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Exciting Opportunity
You will leverage past successes and develop actionable plans that will be fundamental in expanding new milestones for Run Ottawa to accomplish.
Work that Matters
Through adept team leadership, you will earn trust within the team and build upon a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing environment. You will regularly provide guidance, motivation, and support to the staff and volunteers, while addressing challenges and maintaining an exceptional level of service for members.
Deeply Rewarding
You will use this foundation to roll out new ideas to include and encourage runners of all ages and abilities to partake in the various events throughout the year.
Executive Director @ Run Ottawa
Company: Run Ottawa
Position: Executive Director
Location: Ottawa, ON
Run Ottawa, a well-established non-profit organization, has been a prominent figure in the running community for over 40 years. This membership-based group has a dedicated focus on fostering a vibrant and inclusive running community, orchestrating diverse running events throughout the year. Among several events throughout the year, Run Ottawa is well known for hosting Canada’s largest multi-day running event, the Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend. Run Ottawa caters to participants of all skill levels, encouraging both beginners and seasoned runners to engage in the joy of running.
With a dedicated focus on promoting and nurturing the running culture within the Ottawa region, the organization acts as a platform for building connections while promoting health and well-being. Serving as a hub for connecting runners across the city, the organization facilitates engagement in both affiliated and unaffiliated events and runs. Additionally, Run Ottawa has championed initiatives such as the Ottawa Kids Marathon School Program, designed for schools and community run clubs to engage, involve, and inspire young runners.
Skills & Experience
Background
You bring a well-rounded background in operational management, encompassing finance, staff oversight, event coordination, public relations, and stakeholder relationships.
Experience
You have likely built your career around community, recreational initiatives, or sporting events, with progressive experience in the non-profit sector related to managing and delivering events.
Strong Business Acumen
Strong business acumen is a considerable strength of yours, rooted in skills within HR, marketing, and financial management.
Reliable & Accountable
You adhere to your commitments around time, cost, service, and are experienced in managing financials and capital budgets.
Proven Track Record
Your professional journey demonstrates a track record in leading complex events with diverse stakeholder groups, ideally in a public-facing capacity.
Board Experience
You are skilled in identifying and operationalizing priorities, while considering and integrating feedback from the board, staff, and members.
Summary of the Role
As Executive Director you will be accountable for the successful execution of Race Weekend and the overall strategic direction and leadership of Run Ottawa.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director will assume a pivotal role in the management of the organization. This leadership position encompasses effective stakeholder engagement, organizational development, financial oversight, public relations, and ensuring a thriving workforce through effective management, retention, and growth. Your focus will be on shaping and articulating the organization’s future roadmap, promoting innovative approaches and fostering a culture of creativity. This involves identifying priorities, objectives, and areas for improvement within processes, and subsequently making informed recommendations and revisions as necessary.
As a member of Run Ottawa’s leadership team, you will work closely with the Board of Directors and staff to establish responsibilities, appropriate timelines, and overall planning for events throughout the year. You will provide accurate and on-time reporting for financials, event results, risk management, employee retention, and other areas of operational oversight. You will collectively refresh the strategic plan for 2024-2025 by adjusting objectives and adding to the vision in order to support the progression and elevation of the organization.
As Executive Director, you will manage the negotiations, preparations, planning and implementation of key functional areas for Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend and other events throughout the year. Ensuring successful delivery, you will manage communications and act as the primary point of contact with participants, volunteers, sponsors, and external agencies. As a fundamental part of this role, you will liaise with a variety of external stakeholders including other community groups, sponsors, various levels of government, the National Capital Commission, City of Ottawa, Ville de Gatineau, charities, and the media. You will exemplify professionalism and enthusiasm during engagement and outreach initiatives.
Transitioning into a post-pandemic landscape, this role will prioritize financial stability and build upon membership and event participation. Finding avenues to generate additional revenue while focusing on cost savings will be key. This includes continued efforts to maximize Run Ottawa’s marketing position and e-commerce presence. The existing team has done an exceptional job of maintaining a strong presence in the Ottawa area, even during years where hosting events was not possible. With events back on track and the help of some new initiatives to make them more accessible, Run Ottawa has seen steady recovery with their participation numbers. You will use this foundation to roll out new ideas to include and encourage runners of all ages and abilities to partake in the various events throughout the year. A focus on environmental impact and taking greener initiatives will be an additional consideration going forward.
Through adept team leadership, you will earn trust within the team and build upon a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing environment. You will regularly provide guidance, motivation, and support to the staff and volunteers, while addressing challenges and maintaining an exceptional level of service for members. You will leverage past successes and develop actionable plans that will be fundamental in expanding new milestones for Run Ottawa to accomplish.