The Conference of Defence Associations (CDA) and the CDA Institute (Institute) are commencing a process to renew the organization and refresh our strategic approach. We are looking to see how we can better support the Canadian Armed Forces and its members in uniform, our veterans, and build awareness among Canadians from coast to coast about the issues related to our ability as a nation to prepare for and respond to threats to our national security and defence. As part of the process, the CDA Institute will seek fresh ideas and innovative suggestions to build and grow the profile and effectiveness of the organization.
The Conference of Defence Associations and CDA Institute are accepting applications for the Executive Director position. We intend to fill it by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
The CDA, with over 45 member associations, promotes informed public discourse and advocates for credible national security and defence policies in Canada. The CDA Institute is an independent, non-partisan research organization that advances thoughtful public debate and shapes Canadian policies and priorities on defence and related national security matters. We aim to foster a fact-based and rational approach to dialogue regarding Canadian defence, security, and foreign policy. Both the CDA and the Institute are not-for-profit organizations.
The successful candidate will act as Executive Director for both the CDA (www.defenceassociations.ca) and the CDA Institute (www.cdainstitute.ca). The ED is accountable to the CDA Executive Council and the Institute’s Board of Directors for delivering each organization’s programs. As the senior member of a small but talented full and part-time staff at the National Office in Ottawa and a growing network of volunteers, the ED is responsible for providing strategic leadership to achieve multi-year and annual objectives. (S)he does so by working collaboratively with the governance and advisory bodies of both organizations, a wide range of defence and national security stakeholders, including corporate sponsors, and the staff and volunteer team to fulfill each organization’s mandate and objectives while continually seeking to increase sponsorship and the revenues that will enhance research and expand programs.
The desired candidate must have a good understanding of the Canadian defence and security sector and demonstrate an ability to plan, organize, and lead high-profile activities such as the Ottawa Conference on Security and Defence, the Montreal Climate Security Summit, the Vimy Gala, the Graduate Student Conference, and the ongoing Institute research program.
Important personal qualities include an excellent ability to lead and manage multiple files simultaneously, sound strategic analytical skills that inform policy advice, strategic communication skills and effective interpersonal relation skills to engage with politicians, senior government officials, and military leaders.
The position of Executive Director demands a collaborative and cooperative leadership style to develop and sustain partnerships with industry, academia, international institutions, and other stakeholders.
The successful candidate will be a good public speaker who can communicate in both official languages and is comfortable representing CDA and the Institute in media engagements.
CDA and the Institute seek a new Executive Director who will be an innovative and skilled business developer, program planner, and financial manager. The successful candidate will be able to continually deliver programs of exceptional value as perceived by donors, sponsors, stakeholders, and clients. The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise in developing strategies and business plans and a strong track record of building relationships across diverse groups of stakeholders. Understanding corporate board governance and experience with fundraising and revenue generation are assets.
Applicants interested in this unique leadership opportunity are asked to submit a curriculum vitae, the names and contacts of three references, a letter of introduction highlighting interest in the position, and availability and salary expectations. Applications are requested in a single PDF document sent to execsearch@cdainstitute.ca.
The application deadline is noon EST on Monday, January 20, 2025. Applications will be considered after that and continue until the position is filled. Interviews with select candidates are expected in early February.
If you have questions or wish to discuss this opportunity confidentially, please email us at the address above.
