leadership in financial planning, monitoring, and accountability, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability.
• Ensures grants, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives align with the Museums strategic priorities.
• Oversees staffing planning, staff development, and coaching to ensure current and future operational needs are met.
• Fosters a culture of continuous learning, innovation, collaboration, and professional development across the organization.
• Provides guidance and support to the Board of Directors in achieving the Museums mission and strategic goals.
• Develops and implements policies and programs that strengthen community partnerships and engage diverse public audiences.

REQUIREMENTS

• Proven senior leadership experience within a museum, cultural institution, nonprofit, public sector, or comparable complex organization.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement long-term strategic plans in dynamic operating environments.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, financial oversight, and sustainability planning.
• Experience securing and managing grants, sponsorships, and partnerships aligned with organizational goals.
• Exceptional communication skills with demonstrated success in marketing, public relations, stakeholder engagement, and brand development.
• Experience navigating political, cultural, and community contexts to advance organizational interests.
• Strong people leadership skills, including staff development, coaching, succession planning, and volunteer engagement.
• Knowledge of governance structures and experience working effectively with a Board of Directors.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance, risk management, and legislative frameworks relevant to museums and cultural institutions.
• Experience in education outreach, public programming, tourism engagement, or research-based organizations is an asset.
• Ability to act as a credible public spokesperson and advocate for the Museum locally, regionally, and nationally.
• A commitment to fostering a culture of learning, inclusion, collaboration, and innovation.

WHY JOIN US?

Lead one of Canadas top palaeontology-focused museums in a vibrant, growing region! As Executive Director, you'll shape the Museums future, inspire a passionate team, and connect with the community, visitors, and partners. This is your chance to drive innovation, enhance the Museums profile, and make a lasting impact on research, education, and tourism. If you're a visionary leader ready for an exciting, rewarding challenge, the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum is the place to make it happen.

We Offer:

• Competitive Wages
• Health Benefits
• Be part of a mission-driven team making a lasting impact on science, education, and community engagement

JOB POSTING INFORMATION:

Submit your resume and cover letter to The Agency at [email protected]. Any questions can be directed to Courtney at (780)833-1112.

At The Agency, we prioritize your privacy and confidentiality. All applications will be kept strictly confidential until we obtain your permission to share your information with the employer or organization you are applying to. Your trust is important to us, and we are committed to maintaining your confidentiality throughout the recruitment process.

Additionally, we thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted. We are committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals. We celebrate equity, diversity, and inclusion and are committed to building a diverse team that will make a positive contribution to the communities where we live and work.