The Canadian Football League Players Association (the CFLPA) was established in 1965 with the goal of establishing fair and reasonable working conditions for the players in the Canadian Football League (the CFL). The CFLPA office is based in Mississauga, Ontario and is led by a five-member Executive Board of Directors. Each of the nine member teams elects two player representatives who vote to elect members of the Executive Board. The Executive Board is supported by an administration team, advisory board, and additional consultants, led by the Executive director. The CFLPA represents every player in the nine-team league (approximately 540 players) and negotiates the collective bargaining agreement on behalf of its membership.

The CFLPA is seeking a new Executive Director. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and leads a team of staff administrators. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall day-to-day management of the CFLPA, including implementing Board policy to align with the mission of the CFLPA, handling grievances and other issues with the CFL, and developing partnership opportunities for the players. The Executive Director is the spokesperson for the CFLPA and will also establish, maintain, and grow relationships with the players and player representatives, the Board, staff, the CFL, professional advisors, sponsors, and alumni. Additionally, the Executive Director attends all CFL meetings on behalf of the CFLPA and serves as the primary spokesperson with media, government stakeholders, and other player associations and professional leagues.

The successful candidate joins the CFLPA with deep experience working within the Canadian labour union environment, preferably with a legal or business background in the sports or entertainment sectors. The candidate should have experience with collective bargaining, grievance processes, and acting as a spokesperson for a high-profile not-for-profit organization. Experience working in professional sports and/or a background in team sports and an understanding of football, is strongly preferred. The successful candidate requires advanced business acumen and natural leadership skills with a demonstrated capacity to engage stakeholders and collaborate effectively with the Board, staff, and membership.

Interested and qualified individuals are encouraged to submit their resume and cover letter in confidence to CFLPA@alexanderwhitehead.com by December 1, 2024.

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those considered for an interview will be contacted. Finalist candidates will undergo third-party psychometric testing, professional reference checks, and a comprehensive criminal, academic, and professional accreditation verification process.

Compensation Salary Range is $150,000 to $200,000 plus comprehensive benefits. Final salary will be based on the skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Location and Travel Requirements: The Executive Director can be based in any Canadian community and can work in a remote location environment. The successful candidate is expected to be comfortable working in a virtual and dynamic office environment and will be provided with the necessary technology and support to effectively execute their duties regardless of location.

The Executive Director is required to travel frequently – up to 35 percent depending on their place of residence – to maintain profile with the membership.

The CFLPA provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local law. In addition, the CFLPA welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities.

Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Alexander Whitehead Executive Search is a boutique executive search firm based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Since our inception in 2013, Alexander Whitehead has completed over 500 executive and senior management search assignments for private and public sector organizations across North America.