Chief Executive Officer

The Canadian Association of Optometrists (CAO) is the professional association that represents Doctors of Optometry in Canada.  The Association, founded in 1941 and formally incorporated in 1948, currently consists of members from each of the 10 provincial optometric associations.  Today, the CAO represents over 5000 Doctors of Optometry in Canada, and optometry students.  CAO's primary mission is to act as the national voice of optometry and optometrists, and to help strengthen the profession across Canada.  Its mission also includes enhancing the quality, availability and accessibility of eye, vision and related health care, promoting the independent and ethical decision-making of its members, and assisting optometrists in practicing successfully in accordance with the highest standards of patient care. Due to the impending retirement of the incumbent, the CAO is currently recruiting for the position of 

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

We are seeking an experienced, progressive and dynamic individual to lead this respected and mature organization.  Reporting to and collaborating with the President of an engaged CAO Council and its Councillors, the CEO is responsible and accountable for the Association’s overall performance through the development (with the Council) and implementation of the strategic plan, achievement of corporate goals, and effective development and stewardship of corporate resources.  The Council will look to the CEO for sound business and strategic direction, effective governance support and strong organizational performance.  S/he will bring thoughtful guidance in strengthening the identity, position and voice of the optometry profession in Canada, ensuring optometrists are prepared to practice in an evolving health care system that rapidly changes, and achieving effective engagement with members and key stakeholders. The CEO develops strong relationships with provincial affiliated associations and regulatory bodies, facilitates the delivery of a solid member value proposition, and implements communications strategies to raise awareness of the optometry profession with current and potential members, the general public and all its stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have successfully led people, strategy and change in a complex, multi-stakeholder and multi-issue environment.  S/he will have demonstrated abilities in collaborating and building relationships with stakeholders and partners, building consensus, and in motivating people by fostering engagement and empowerment.   Candidates will bring superior leadership and governance expertise, along with a successful record in proactive management, advocacy and government relations.  Experience working in a senior leadership role in the not-for-profit or national association/NGO sector, ideally related to healthcare, would be an asset, as would be a CAE designation. The CAO desires a leader who possesses excellent interpersonal and diplomatic skills and will be an effective and professional communicator in all respects, operating collegially and collaboratively at all levels across the country.  Proficiency in both official languages is desirable.  We invite you to visit the website at www.opto.ca to learn more about CAO.

Should you wish to learn more about this excellent leadership opportunity, call Mike Lupiano, Morgan Leadership Search, in strictest confidence, at 613-566-7035, or email your CV and letter of introduction to:

cao.chiefexecutive@morgansearch.ca

www.morgansearch.ca