Chief Executive Officer — Open
The Valley Regional Enterprise Network (Valley REN) is the regional economic development agency for the Annapolis Valley Region in Nova Scotia. The organization carries out the economic development priorities of its members, which include Glooscap First Nation, the Municipality of the County of Kings, West Hants Regional Municipality, and the Towns of Berwick, Kentville, Wolfville and Middleton. Funding for the Valley REN is provided by its members and is matched by the Province of Nova Scotia.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and members, we seek a highly respected individual to lead the organization as its new Chief Executive Officer.
What qualities are needed for this role?
As the face and voice of the Valley REN, you will be one of the best-known and widely respected members of the business community in the Annapolis Valley. As such, you must have business intellect, presence, vision, social skills, and an innovative mindset—all of which will be deployed to stimulate interest, investment, and business growth in the region.
In performing this role, you must be knowledgeable of a wide range of business types and issues and be able to relate effortlessly to everyone, from major corporations to sole entrepreneurs.
Ideally, you understand rural economic development and recognize the issues that impact the growth and economic well-being of rural areas.
To be considered, you must have a unique mix of skills, including the ability to provide long-term, strategic thinking while possessing, at the same time, the tactical skills to run the day-to-day activities of the organization.
Your range of skills includes strategic planning, human resources, financial management, operations, policy development, communications, and advocacy. You are skillful in building and maintaining relationships with all stakeholders, including members, the provincial government, the business community, community organizations, other RENs, universities and colleges, and others.
You have proven experience working with a progressive, private sector Board of Directors and bring a complete understanding of governance.
Lastly, you are a leader of high integrity who upholds principles of honesty and transparency in all professional interactions.
If this is you, please forward your resume and a thoughtful letter explaining how your accomplishments and experience will meet the needs of the Valley REN. Applications can be emailed to Gerald Walsh Associates Inc. at apply@geraldwalsh.com, quoting project number 1981 in the subject line. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, racially visible persons, women, and persons of a minority sexual orientation or gender identity.
