Director, Corporate Services

THE OPPORTUNITY

We have an amazing opportunity for a strategic, results-oriented, and collaborative leader to join Horse Racing Alberta (HRA) as Director of Corporate Services. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Corporate Services serves as the senior financial officer and is responsible for leading the organization's finance, human resources, information technology, governance, compliance, and administrative functions, ensuring integrity, transparency, and alignment with HRA's strategic objectives. The Director will bring expertise in financial management, HR leadership, corporate governance, and risk management, ideally with experience in regulated, public, and/or not-for-profit environments.

With HRA operating as a lean, high-capacity team, the Director plays a pivotal role in modernizing systems, strengthening HR practices, and enhancing risk management providing steady, level-headed leadership in a dynamic, highly visible, and regulated environment.

THE ORGANIZATION

Horse Racing Alberta is the provincial regulatory body dedicated to the oversight, integrity, and development of Alberta's horse racing industry. Our mandate is to promote and facilitate the growth of the industry in a way that is economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. HRA works in partnership with racetracks, horsemen, breeders, and other stakeholders to support the future of horse racing in Alberta.

Mission

Horse Racing Alberta will lead and enable a healthy, vibrant and progressive racing industry to function in the province of Alberta with high integrity and self-regulated responsibility.

Vision

Alberta will be recognized internationally for premier horse racing, breeding and quality entertainment.

Values

Our five core values guide our actions and provide the moral compass necessary for us to achieve our vision and mission.

Integrity
- We set and abide by the rules, can be trusted to do the right thing, and follow through on our words with action.

Respect
- We value the unique contributions of individuals, ensure their voices are heard and welcome diversity.

Accountability
- We take ownership of our obligations and hold ourselves responsible for meeting our commitments.

Collaboration
- We work with our stakeholders and partners knowing that together we are stronger and can do great things.

Excellence
- We take pride in our work and set ambitious goals. We are passionate about our people, purpose and performance.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the development, implementation, and oversight of financial strategies, budgets, forecasts, and long-range plans.
• Provide regular financial reporting, variance analysis, and strategic insight to the CEO, Board of Directors, and stakeholders.
• Ensure transparent and compliant allocation of slot revenues into purses, breed improvement, racetrack funding, and marketing.
• Oversee the annual audit process, ensuring compliance with regulatory and funding requirements.
• Manage the financial aspects of grants, purses, and other funding streams within the horse racing industry.
• Safeguard financial reserves through prudent long-term planning and risk-aware forecasting.

Corporate Services Oversight

• Lead the Corporate Services function, including Finance, Administration, IT, Facilities, and Human Resources.
• Oversee contracts, procurement policies, and vendor management.
• Develop and maintain internal control systems to ensure strong financial governance and operational efficiency.
• Modernize systems, reporting tools, and business processes to enhance accuracy, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Human Resources

• Provide strategic HR leadership across the organization, including recruitment, payroll oversight, benefits administration, onboarding/offboarding, and succession planning.
• Modernize HR policies and practices to strengthen workplace culture, inclusion, and employee engagement.
• Ensure compliance with employment legislation and alignment of HR programs with HRA's strategic goals.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Support the CEO and Board in fulfilling governance obligations under the Horse Racing Alberta Act and ministerial reporting requirements.
• Prepare and present governance and financial reports to the Board and relevant committees.
• Identify financial and operational risks and implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Lead insurance management, business continuity planning, and security protocols.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, and internal policies.

Stakeholder Relations & Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy, decision-making, and cross-functional initiatives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government, industry associations, racetrack operators, Indigenous communities, auditors, and other stakeholders.
• Represent HRA at industry events, conferences, and committee meetings.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing corporate services team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Work collaboratively with breed associations and racetrack operators for the advancement and sustainability of the industry.

QUALIFICATIONS

• CPA designation (CA, CMA, CGA) is required. An MBA or related graduate degree is an asset.
• Minimum of 10 years progressive experience in finance and administration, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Strong understanding of not-for-profit or public-sector accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting.
• Experience in regulated environments and/or industries involving public accountability is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in strategic planning, risk management, and team leadership.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial data clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strategic and forward-thinking, aligning corporate services with long-term organizational goals while adapting to evolving industry and regulatory priorities.
• Analytical and disciplined, demonstrating sound financial judgment and a strong command of governance and risk frameworks.
• Integrity-driven and transparent, upholding the highest standards of accountability, ethics, and public trust.
• Collaborative and inclusive, fostering alignment and teamwork across departments, the executive team, the Board, and external partners.
• Results-oriented and proactive, anticipating challenges, setting clear priorities, and delivering high quality outcomes within a lean environment.
• Diplomatic and composed under pressure, exercising sound judgment and professionalism when navigating complex or sensitive situations.
• Clear and persuasive communicator who conveys complex information with clarity, credibility, and confidence.
• Adaptable and innovative change leader who embraces modernization, continuous improvement, and data-informed decision-making to strengthen performance and efficiency.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT

SANDY JACOBSON
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