Executive Director

Founded in 1971, Terra Centre for Teen Parents is a respected Edmonton-based non-profit organization dedicated to supporting pregnant and parenting teens and young families. Established by a group of determined young mothers who challenged societal barriers that prevented teen parents from completing their education and raising their children, Terra has spent more than five decades helping young parents build brighter futures for themselves and their families.

Today, Terra serves nearly 1,000 teen parents and their children annually through a comprehensive range of free, integrated supports designed to help young families achieve self-reliance, stability, and long-term success. Recognizing that every family's journey is unique, Terra provides individualized services that meet young parents where they are and support them through critical stages of their development.

The organization's holistic approach includes educational supports, housing assistance, mental health services, programs for young fathers, early learning and childcare, youth leadership initiatives, post-secondary transition support, and access to essential resources. Through a collaborative service model and strong partnerships across the community, Terra works alongside young parents to address barriers, strengthen parenting skills, and create opportunities for lasting success.

At its core, Terra is committed to creating generational impact. By empowering young parents and supporting healthy child development, the organization helps break cycles of adversity and create stronger outcomes for families and communities. Terra's work is guided by a belief in the potential of every young parent and the importance of providing the resources, support, and encouragement needed to help them thrive.

For more information about Terra Centre, please visit their website.

The Opportunity

• Reports to: Board of Directors
• Direct Reports (4): Director, Finance; Director, Programs (currently vacant); Manager, Communications and Community Engagement; and Executive Assistant.
• Location: Edmonton, AB

Mandate

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is responsible for providing visionary leadership and strategic direction to Terra Centre, ensuring the organization continues to deliver high-quality, impactful services to pregnant and parenting teens and young families.

The Executive Director serves as the organization's chief ambassador, fostering strong relationships with staff, funders, government, community partners, donors, and other key stakeholders while advancing Terra's mission, reputation, and long-term sustainability. Building on a strong legacy of service and community impact, the Executive Director will lead the organization through its next chapter of growth and innovation.

Working closely with the Board, the Executive Director is accountable for organizational performance, strategic planning, financial stewardship, fundraising, governance support, and operational excellence. The role requires balancing a strong external presence with effective internal leadership, ensuring that Terra remains financially sustainable, strategically focused, and responsive to the evolving needs of young families.

The Executive Director will champion Terra's collaborative, client-centred approach, strengthen partnerships across the community, and sustain a high-performing organizational culture rooted in accountability, inclusion, learning, and continuous improvement. Through thoughtful leadership and engagement, the Executive Director will ensure Terra continues to make a meaningful and measurable difference in the lives of young parents, their children, and future generations.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide strategic leadership to Terra Centre during an organizational transition following the retirement of a long-serving Executive Director.
• Lead the organization with a strong focus on mission, values, and long-term sustainability.
• Apply a strategic lens to organizational priorities, ensuring resources are directed to areas of greatest impact.
• Review the new strategic plan, ensure alignment across the organization, and drive execution of key priorities.

Leadership and Organizational Development

• Mentor and strengthen the leadership team in managing change.
• Foster staff engagement and secure continued support of organizational transformation.
• Build a strong sense of connection and trust across the organization given leadership transition.
• Support organizational stability and culture as Terra continues to evolve.

Government Relations, Partnerships, and Community Engagement

• Serve as a visible ambassador for Terra and its mission.
• Build and strengthen relationships with govern