Position Title: Chief Operating and Partnerships Officer (COPO)
Organization: Indigenous Tourism Alberta (ITA)
Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and ITA Board of Directors
Engagement Type: Employee/Independent Contractor (Contract for Services)

SUMMARY / OBJECTIVE
The Chief Operating and Partnerships Officer (COPO) provides executive-level operational leadership to Indigenous Tourism Alberta, ensuring that the organization has the systems, governance, financial controls, reporting structures, and people management frameworks required to deliver its mandate effectively across Alberta.
The COPO works in close partnership with the CEO to translate strategy into execution, support the sustainable growth of Indigenous tourism businesses, and ensure accountability to funders, members, and partners, while respecting Indigenous governance, cultural protocols, and community-led priorities.

1. EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS & ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP

• 1.1 Provide day-to-day operational leadership aligned with ITA’s mission, values, strategic plan, and Board-approved priorities.
• 1.2 Ensure operational readiness to deliver programs, services, and funding commitments across Alberta.
• 1.3 Establish and maintain effective internal controls, reporting systems, and performance management frameworks.

2. ENSURE ITA MEETS ALL CONTRACTUAL, FUNDING AND COMPLIANCE OBLIGATIONS IN A TIMELY AND ACCURATE MANNER

3. STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION & PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

• 3.1 Support the CEO to implement theBoard-approved strategic, operational, and growth plans.
• 3.2 Develop and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned to provincial and federal funding agreements and Indigenous economic development outcomes.
• 3.3 Provide regular performance, risk, and progress reports to the CEO and Board of Directors.

4. FINANCIAL OVERSIGHT & ACCOUNTABILITY

• 4.1 Work with the Director of Finance to develop and manage annual operating and program budgets.
• 4.2 Monitor financial performance against approved budgets and forecasts.
• 4.3 Support cash-flow management and expenditure controls.
• 4.4 Support Finance & Audit Committee reporting and compliance requirements.
• 4.5 Ensure financial accountability frameworks are in place for programs, partners, and contractors.

5. FUNDING, AGREEMENTS & COMPLIANCE

• 5.1 Oversee operational delivery of funded programs and initiatives.
• 5.2 Support the CEO in managing funding agreements with Government of Alberta ministries, federal departments, and funding agencies.
• 5.3 Ensure all contribution agreements, service contracts, and MOUs are properly administered and monitored.
• 5.4 Recommend agreements and amendments to the CEO for final approval in accordance with Board policies.

6. PEOPLE, CULTURE & CONTRACTOR MANAGEMENT

• 6.1 Lead and support ITA staff through a respectful, accountable, and culturally grounded management approach. (Specifically the Development and Partnership teams)
• 6.2 Ensure staff roles, performance expectations, and reporting structures are clearly defined.
• 6.3 Support performance reviews, professional development, and team effectiveness.
• 6.4 Ensure contractors and consultants fulfill services in accordance with approved agreements.

7. PARTNERSHIPS, STAKEHOLDER & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS (OPERATIONAL LENS)

• 7.1 Working with the CEO, support relationships with Indigenous communities, Alberta Indigenous leadership organizations, and sector partners.
• 7.2 Support relationships with provincial, federal, and municipal governments as required for operational delivery.
• 7.3 Ensure operational alignment with reconciliation, Indigenous-led development, and community benefit principles.
• 7.4 Support cross-jurisdictional coordination with national Indigenous tourism organizations where required.
• 7.5 Support the Development team and grow capacity of the team

8. MEMBER & SECTOR SUPPORT

• 8.1 Support ITA’s engagement with Indigenous tourism operators and communities across Alberta.
• 8.2 Ensure operational systems effectively support market readiness, workforce development, and business growth programs.
• 8.3 Act as an internal champion for member-centric service delivery and continuous improvement.

9. CORE COMPETENCIES

• 9.1 Executive Leadership and Governance
• 9.2 Strategic Execution
• 9.3 Financial Acumen
• 9.4 Operational Excellence
• 9.5 Results-Driven Performance
• 9.6 Indigenous Tourism and Economic Development Context
• 9.7 Relationship and Partnership Management

10. AUTHORITY & ACCOUNTABILITY

• 10.1 The COO operates under the authority of the CEO and ITA Board of Directors.
• 10.2 The COO has no independent authority to bind ITA beyond delegated limits.
• 10.3 The COO provides advice and recommendations; final decision-making authority rests with the CEO and Board.

To Apply: Please send your application to HR@indigenoustourismalberta.ca