The Chapman Group is assisting their client, The Wallace McCain Institute (WMI) in finding their next Executive Director. The Wallace McCain Institute (WMI) was founded 17 years ago to build and nurture the most inter-connected community of entrepreneurial business leaders in North America for the betterment of themselves, their companies, and their region.
Its programs were launched to target specific ingredients of a better region to accomplish the vision of making the Greater Atlantic Area the best place in Canada to start and grow a company. WMI programs are designed to operate at break-even, allowing the Institute to maintain a stable financial position.
The organization is at an inflection point where the intent is to leverage the strength of the organization's history and brand strength to re-imagine what the future of this organization could be fueled by a new capital campaign which will raise $15,000,000.
The Executive Director of the Wallace McCain Institute (WMI) is a visionary and strategic leader responsible for driving the mission of building and nurturing the most interconnected community of entrepreneurial business leaders in North America. The Executive Director will be instrumental in enhancing the Institute's programs and initiatives, ensuring they continue to support the growth and success of entrepreneurial leaders, their companies, and the broader region. This role will oversee all aspects of the organization, including strategic planning, program development, financial management, and regional expansion, with a focus on sustaining WMI's positive impact and legacy.
Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and implement the strategic vision and direction of WMI in alignment with its mission to support entrepreneurial leaders and the economic growth of the Greater Atlantic Area (GAA).
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the Institute and among its members.
- Program Development and Oversight:
- Ensure the continued success and impact of WMI's core programs by providing strategic guidance and oversight.
- Identify and develop new programs and initiatives that align with WMI's mission and objectives, focusing on personal capacity building, resource access, and ecosystem fostering.
Community and Ecosystem Building:
- Cultivate and expand WMI's network of entrepreneurial leaders, mentors, and partners within and beyond the GAA.
- Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, including members, alumni, donors, and external partners, to support the Institute's mission and growth.
Financial Management:
- Oversee the financial health of WMI, ensuring programs operate at break-even while maintaining a stable financial position.
- Manage the trust fund and pledges, currently exceeding $7M, to sustain the Institute's operations and long-term goals.
Regional Expansion:
- Lead the expansion of WMI's membership base and influence beyond New Brunswick, while maintaining the Institute's strong connection to its roots.
- Explore and implement strategies to enhance WMI's impact across a broader geographic region.
Measurement and Reporting:
- Regularly assess and report on the success of WMI's programs and the growth of its members, with a focus on long-term impact and sustainability.
- Maintain transparent communication with the Board of Directors, the University of New Brunswick, and other stakeholders regarding the Institute's performance and future direction.
Governance and Compliance:
- Ensure that WMI operates in compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and University of New Brunswick policies.
- Work closely with the Board of Directors to ensure effective governance and alignment with WMI's mission and strategic objectives.
- Proven leadership experience in a senior executive role, preferably within a nonprofit, educational institution, or entrepreneurial organization.
- Strong understanding of entrepreneurial ecosystems and the challenges faced by business leaders, particularly in the context of the Greater Atlantic Area (GAA).
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, program development, and financial management.
- Excellent communication, networking, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage and inspire a diverse range of stakeholders.
- A track record of driving organizational growth and impact, with a focus on long-term sustainability.
- Experience in managing and expanding membership-based organizations or networks is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with the Greater Atlantic Area (GAA) business environment and its unique opportunities and challenges.
