CEO
Chief Executive Officer, Sydney Credit Union
Sydney, NS
The Sydney Credit Union is seeking a dynamic individual to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer.
The Organization
Sydney Credit Union is a progressive, full-service, cooperative financial institution with more than 13,000 members and over $300 million in assets. When you open an account at Sydney Credit Union, you uniquely become both a member and an owner. As such, our relationship with all our member/owners is based on our commitment to empower you to make the best decisions for your financial well-being. We do this by offering you our complete line of competitive financial products and services, customized for your individual needs, combined with wise financial guidance.
The Role
With support from an engaged Board of Directors, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) provides executive leadership and management of the Credit Union’s strategic plan and administration. Pairing strong leadership with visionary thinking, the CEO oversees the day-to-day operations and long-term sustainability of the Sydney Credit Union to achieve its purpose of enhancing the economic and social health of our members and our community. They will forge strong relationships with government, industry and regulatory partners, employees, and communities. The CEO manages the Sydney Credit Union leadership team and is accountable for decisions regarding operational and financial management. Leading, overseeing, and managing the delivery of services as well as implementing and contributing to the vision of the Sydney Credit Union is the CEO’s top priority. As the Credit Union’s key spokesperson and advocate, they play an important external role, building relations with members, unions, system partners, the regional and national Credit Union System, community groups, the media, government, and the public.
The CEO is responsible for providing leadership, advice, and mentorship to employees, and for fostering a positive culture of creativity and innovation. They advise, coach, support, and provide clear direction to ensure compliance with Credit Union policies, procedures, and directives, while empowering staff and promoting psychological safety. They ensure that collective agreements are respected and are responsive to the needs of employees, partners, and members and uphold the core values of Sydney Credit Union. They regularly report to the Board on progress and issues related to goals and objectives, policies, and budget.
Key areas of oversight and responsibility:
Strategic Leadership and Governance – Provides visionary leadership to the organization, ensuring alignment with its vision, mission, core values, and strategic priorities.
Operational Management – Accountable for all operational aspects including finances, accounting, human resources, labour relations, information technology, health & safety, and marketing.
Partnerships and Networking – Establishes healthy and productive relationships with partners and communities, and acts as the public face representing Sydney Credit Union.
Business Development and Research – Proactively researches and identifies business opportunities and engages with potential partners to grow the Credit Union.
The Next CEO
As the ideal candidate you have a wealth of experience leading people, developing culture, and strategy. You have well-developed business acumen and are ready to step into this key role. You have a successful track record and expertise in identifying and driving value in an organization, as well as a reputation for being a trusted leader who fosters organizational improvement and success. Your advanced knowledge of the financial sector has prepared you to lead Sydney Credit Union to a bright future. You have demonstrated experience in working with Indigenous communities and understand how Indigenous ways of knowing should inform leadership decisions, actions, and planning. You are a proven leader who is all substance over flash. Energy, integrity, passion, vision, and humility are all trademarks of your leadership. You are skilled at communicating your vision, building consensus, and executing on that vision. You foster a culture of member service, establishing and building trust, and you are ready to lead a successful Credit Union in the unique communities of Sydney and Cape Breton.
Qualifications and Experience
• A university degree (preferably in commerce, business, finance) or equivalent experience.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience, with experience working with engaged boards, Indigenous communities, and with skills in human resources in unionized environments.
• Demonstrated skill in government relations, budgeting and finances, and corporate business strategy.
• Demonstrated success in building consensus and maintaining positive relationships with a variety of partners.
• Experience developing strategic partnership opportunities.
• Professional designations such as a CPA and/or an AFOA certification is a strong asset.
• Experience with volunteer boards and non-profit governance models is an asset.
• Knowledge of the regulatory environment for credit unions is an asset.
Skills and Attributes
• Capacity to thrive in a diverse environment and successfully build relationships with members, government partners, employees, board members, and local communities.
• A down-to-earth, optimistic leader with creativity, integrity, and curiosity.
• An exceptional relationship-builder, capable of garnering long-term trust with partners.
• Decisiveness combined with a facilitative style and the ability to effectively explain decisions.
• A spirit of continuous improvement – striving to innovate and seeing possibilities where others see problems.
• A high energy level and the capacity to balance multiple priorities.
Sydney Credit Union will provide support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that considers an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you require accommodation because of a disability or for any other reason during the interview process, please contact KBRS.
Sydney Credit Union is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including Indigenous peoples, women, people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, visible minorities, and racialized people; and people with disabilities.
If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Michelle Doyle at mdoyle@kbrs.ca, Kyle Steele at ksteele@kbrs.ca, or Dr. Jennie Massey at jmassey@kbrs.ca or submit your full application package online by clicking the Apply Now button below.