The Vancouver Island Economic Alliance is searching for the next Chief Executive Officer to lead the organization.

The Role

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO provides strategic leadership for the Vancouver Island Economic Alliance (VIEA) and advances its mandate as a regional economic development organization serving Vancouver Island and the rural islands.

The CEO works with the Board and regional partners to identify shared economic priorities, opportunities and challenges; determine where regional collaboration can create greater impact; build relationships and partnerships across sectors and jurisdictions; and translate regional economic priorities into practical initiatives, investment, partnerships and action.

The CEO combines regional leadership and external relationship development with direct responsibility for organizational management, project delivery, financial oversight, funding, events and administration. This is a role for a leader who is comfortable moving between the strategic and the practical: shaping regional priorities, building relationships with senior leaders and positioning VIEA as a trusted regional convener, while also ensuring that projects, funding commitments, finances, contracts and organizational requirements are effectively managed and delivered.

Key responsibilities include:

• Working with the Board to establish, implement and periodically review VIEA’s strategic direction, and translating that direction into annual priorities, workplans, budgets and measurable outcomes.
• Identifying emerging economic opportunities, challenges and shared priorities across Vancouver Island and the rural islands, including areas where regional collaboration can create greater impact than communities or organizations working independently.
• Identifying opportunities for VIEA to provide regional leadership, coordination, convening or a platform for collective action.
• Leading regional economic development initiatives related to competitiveness, productivity, investment attraction, economic resilience and sustainable economic development.
• Using regional economic research, data, intelligence and dialogue to inform VIEA’s priorities and translate shared opportunities into practical initiatives, partnerships and action.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with First Nations, communities, local governments, provincial and federal governments, businesses, industry organizations, economic development organizations, educational institutions, funders and community partners.
• Developing respectful and meaningful relationships with First Nations and supporting Indigenous participation and leadership within the regional economy.
• Positioning VIEA as a credible regional convener and voice on Vancouver Island economic issues, and representing the organization with governments, partners, stakeholders, media and at regional, provincial and national forums.
• Developing new projects, partnerships, funding proposals, sponsorships and other revenue opportunities that advance VIEA’s strategic direction and contribute to long-term organizational sustainability.
• Working 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.
• Driving VIEA initiatives from concept and funding through implementation, reporting, evaluation and completion.
• Managing multiple concurrent projects, including workplans, timelines, budgets, contracts, deliverables, partner commitments and reporting requirements.
• Ensuring funded project commitments, contractual obligations and reporting deadlines are completed accurately and on time.
• Leading 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.
• Managing and working alongside staff, contractors, consultants and professional service providers to ensure organizational resources are aligned with priorities and commitments.
• Managing organizational finances, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, project financial performance, financial administration and reporting, supported by external accounting and bookkeeping resources.
• Providing executive leadership and direct involvement in the development and delivery of the annual State of the Island Economic Summit, including strategic themes, programming priorities, partnerships, sponsorship, budgeting and delivery.
• Identifying organizational, financial, contractual, strategic, project and reputational risks, and bringing significant matters to the Board as required.
• Supporting the Board through regular strategic, financial, project and organizational reporting, providing recommendations and implementing Board direction.

The position offers considerable autonomy and the opportunity to influence economic priorities across Vancouver Island. It will particularly suit a leader who values both regional leadership and direct execution, and who thrives in a small, entrepreneurial organization where progress is achieved through collaboration, credibility, resourcefulness and a willingness to work across functions.

For a complete overview of the role, including responsibilities, qualifications and experience, please review the full Chief Executive Officer Job Description. Application instructions and a link to the online application form are included at the end of the Job Description.

The deadline to apply is Friday, October 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time.