Executive Director (ED) and Registrar
About the AALA
The Alberta Association of Landscape Architects (AALA) is the regulatory body governing the profession of landscape architecture in Alberta under the Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act (POARA) and soon to transition to the Professional Governance Act. The AALA protects the public interest by ensuring regulated members meet required standards of competence, ethics, and professional practice.
The AALA is a friendly and collaborative professional community dedicated to supporting landscape architects and advancing the profession throughout Alberta. The AALA brings members together to share knowledge, build connections, support professional growth, and contribute to the communities and environments we serve. We value collegiality, integrity, inclusion, and a shared commitment to excellence in landscape architecture.
The Opportunity
The AALA is seeking a strategic and collaborative Executive Director (ED) and Registrar who demonstrates sound judgment, accountability, transparency, respect for diverse perspectives, and a strong commitment to serving the public interest. Reporting to the AALA Board, the ED/Registrar will provide executive leadership and oversee regulatory operations, lead organizational strategy, support governance processes, manage financial performance, and administer key regulatory functions including registration and maintenance of the professional register.
This role offers an opportunity to shape the future of landscape architecture in Alberta, strengthen public trust in the profession and elevate the contribution of its members.
Key Responsibilities
The ED / Registrar will:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership aligned with AALA’s legislated mandate
- Support the AALA Board and committees through governance best practices and sound executive advice
- Work with the Board to develop strategic direction and ensure effective implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the strategic plan.
- Oversee financial planning, budgeting, audits, reporting, and long-term sustainability
- Strengthen communications, engagement, and organizational credibility
- Serve as Registrar, maintaining the official register and overseeing registration and renewal processes
- Ensure compliance with POARA and PGA legislation, regulations, bylaws, and policies
- Support administration of complaints and discipline processes consistent with statutory requirements
- Lead staff and contractors, fostering a professional and service-oriented workplace culture
- Collaborate with the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA), component associations, and other professional associations on matters of professional practice, mobility, governance, policy development, and issues affecting the landscape architecture profession
- Represent the AALA with government, allied professions, partners, registrants, and the public
Qualifications and Experience
The successful candidate will bring:
- Senior executive leadership experience in a regulatory, association, nonprofit, or public-sector environment. A minimum of 6-7 years in a leadership role is essential, 10+ years is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience supporting a Board/Council and operating within a governance framework
- Strong financial and operational management expertise
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Experience with registration, credentialing, compliance, or regulatory processes
- Experience working with a volunteer Board of Directors
- Familiarity with Alberta’s regulatory environment and/or built environment professions
- A relevant university degree (MBA/MPA or governance designation considered an asset)
- Experience working across multiple organizations, jurisdictions, or governance bodies, including national associations, federated organizations, or professional regulators, is an asset
What We're Looking For
- Strategic and collaborative leadership style
- Strong governance and regulatory expertise
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Sound judgment, integrity, and professionalism
- Proven ability to lead change and drive organizational performance
Why Join AALA
- Lead a respected professional regulatory organization.
- Influence the future of landscape architecture in Alberta.
- Work closely with government, industry leaders, and professional stakeholders.
- Make a meaningful impact by protecting the public interest and advancing professional excellence.
To Apply: Please [click here] to submit your résumé and cover letter outlining your qualifications and leadership experience.
Download the posting PDF below: