Director of Programs, Education and Research

Background

The Chiropractic Association of Alberta (CAA) was launched on December 1, 2021, as part of Bill 46 with the separation from the Chiropractic College of Alberta. Our purpose is to elevate chiropractic care, and we need a dynamic, energetic, and enthusiastic problem-solver to help us integrate chiropractic into the healthcare ecosystem!

The Association provides leadership in chiropractic care. We do this by:

• Providing members with business resources, clinic resources, insurance support and more
• Advocate with the provincial government on matters that advance and sustain the profession
• Collaborate with other health profession organizations in the advancement of patient care
• Represent the profession in critical discussions with insurance providers and the WCB (Workers Compensation Board)
• Promote awareness of chiropractic care and the benefits of chiropractic treatments
• Educate the public on chiropractic care and good health

A key priority for CAA is developing and advancing education, research and innovative programs that strengthen the profession, improve patient outcomes and demonstrate the value of chiropractic within Alberta’s healthcare system.

The Position

• Location: In-office in Edmonton or remotely in Alberta

The Chiropractic Association of Alberta is seeking an accomplished, strategic and innovative Director, Education, Research & Programs to lead the Association’s portfolio of professional education, research, knowledge translation and strategic programs. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), this is a senior leadership position responsible for translating CAA’s strategic priorities into meaningful programs, education and research initiatives that advance chiropractic care in Alberta. The Director will lead a portfolio that connects evidence, education, innovation and implementation. This includes developing partnerships with researchers, post-secondary institutions, healthcare organizations, government and other health professions.

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Director is responsible for identifying and advancing strategic opportunities that strengthen the profession, improve patient outcomes and increase the Association's influence within Alberta's healthcare system. The Director serves as a trusted advisor to the CEO, providing recommendations on emerging trends, partnership opportunities and initiatives that support the Association's long-term strategic goals.

The successful candidate will be both a strategic thinker and an exceptional operator, someone who can identify opportunities, build partnerships, develop a compelling business case, secure resources, and move an initiative from concept through implementation and evaluation. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to help shape the future of healthcare rather than simply administer existing programs. The ability to travel within Alberta is required (and potentially nationally).

Education and Experience

The successful candidate will bring a combination of strategic leadership, healthcare knowledge, program development and relationship-building experience. A graduate or undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline such as health sciences, public health, health policy, business administration, education, research, healthcare administration or a related field is required. A graduate degree is an asset.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience in healthcare, professional associations, research, education, government, health policy or a related environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading complex programs or portfolios.
• Experience developing and translating strategy into measurable outcomes.
• Experience working with researchers, healthcare providers, government and health-system partners.
• Strong understanding of evidence-based practice and knowledge translation in clinical settings.
• Experience developing partnerships and managing complex stakeholders with varied priorities.
• Experience representing an organization in complex environments and advocating in a professional environment.
• Experience developing business cases, proposals, budgets and contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives from concept through implementation and evaluation.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically while balancing operational execution and organizational priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional presentation and facilitation skills.

Responsibilities and Activities

The Director will be accountable for the overall performance of CAA’s education, research and program portfolio.

Working in partnership with CAA’s Project Manager, the Director will:

• Develop and oversee CAA's education, research and program strategy in alignment with member needs.
• Establish and execute program and research objectives in alignment with organizational strategies.
• Develop program frameworks and business cases.
• Prioritize initiatives based on strategic value and organizational capacity.
• Secure appropriate internal and external resources.
• Establish partnerships and contracts.
• Provide strategic oversight for implementation activities.
• Monitor portfolio outcomes, strategic risks, timelines and budgets.
• Evaluate organizational impact and recommend portfolio adjustments based on strategic priorities.
• Report results and recommendations to the CEO and Board.
• Ensure successful initiatives are embedded into ongoing Association operations.
• Contribute as a member of the senior leadership team by helping shape organizational strategy, identify growth opportunities and support enterprise-wide decision-making.

The Director owns the strategic direction and outcomes of the portfolio; the Project Manager provides the enterprise project-management infrastructure required to execute initiatives effectively.

Additional Skills & Attributes

As a member of CAA’s leadership team, the Director will contribute to a high-performance, collaborative organizational culture.

The Director will:

• Work collaboratively across the organization.
• Provide leadership to cross-functional initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with members and external partners.
• Foster innovation and continuous improvement.
• Support a culture of accountability and outcomes.
• Appropriately delegate work while maintaining accountability for results.
• Contribute to organizational planning and decision-making.
• Help build CAA’s capacity as a modern, evidence-based professional association.

The Why

This is your opportunity to come and work in a start-up environment with a fun and fast-paced attitude. We are here to modernize members' experience and provide a cutting-edge experience. We will push the limits of what is possible. There is low bureaucracy and high autonomy to make things happen! Our favourite word is YES!

The closing date is September 1st, 2026. Interested candidates should forward a complete resume and cover letter to: Cecilia Bloxom at ***email_hidden***.