SCOPE & OBJECTIVE:

This newly established Executive Director position offers a unique and exciting chance to build a professional membership association from the ground up. The SDA will act as the provincial voice and advocate for over 600 dentists and dental specialists in Saskatchewan, following its separation from the previous regulatory body, the College of Dental Surgeons of Saskatchewan (CDSS).

Reporting to the Board of Directors and working closely with CDSS leadership initially, the Executive Director will be responsible for establishing governance structures, developing operational systems, and launching the association’s advocacy agenda. This leader will serve as the voice and face of the profession, advocating on key issues such as access to care, the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and workforce shortages.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Organizational Development & Leadership

• Lead the development of the SDA’s organizational structure, including governance framework, bylaws, policies, and internal systems.
• Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Support the transition from an appointed board to an elected governance model.
• Oversee brand development, communications planning, website creation, and initial marketing tools.
• Plan and recommend future office infrastructure and staffing needs.
• Coordinate day-to-day operations in a hands-on, start-up capacity.
• The Executive Director will also be expected to travel within Saskatchewan and across Canada to attend conferences, meetings, and events. Occasional travel to the United States may also be required.

Government Relations & Advocacy

• Represent the SDA provincially and nationally, including engagement with the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and other provincial and territorial dental associations.
• Build strong working relationships with government officials, health leaders, and advocacy partners.
• Lead strategic advocacy on key policy issues, including the Canadian Dental Care Plan, access to care, insurance systems, and workforce development.
• Monitor provincial and federal changes impacting the profession and respond proactively.
• Speaking Engagements at dental society meetings, SDA-hosted events, and the Annual General Meeting.
• May also be called upon to represent the organization in media interviews.

Member Engagement & Stakeholder Relations

• Serve as the primary point of contact for SDA members, providing responsive and transparent communication.
• Advocate for member interests through representation, outreach, and relationship-building.
• Foster collaboration with peers across the dental profession and the broader healthcare sector.
• Create and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders and vendors

Financial Stewardship

• Establish financial systems and develop the SDA’s annual budget in partnership with the Board.
• Ensure accurate and transparent reporting, as well as strong fiscal management.
• Plan for long-term financial sustainability through membership models and resource allocation.
• Oversee contract negotiations, operational purchases, and vendor agreements.

Board Governance

• Prepare board materials, agendas, and report updates; attend and support all board and committee meetings.
• Collaborate with the board through policy formation, risk oversight, and strategic evaluation.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role, ideally within a membership-based, non-profit, or advocacy organization. Knowledge of the dental or health sector is considered an asset but not required.
• Proven success in government relations, stakeholder engagement, and contract negotiations.
• Strong financial acumen with experience building and managing organizational budgets.
• Experience leading start-ups, major transformations, or building systems from the ground up.
• Experience collaborating with a Board of Directors and promoting governance best practices.
• Post-secondary education in business, public administration, health policy, or a related field is an asset.
• Ability to travel within the province, nationally, and occasionally to the United Sates.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strategic thinker who is also hands-on, action-oriented, and comfortable operating independently.
• Superior relationship building with strong interpersonal skills
• Natural leadership skills with a high level of professionalism, integrity, and emotional intelligence.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; confident and diplomatic public speaker.
• High performer, results-driven, and takes ownership
• Big picture thinker with attention to detail who can see beyond the immediate horizon